Here's why:
* Ambiguity: There could be multiple sources with the same author and title, especially if you're working with a large body of literature.
* Accuracy: Providing only the author and title doesn't give enough information for the reader to easily locate the specific source.
* Consistency: Academic and professional writing follows specific citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) that require more detailed information.
To properly cite a source, you typically need to include:
* Author's last name, first initial. (If multiple authors, list all)
* Year of publication.
* Title of the source.
* Publication details (e.g., publisher, journal, website, volume, issue).
* Page number(s) if citing a specific passage.
Example:
APA style:
Smith, J. (2023). The impact of social media on mental health. *Journal of Social Media Research*, *12*, 45-60.
MLA style:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health." *Journal of Social Media Research*, vol. 12, no. 1, 2023, pp. 45-60.
Always consult the specific citation style guidelines you are using for the most accurate and complete information.