Help with parenthetical citations ?

Question

I have a question when you use Parenthetical citations is it meant to only to use direct quotes or what

Is this a direct quote

Acquiring a tattoo while attending college can express a wide range of

possible motivations, from self-expression to social conformity, from

impulsive daring to self-doubt. Motivation may even change over time for a

single individual who acquires more than one tattoo. But the common

denominator appears to be identity formation, whether as positive process or

personal crisis. (Friedman, 2005, pp. 26-27)

or can parenthetical citations be used to reference facts or ideas.

Answer 1

A direct quote is when you copy another writer's words exactly, as to say Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." I don't know whether this paragraph from Friedman is a direct quote or not.

But yes, parenthetical citations are used to reference facts or ideas, as well as to acknowledge direct quotes.