All about Research: Module 8

Be Unique! Your ideas matter, they define who you are. Don't try to be somebody else; be yourself. When you are not sure, it is better to cite than to write on without the citation.

The University has an academic honor code, and uses turnitin.com.

IDEAS AND WORDS are the PROPERTY of the AUTHOR. If they write, and then you copy and paste or modify and use, you must cite it!

Procrastination, laziness, and not knowing how to cite can all get you into trouble.

The most common types of plagiarism caused by sloppiness are:

• Copying and pasting quotes into a text, then forgetting to cite them
• Paraphrasing or rewording a copied quote in an effort to "make it your own"

Other types of plagiarism:

• Waiting until the last minute, then "borrowing" someone else's paper 
• Using a paper you wrote for another class - most faculty won't accept "reruns", unless you have done a complete rewrite!
• Using examples and supporting ideas from a source without giving credit.
• Buying a paper off the internet

 You might be confused as to what your professor thinks is plagiarism.

The boundary between plagiarism, disorganized note taking, and forgetfulness or sloppiness is easily overlooked when a paper's deadline approaches.

Do yourself a favor, review these rules and tips, and you will find that not only do you understand plagiarism better, but your wriitng may improve as well.