Check a DOI against its reference
Match identifier, title, authors, object type and version before reusing a bibliographic reference.
Follow the method ↓
The answer in 30 seconds
A plausible DOI can contain a copying error or accompany the wrong document. Verification compares the object it identifies with the document that actually supports your point.
Resolve the DOI through doi.org, compare title, authors, type and version, then read the publication. Metadata identifies a document; it does not replace methods, results or current publication status.
Examples to adapt
The two objects may have distinct identifiers. Cite the one supporting the evidence used.
A coherent title is insufficient. If the DOI opens another document, suspend the citation and return to the sources.
Follow the method
- 1Retain the received reference
Keep the DOI, title and origin as supplied. If correcting a copied identifier, record both versions.
- 2Resolve the identifier
Use the corresponding doi.org link. A DOI may identify an article, dataset or another object; do not assume it supplies the expected full text.
- 3Compare metadata
Match title, authors, year and type. Crossref exposes deposited metadata and registration-agency lookup; absence from one registry does not establish that a DOI does not exist.
- 4Read the correct version
Check the document, possible corrections and cited version. Retain final URL and consultation date with reading notes.
A checklist to keep
Use these checks to record your observations. They are a reading aid, not an automatic assessment.
| Check | What to examine | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DOI | Supplied identifier and destination | Retain |
| Match | Title and authors | Compare |
| Object | Article, data or another document | Identify |
| Version | Publication and corrections | Check |
| Evidence | Passage actually read | Document |
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What to check
A DOI prefix is not a quality score.
The destination page can change while the identifier remains the same.
Separate publication, metadata-deposit and consultation dates.
Common questions
Does a DOI guarantee peer review?
No. Identify document type and publication; a persistent identifier is not scientific certification.
What if details disagree?
Retain both observations, consult the publisher or repository and disclose the unresolved conflict in your work.
Sources and documentation
Documentation consulted on . Examples are illustrative; interfaces and results may change.
Reference record for this resource
Identify the publisher, official destination and practical checks before using the service.
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