Here's why:
* Clarity and Accuracy: Providing the page number allows the reader to easily locate the exact information you are referring to in the source. This ensures clarity and accuracy in your citation.
* Avoiding Plagiarism: Citing specific pages helps demonstrate that you are not simply paraphrasing or summarizing the source without proper attribution.
* Verification: Readers can easily verify your claims by cross-referencing the information with the source material.
Example:
* Incorrect: "Smith argues that the economy is declining."
* Correct: "Smith argues that the economy is declining (Smith, 2023, p. 15)."
Exceptions:
* Some citation styles may have specific exceptions. For example, in some cases, you may only need to cite the page number if you are referring to a specific section or paragraph within a larger work.
* If you are citing an entire document, you may not need to include page numbers. However, it is always best to check the specific requirements of the citation style you are using.
In general, always err on the side of providing too much information rather than too little. This will help ensure that your citations are clear, accurate, and complete.