Citing and Writing to Prevent Plagiarism

Kean University Library Spreading the Word Team

What is Plagiarism?

“To steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source.”

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionaryhttp://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=ultimun

PLAGIARISM

What is Plagiarism?

“Plagiarism occurs when a person represents someone else’s words, ideas, phrases, sentences, or data as one’s own work.”

http://www.kean.edu/forms/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

Definition according to Kean University Academic Integrity document

Intentional plagiarism:

 Copying words or ideas from others and

using as your own  Cutting and pasting information without citing Buying or borrowing a written work by

someone else and submitting it as your

work  Using videos, audio recorder or other media

without citing

Plagiarism.org http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/educational_tips.html

Unintentional plagiarism:

Citing incorrectly, Omitting citations Deficient of knowledge and understanding of how

paraphrase Failure to use your own “voice” Extremely use of Quotations Inexperienced writers and language

issues. Citing incorrectly, Omitting citations

Plagiarism.org http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/educational_tips.html

http://www.kean.edu/forms/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

Kean University Academic Integrity policy

Kean University Academic Integrity Policy

Consequences if you plagiarize

Violations of academic integrity are classified into four categories based on the level of seriousness of the behaviors.

Level 1 Violations

Example: - Improper footnoting or unauthorized

assistance with academic work on the part of a first-year student.

Recommended Penalty: make-up assignment at a more difficult level or assignment of no-credit for work in question, required attendance at a workshop on preparation of term papers, or a library assignment on preparation of term papers.

Level 2 Violations

Example: - Quoting directly or paraphrasing without

proper acknowledgment (cite) on a small portion of the assignment

- Failing to acknowledge (cite) all sources of information and contributors who helped with an assignment.

Recommended penalty: A failing grade on the assignment and/or in the course.

Level 3 Violations

Example: - Plagiarizing major portions of an assignment

- Using a purchased term paper - Presenting the work of another as one’s own

Recommended penalty: Probation or suspension from the University for one or more semesters with a notation of “disciplinary suspension” placed in a student’s record and/or a failing grade in the course.

Level 4 Violations

Example: - Any degree of falsification or plagiarism

relating to a senior or graduate thesis - infractions involving academic integrity

committed after return from suspension for a previous violation.

Recommended penalty: Expulsion from the university and a permanent dismissal notation on the student’s internal transcript

How can we find the source of Plagiarized papers?

Google or other engine search systems-

Searching part of the student work, like a phrase or sentence.

Submitting the student work to Turnitin.com or other plagiarism detection service or software.  

How to avoid plagiarism?

You avoid plagiarism by giving credit (cite) to the person or persons that created the words, ideas, images, sounds, or any creative expression.

What is a Citation?

The act of citing or quoting a passage from a book or other reference. A passage cited; quotation. A quotation showing a particular word or phrase in context. Mention or enumeration.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionaryhttp://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=ultimun

Why use citation?

To prevent plagiarism To write with authority To make possible for your

readers to locate your source To demonstrate your knowledge

acquisitionTo show your ethical values

Exception for citation

You do not have to document information or fact considered “common knowledge”

Common knowledge

Facts that can be found in numerous places and are likely to be known by a lot of people.

Examples of common knowledge

The Emancipation Proclamation was sign by President Abraham Lincoln.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

When you don’t know if the information is “common knowledge”, use citation.

You don’t need to cite when:

You are using common knowledge You are discussing your own opinions,

experiences, observations, or reactions Compiling the results of your original

research, science experimentations, social or psychological observations, etc.

You have to cite when :

Summarizing Paraphrasing Quoting

References

- Harris, Robert. (2004). Anti-Plagiarism Strategies for Research Papers. Retrieved March 18, 2008, from http://www.virtualsalt.com/antiplag.htm

- Kean University, (2006). Kean University Academic POLICY. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from http://www.kean.edu/forms/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

- Lexico Publishing. (2008). citation. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/citation

- Lexico Publishing. (2008). plagiarism. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/citation

References

- Plagiarism.org . (2008). Educational tips on plagiarism prevention. Retrieved April 2, 2008, from http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/educational_tips.html

- Purdue University Online Writing Lab. (2006). APA formatting and style guide. Retrieved March 18, 2008, from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

- Sharka, Jane. (2007). Plagiarism Stopper: A Teacher’s Guide. Retrieved March 18, 2008, from http://www.ncusd203.org/central/html/where/plagiarism_stoppers.html

- Standler, Ronald B. (2000). Plagiarism in Colleges in USA. Retrieved March 18, 2008, from http://www.rbs2.com/plag.htm

Kean University Library

Citing and Writing to Prevent Plagiarism

Copyright © 2008by Janette González Reference Librarian