Library Skills Tutorial

Writing the Paper - Avoiding Plagiarism

According to Bruce Ballenger, "Plagiarism is using others' ideas or words as if they were your own." (Bruce Ballenger in The Curious Researcher, pg. 80)

Athens State University defines plagiarism as follows:

Plagiarism - Plagiarism consists in taking the words or specific substance of another and either copying or paraphrasing the work without giving credit to the source. Examples of plagiarism include:
• Submitting a term paper, examination, or other work created by someone else.
• Failure to give credit in a footnote for ideas, statements of facts, or conclusions derived by another.
• Failure to use quotation marks when quoting directly from another, whether it be a paragraph, a sentence, or even a part thereof.
• Close and extended paraphrasing of another.
(from "Academic Policies and Procedures," http://www.athens.edu/academicdean/policies.shtml)

The University considers plagiarism to be a form of academic dishonesty subject to disciplinary action. The penalties for plagiarism can be very harsh, including a failing grade, being placed on academic probation, or suspension or dismissal from the university. Outside of the university, plagiarism can result in legal action.

Correctly citing (or referencing) all the sources used in a paper is one of the best ways to avoid plagiarism.