"Doe et al." refers to a citation format used in academic writing to indicate a study or paper authored by Doe and multiple co-authors. The term "et al." is a Latin abbreviation meaning "and others," which is used when there are three or more authors. This format helps streamline references in scholarly articles, making it easier for readers to identify the primary author while acknowledging the contributions of others. In research, "Doe et al." is commonly used in various fields, including science, social sciences, and humanities. It allows for concise citations in the text, while the full reference with all authors' names is typically provided in the bibliography or reference list. This practice promotes clarity and efficiency in academic communication.