In APA style, how should digital object identifiers (DOIs) be formatted?

In APA style, digital object identifiers (DOIs) must be formatted as URLs that begin with "https://doi.org/." This specific format not only provides a consistent and clear retrieval path for readers but also aligns with contemporary web standards. By utilizing the "https://doi.org/" prefix, it ensures that the DOI links are directly accessible via standard web browsers without any potential confusion, as some earlier formats may have omitted the necessary "https://" component.

The choice to represent DOIs this way reflects APA's commitment to clarity and accessibility in scholarly communication. This formatting helps authors and readers easily locate sources, enhancing the reliability of citations in academic writing.