Here's why it's important:
* Academic Integrity: It acknowledges the original author's work and prevents plagiarism.
* Clarity: It helps readers understand the source of the information and allows them to verify its accuracy.
* Research: It provides a trail for readers to follow if they wish to learn more about the topic.
Example:
"According to a recent study, 'the use of social media has a significant impact on teenagers' mental health' (Smith, 2023)."
In this example, "Smith, 2023" is the parenthetical reference that indicates the source of the quoted information.
Note: The specific format of the parenthetical reference may vary depending on the style guide being used (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).