Are Dataset Titles Italicized?
Yes in APA-style reference guidance for a data set: the data set title is italicized. Other citation systems can use different formatting. This is citation-style guidance, not a claim that every dataset name in prose or every citation system must be italicized.
Yes in APA-style reference guidance for a data set: the data set title is italicized. Other citation systems can use different formatting.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This is citation-style guidance, not a claim that every dataset name in prose or every citation system must be italicized.
Further guidance
Example
APA-style invented reference element: *Regional Commuting Survey, 2025* appears as the italicized data-set title.
Practical Application
In APA-style reference guidance for a data set, italicize the data-set title as the title element of the reference. Keep this rule scoped to that citation context.
Reader Check
Ask whether you are constructing an APA-style reference or merely mentioning a dataset informally in prose; another citation system or house style can prescribe different treatment.
Recommendation
In an APA-style reference, italicize the title of the data set.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- APA Documentation (opens in a new tab)Colorado State University Writing Center · APA-oriented university guidance stating that data set titles are italicized in references.