How to Cite Preprints

Learn how to cite preprint articles from repositories like arXiv, bioRxiv, and other preprint servers.

Basic Format

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of preprint. Name of Repository. DOI or URL

Example:

Smith, J. D., & Johnson, M. R. (2023). Machine learning approaches in cognitive science. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2023.12345

Repository-Specific Formats

arXiv

Wilson, K. L. (2023). Neural networks in natural language processing. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2023.67890

bioRxiv

Brown, R. T. (2023). Genetic markers in cancer research. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.20.123456

PsyArXiv

Davis, C. D. (2023). Cognitive development in early childhood. PsyArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/abc123

In-Text Citations

Narrative Citation

Smith and Johnson (2023) proposed that...
According to Wilson (2023)...

Parenthetical Citation

...(Smith & Johnson, 2023)
...(Wilson, 2023, p. 12)

Special Cases

Version Numbers

When citing a specific version of a preprint

Miller, E. F. (2023). Data analysis methods [Version 2]. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2023.98765v2

Supplementary Materials

When citing supplementary materials from a preprint

Thompson, A. B. (2023). Statistical analysis [Supplemental material]. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.15.987654

When Article is Published

When a preprint is later published in a journal:

  • Update the reference to cite the published version
  • Include both preprint and published versions if discussing both
  • Use the published version's DOI
  • Include journal name and publication details

Smith, J. D., & Johnson, M. R. (2023). Machine learning approaches in cognitive science. Journal of Cognitive Science, 15(4), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1234/jcs.2023.789

Key Points to Remember

  • Always indicate the repository name in italics
  • Include version numbers when available
  • Use DOIs when available, URLs if no DOI exists
  • Check if the preprint has been published in a journal
  • Consider citing both versions if discussing changes between preprint and published version