Avoiding Plagiarism
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is a form of intellectual dishonesty. It involves either unintentionally using someone else's work without properly acknowledging where the ideas or information came from or intentionally passing off someone else's work as your own.
Unintentional plagiarism. Quoting a passage in a note but neglecting to include quotation marks and later inserting it into my document without remembering to give credit to the author. Including a paraphrase that differs so slightly from the original that it may as well be a direct quote. Not clearly distinguishing between my ideas and my sources ideas. Neglecting to list the source of a quote in my works cited list.
Intentional plagiarism. Engaging in "patchwork writing," which involves piecing together passages from two or more sources without using quotations. Creating fake citations to mislead the reader about the source of information. Copying or closely paraphrasing passages. Copying an entire document. Purchasing a document from someone else.
Plagiarism in group projects. Another peer suggests changes to your document and you incorporate them, significantly altering your document. Working in a group must I identify parts that were written by me? Listing myself as coauthor if someone else does most of the work? In general it is good to always give credit where credit is due.
What are research ethics?
Realizing that writing is an honest exchange of information, ideas, and arguments. Acknowledge sources of information. Accurately and fairly represent information. Provide citation information for my sources.
Use ethical research practices.
What is common knowledge?
Information that is widely known, or is used frequently in a particular field. If three or more sources use the same information without citing its source you may assume that the information is common knowledge.
What is fair use and when should I ask permission to use a source?
Writers can use copyrighted materials for purposes of "criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research." Writers in general will not need permission to summarize or paraphrase a source. Writers who plan to publish must seek permission from quoted authors.
How can I avoid plagiarism?
Conduct a knowledge inventory, take notes carefully, distinguish between ideas, and cite sources.
Recognize misconceptions about intentional plagiarism. some common excuses are as follows, "It's easier to plagiarize, I ran out of time, I couldn't care less about this assignment, I'm no good at writing, I didn't think I'd get caught, everybody cheats, and this course is a waste of my time." These excuses don't cut it.
What should I do if I'm accused of plagiarizing?
Review my documents to find passages that may have raised suspicion. Collect all materials used in research. Reflect on writing process.
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