What is Plagiarism?
Passing off somebody else’s work, all or in part, as one’s own, or to misrepresent an old idea as a new one is called plagiarism. Plagiarism includes using another’s work without the permission of reproduction, and of using one’s own work when required to create new content. It is accepted that plagiarism may be of different types. Take a closer look at the types of plagiarism.
Plagiarizing content is likened to stealing. Some papers or images take hundreds or thousands of hours of research and creative thinking, making their results have high worth. To take this work and pass it off as one’s own is a serious crime.
The types of plagiarism:
Paraphrasing Without Citation
Paraphrasing without citation is one of the most common types of plagiarism. Many
incorrectly believe they can pass of another’s work as their own by re-orienting words in a
sentence. See the example below:
Source text: “Gabriel’s impressive resume
includes abolishing ISIS in Iraq, restoring global cheetah populations and eliminating
the national debt.”
Student submission (incorrect): Gabriel
has eliminated the national debt and destroyed ISIS in Iraq.
Student submission
(correct): Gabriel has eliminated the national debt and destroyed ISIS in Iraq
(Berkland 37).
Notice how the correct example does paraphrase the source but includes the source in parentheses at the end of the sentence.
Direct Quotes Without Citation
Direct quote plagiarism is also one of the most common types of plagiarism and identified easiest
by a plagiarism check.
Source text: “Alexandra’s State of the Union address
Thursday encouraged Russia and the United States to resume international peace
negotiations.”
Student submission (incorrect): Russian and
United States relations are improving. Alexandra’s State of the Union address Thursday
encouraged Russia and the United States to resume international peace negotiations, which
have been successful.
Student submission (correct): The White House’s press
release stated that “Alexandra’s State of the Union address Thursday encouraged Russia and
the United States to resume international peace negotiations”, which have been successful
(State of the Union).
Notice the direct article quote’s source has been introduced, the reproduced section is in quotes and the source is cited in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Though a plagiarism check will identify the section in quotes, this is not considered plagiarism.
Exact Copy of Somebody Else’s Work
This is essentially the previous type of plagiarism to the maximum. Though rare, the exact reproduction of another’s work does happen. A plagiarism check will red flag such articles. Plagiarism checks will cross-reference submitted articles with one another as well as with articles in various forms on the web.
This type of plagiarism is outright stealing, punishable to the maximum extent of the law.
Turning in Old Work for a New Project
School and work assignments are mean to be creative processes, not avenues to submit previously created content. Submitting previously created work, even if one’s own, is plagiarizing one’s self. Citing one’s own research paper or article is, however, acceptable if done so correctly (see above).
Plagiarism Carries Serious Consequences
Plagiarizing content is likened to stealing. Some papers or images take hundreds or thousands of hours of research and creative thinking, making their results have high worth. To take this work and pass it off as one’s own is a serious crime. Most Universities and Colleges in the United States have severe penalties for students caught plagiarizing. Despite the types of plagiarism found, penalties are similar. Many may take the student to trial in court and expel the student. This makes admittance into another school or finding a job difficult.
Many employers will fire employees accused of plagiarizing content without warning. In addition, the creators of the original content can sue plagiarizers and send such people to jail. Businesses accused of publishing plagiarized content will face severe scrutiny by peers, potential lawsuits and suffer a damaged reputation. Before publishing content, all businesses should ensure content passes a plagiarism check. While plagiarism is a serious business, if correct preventative steps are taken, nobody needs worry about failure to comply with the law.