Attribution Guide

When you use data from Wikirate in your website, paper, blog, or presentation, appropriate attribution is required.

 

 

When you use data from Wikirate in your website, paper, blog, or presentation, appropriate attribution is required since all data is published under the Creative Commons - Attribution 4.0 International

Proper attribution ensures that acknowledgement is given to the person or organization that created the data, and that the hard work and dedication are recognized. It also makes it easier for the community to see the impact of their work, which can inspire more people to help grow our open knowledge base and foster a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Remember that data accessed through Wikirate.org is freely accessible to everyone. It's a shared resource for the benefit of the global community. However, to maintain the integrity of our knowledge base and promote fair and honest collaboration, you must adhere to our Terms of Use.

Following these attribution rules helps us build a reliable knowledge base and encourages collaboration and progress in a fair and honest manner.If you're unsure about how to properly attribute the data sets you use, this guide will assist you in getting it right.

 

Wikirate's Attribution Generator

Wikirate offers a tool to facilitate proper attribution for three of the most commonly attributed content types on the platform: Data Sets, Metrics, and Answers.

 

Attributing Data Sets and Metrics

  1. To obtain an attribution statement for a Data Set or Metric, follow these steps:

    • Hover your cursor over the respective Data Set or Metric name.

    • Look for the attribution icon (depicting a person within a circle) located in the top-right corner.

    • Click on this icon to open a dialog box.

AttributeData Sets

 

Attributing Answers

2. For attributing an Answer, follow these steps:

  • Click on the three-dotted icon to access the attribution icon (depicting a person within a circle):

attribution icon gif

 

Attribution Dialog Box

3. In the attribution dialog box, take the following steps:

  • Begin by selecting whether you are using the original data or if you have made any adaptations.

  • Provide additional details about the person or organization using the data, the title of your work, and include a hyperlink where possible.

  • This information greatly assists us in tracking the impact of open data.

4. Click "Save" to generate the attribution statement. You will receive it in three formats: Rich text, plain text, and HTML.

Attribution dialog box

 

Using the Attribution Statement

5. Copy and paste the attribution statement into your project, placing it where you utilize the data.

 

Attribution statement

 

If you want to refer to data other than data sets, metrics, or answers, the following core attribution, also found in the export file, is sufficient: Wikirate.org, licensed under CC BY 4.0

 


What differentiates attribution from citation?

Attribution is a fundamental requirement when using a resource or text that comes with an open-copyright license. It's all about giving credit to the original creator. 

To do this properly, an attribution statement should be included, which typically consists of three key elements: the title of the work, the name of the creator, and the type of license (with links to each). Following these best practices ensures that the creators are acknowledged for their efforts, and it also helps others easily find and access the original work.

Citation is similar, however, it is primarily employed for copyrighted works with restricted rights or all rights reserved. By citing sources in their research, scholars respect the rights of the creators while providing evidence and credibility to their own work.

Source: Adapted from Self-Publishing Guide by Lauri M. Aesoph is licensed under a Creative Commons - Attribution 4.0 International license.

While not required, Wikirate appreciates it when researchers send us a copy of their publication or other work citing our open resources. This helps us track when and how our content is being used, and supports our efforts to provide useful open resources. Please email us at info(at)wikirate.org.


Attribution examples


Got questions? Need support? Get in touch with us at info[at]wikirate.org