Citation Guidelines

Citation Guidelines

If you used the data, please cite the specific monthly dataset (Version DOI).
If you referenced the platform/app, cite The Dream Drop.

The Dream Drop is a mobile application developed by Root Code Collective, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing dream research through anonymous, privacy-first data collection and interdisciplinary collaboration. Learn more at https://rootcodecollective.org.

How to Cite The Dream Drop (the app)

Replace X.YZ with the current app version (shown in the app or store listing) and YYYY with the year you accessed/used it.

General

The Dream Drop (Version X.YZ). Root Code Collective. https://thedreamdrop.com
More about the nonprofit: https://rootcodecollective.org

APA

Root Code Collective. (YYYY). The Dream Drop (Version X.YZ) [Mobile application software]. https://thedreamdrop.com

MLA

Root Code Collective. The Dream Drop. Version X.YZ, YYYY, https://thedreamdrop.com. Accessed [insert date of access].

Chicago

Root Code Collective. The Dream Drop. Version X.YZ. Mobile application software. YYYY. https://thedreamdrop.com.

BibTeX

@software{thedreamdrop2025,
  author = {Root Code Collective},
  title = {The Dream Drop},
  year = {2025},
  version = {1.78},
  url = {https://thedreamdrop.com},
  note = {Mobile application software}
}

How to Cite Dream Commons Datasets (Monthly Aggregates)

Replace YYYY-MM with the month you used (e.g., 2025-09) and YYYY with the year. Replace <VERSION-DOI> with the dataset’s Version DOI for that month. If you need a stable reference to all versions, use the Concept DOI.

APA

Root Code Collective. (YYYY). Dream Commons Aggregates — YYYY-MM (Version YYYY-MM) [Dataset]. Zenodo. <https://doi.org/>

MLA

Root Code Collective. Dream Commons Aggregates — YYYY-MM. Version YYYY-MM. Zenodo, YYYY. <https://doi.org/>.

Chicago

Root Code Collective. Dream Commons Aggregates — YYYY-MM. Version YYYY-MM. Dataset. Zenodo, YYYY. <https://doi.org/>.

Concept DOI (all versions): <https://doi.org/>

Notes & Tips

  • Which DOI to use? If you analyzed a specific month, cite that month’s Version DOI. Use the Concept DOI only when referring to the overall series.
  • Where do I find the DOI? Each monthly release includes a CITATION.txt file with the Version DOI.
  • License & terms: Each dataset bundle includes LICENSE.txt (CC BY-NC 4.0) and DATA_USE.txt with privacy and attribution guidance.

Need Help?

If you need a custom citation format for a specific journal, discipline, or presentation, contact us at contact@rootcodecollective.org.

Thank you for supporting ethical, open-access dream research.