What Information to Include in Parenthetical Notes for Sources without Page Numbers
When citing sources that do not use page numbers, such as online books or sources without explicit numbering, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the information being cited. However, there are strategies you can employ to provide accurate and effective parenthetical citations. In this expert article, we will explore the key information that should be included in parenthetical notes for sources without page numbers.
Use the Heading or Section Name
If the source you are citing includes headings or sections, one approach is to include the name of the heading or section in the parenthetical note. This enables readers to locate the relevant information within the source. For example:
According to Smith (1997), psychosomatic symptoms can be alleviated with cognitive behavioral therapy (“Mind over Matter” section).
This method works well when the source has clear and distinctive headings or sections that can be easily referenced.
Use an Abbreviated Heading or Section Name
In cases where the heading or section name is long, you can use an abbreviated version in the parenthetical note. This ensures that the citation remains concise while still providing enough information for readers to identify the source. Here’s an example:
The author claims psychosomatic symptoms can be alleviated with cognitive behavioral therapy (Smith, 1997, “Mind over Matter” section).
By using an abbreviated heading or section name, you can maintain clarity and brevity in your parenthetical citations.
Use a Paragraph Number
When a source does not have headings or sections, you can use the paragraph number to indicate the location of the cited information. This method is particularly useful for sources like online articles or webpages that lack a hierarchical structure. For instance:
There is little evidence for the claim that “Eagleton has belittled the gains of postmodernism” (Chan, par. 41).
Using the paragraph number helps readers navigate the source and locate the specific passage being cited.
Conclusion
In summary, when citing sources that do not use page numbers, it is important to provide alternative indicators of location in parenthetical notes. This can include using the heading or section name, an abbreviated heading or section name, or a paragraph number, depending on the structure and content of the source. By employing these strategies, you can ensure that your parenthetical citations are accurate and allow readers to easily locate the referenced information.
FAQs
What Information to Include in Parenthetical Notes for Sources without Page Numbers
How do I cite an online source without page numbers in MLA style?
Answer: When citing an online source without page numbers in MLA style, you can use alternative indicators of location, such as headings, section names, or paragraph numbers. Include this information in the parenthetical note to help readers locate the specific information being cited.
Can I use the heading or section name as a reference in the parenthetical note?
Answer: Yes, if the source has clear headings or sections, you can include the name of the heading or section in the parenthetical note. This allows readers to find the relevant information within the source.
What should I do if the heading or section name is long?
Answer: If the heading or section name is lengthy, you can use an abbreviated version in the parenthetical note. This ensures that the citation remains concise while still providing enough information for readers to identify the source.
How can I indicate the location of information in a source without headings or sections?
Answer: If the source does not have headings or sections, you can use paragraph numbers to indicate the location of the cited information. This method is particularly useful for online articles or webpages that lack a hierarchical structure.
Do I need to provide a parenthetical note if I have already mentioned the author’s name in the sentence?
Answer: No, if you have already mentioned the author’s name in the sentence, you do not need to provide a parenthetical citation. The reader has all the necessary information to identify the source.
What should I do if no author’s name is given in the source?
Answer: If no author’s name is given, you can use the title of the source or a shortened version of the title as the signal phrase in the parenthetical note. This helps readers identify the source even without an author’s name.
Can I use a combination of indicators in the parenthetical note?
Answer: Yes, you can use a combination of indicators, such as headings, section names, and paragraph numbers, in the parenthetical note to provide more specific location information. This helps readers locate the exact passage being cited.
Are there any other citation styles that provide guidelines for citing sources without page numbers?
Answer: Yes, other citation styles like APA and Chicago also provide guidelines for citing sources without page numbers. It is important to consult the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using to ensure accurate and consistent citations.