When Apps and Software Require Citation
Malaysian postgraduate researchers increasingly use software, statistical programmes, and mobile applications as tools in their research — and as sources that require citation. When you use a statistical software package like SPSS, R, or Amos to conduct your analysis, when you use NVivo or Atlas.ti for qualitative data management, or when you study or reference a specific application as a research object itself, APA 7th has specific citation requirements. Citing mobile apps and software in APA correctly ensures your methodological sources are attributed with the same rigour as your theoretical and empirical sources.
The APA 7th Format for Software and Statistical Packages
For software and statistical packages used in research analysis, the format is: Author(s) or Developer(s). (Year). Software name (Version X.X) [Software]. Developer or Publisher. URL
Example for SPSS: IBM Corp. (2023). IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Version 29.0) [Computer software]. IBM Corp.
Example for R: R Core Team. (2024). R: A language and environment for statistical computing [Software]. R Foundation for Statistical Computing. https://www.R-project.org/
Example for NVivo: Lumivero. (2023). NVivo (Version 14) [Computer software]. Lumivero. https://lumivero.com/products/nvivo/
The version number is essential for software citations because different versions can produce different outputs and have different capabilities. When another researcher tries to replicate your analysis, knowing which version was used is methodologically necessary. If a specific citation recommendation is provided in the software’s own documentation — as R provides through its citation() function — use that recommended format rather than constructing your own.
Citing Mobile Applications
For mobile apps cited as research objects or tools, APA 7th uses the same general format: Developer or Organisation. (Year). App name (Version X.X) [Mobile app]. App Store or Google Play. URL
Example: Duolingo. (2024). Duolingo: Language lessons (Version 5.140.4) [Mobile app]. App Store. https://apps.apple.com/my/app/duolingo/id570060128
When the app version being cited is not the most current version — because you researched or used an older version — cite the version you actually used rather than the current version. This precision reflects the actual state of the tool at the time of the research.
In-Text Citations and Methodology Chapter Integration
In your methodology chapter, software citations typically appear alongside a brief description of how the software was used: “Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 29.0; IBM Corp., 2023), employing hierarchical multiple regression to test the proposed relationships between variables.” This integration connects the software citation to its methodological function clearly and efficiently. For R packages used within R, cite both the base R installation and the specific packages: each major R package has its own citation recommendation accessible through the citation() function in R. Citing mobile apps and software in APA correctly positions your methodology as transparent, specific, and reproducible — qualities that define rigorous research practice.
