How to Cite Unpublished Raw Data

Learn how to properly cite unpublished or privately held research data in APA format.

Basic Format

Author(s). (Year). Title of unpublished data set [Unpublished raw data]. Institution/Organization.

Author(s). (Year). Title of unpublished data set [Unpublished raw data]. Personal collection.

Examples

Institutional Data

Research Team A. (2023). Patient response data from clinical trial XYZ [Unpublished raw data]. Stanford University Medical Center.

Personal Research Data

Johnson, M. R. (2022). Survey responses from community health study [Unpublished raw data]. Personal collection.

Collaborative Project Data

Smith, J. D., & Wilson, K. L. (2023). Field observations of arctic wildlife [Unpublished raw data]. Arctic Research Institute.

Key Elements

Data Description

  • Provide clear, descriptive title
  • Include data collection dates
  • Specify data type and format
  • Note collection methodology

Source Information

  • Identify data collectors/creators
  • Include institutional affiliations
  • Note funding sources if relevant
  • Specify research project details

Access Details

  • Describe data location
  • Note access restrictions
  • Include contact information
  • Specify permission requirements

Special Cases

Additional Guidelines

  • For confidential data, note privacy protections
  • Include IRB or ethics approval information
  • Specify data sharing agreements
  • Note any planned publication

In-Text Citations

First Citation

Use the full source description:

The analysis used unpublished data from the Research Team A (2023) clinical trial...

Subsequent Citations

Use abbreviated form:

The results (Research Team A, 2023) indicated...

Data Management

Documentation

  • Maintain detailed metadata
  • Create data dictionaries
  • Document collection procedures
  • Keep processing notes

Storage

  • Use secure storage solutions
  • Implement backup procedures
  • Control access permissions
  • Plan for long-term preservation

Ethical Considerations

  • Protect participant confidentiality
  • Follow data protection regulations
  • Obtain necessary permissions
  • Consider cultural sensitivities
  • Respect intellectual property rights

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't omit [Unpublished raw data] designation
  • Don't provide insufficient data description
  • Don't forget access information
  • Don't ignore confidentiality requirements
  • Don't neglect documentation details