| Avoid Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of information (words, sentences,
and/or ideas and even the structure of sentences and/or ideas) from
another source that is not properly credited. Plagiarism may be unintentional
and may occur even if a source is credited but is done so improperly.
In this handout, we'll look at how to avoid plagiarism.
Why should I be concerned about plagiarism?
All plagiarism, even if unintentional, can result in serious consequences.
The UHV Student Handbook (2001-2002) * indicates, “students
who are trying conscientiously to learn and to demonstrate what they
know need not worry about academic dishonesty and should feel free
to use any assistance available in advancing their knowledge. Education
and scholarly research depend, after all, upon shared assistance.
On the other hand, no one should claim credit for the work of others,
misrepresent or misappropriate the work of others, or try to gain
unfair advantage over others” (p. 17). Essentially, plagiarism
is a form of academic dishonesty with disciplinary actions ranging
from a reduced grade for the assignment or course to expulsion.
The UHV Student Handbook further indicates, “students also
have a responsibility to fulfill, and indeed an investment to protect,
in helping to ensure that academic achievement is characterized by
honesty and fair play” (p. 17). Remember, it is your responsibility
to be conscientious about avoiding plagiarism.
*More information about academic dishonesty is available in the
UHV
Student Handbook.
What needs to be cited?
Robert Harris (2002), in Using Sources Effectively, provides a list
of what you would need to cite. He indicates,
you must cite someone else’s words you quote, words you summarize,
words you paraphrase, idea (interpretation, opinion, conclusion),
data, graph, photograph, drawing, table of information, experiment,
example, unique concept, apt phrase, expression of common knowledge,
solution to a problem, speech, video source (film, TV program), [and]
the structure or sequencing of facts, ideas. or arguments. (p. 18)
Harris’ list, though not extensive, shows that plagiarism may
involve not only the ‘borrowing’ of words or sentences
but also tables and graphics.
What is common knowledge?
Above, Harris mentions that you have to cite an “expression
of common knowledge.” In fact, however, you may or may not have to cite common
knowledge (which Harris explains later in his chapter).
Common knowledge may consist of commonly known dates and factual
information (i.e. the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836, to Santa Anna;
or the chemical composition of water is H20) or common sayings like
proverbs or clichés (i.e. A bird in the hand is worth two in
the bush; or strike while the iron is hot.).
Common knowledge also may exist when you and your reader(s) share
the same perspective. For example, if you’re writing a research
report on the Victoria, Texas, Public School System and your
audience are the citizens of Victoria, you probably wouldn’t need to cite
that Victoria is in the coastal bend region or that Victoria has a
consolidated school district. On the other hand, if you live in North
Dakota and you're writing a research paper on consolidated school districts,
you may need to cite information that lists the school districts in
Texas that are consolidated.
You will need to cite opinions related to the facts. It may be a
well-known fact that the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836, and that in
Victoria the school district is consolidated, but you will need to
cite someone’s opinion or interpretation of those facts. Also,
your sources may present both opinion and factual information. Because
that factual information is part of an opinion, you will need to cite
the source.
If in doubt, cite the source.
What are some strategies to avoid plagiarism?
Attention to detail will help you avoid plagiarism.
1. Take careful notes when you research and clearly document whether
you’ve directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized the material
in your notes.
2. Keep photocopies of each source for easy reference.
3. Borrow from the source correctly. (The handout titled “Decide
when to Quote, Paraphrase, and Summarize” may
be helpful in borrowing from the source correctly.)
4. Credit the source of any ideas, whether directly quoted, paraphrased,
or summarized in your paper. For information on how to cite your sources,
please consult the proper manual. The Academic Center offers an
APA
Quick Guide and a
MLA
Quick Guide, and, while these guides are not
comprehensive in nature, they do answer basic questions about documentation.
(The handout titled “How to Signal the Use of a Source” may
be helpful also.)
5. Make sure all cited information has an entry in your bibliography
or works cited page.
6. Give an adequate signal to your reader to show you are using someone
else’s words. (For more information on signaling, please pick
up a copy of the
"Signal
the Use of a Source" handout.)
7. Review your paper and consider your use of documentation carefully.
Remember that it’s your responsibility to avoid plagiarism.
If in doubt, cite it.
To test your understanding of this handout, complete
the short exercise available
here.
Works Cited
Harris, R. (2002). Using sources effectively: Strengthening
your writing and avoiding plagiarism. Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing.
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