Hello Everyone,
This Blog is part of a thinking activity based on Unit 2 Plagiarism and Academic Integrity.
- Assigned by Prakruti ma'am.
Que : Explain the term Plagiarism and discuss its forms.
Ans.
DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM
Derived from the Latin word plagiatius ("kidnapper"), to plagiarize means"to commit literary theft" and to "present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source (MerriamWebster'sCollegiate Dictionary). Plagiarism involves two kindsofwrongs.Using another person's ideas, information, or expression without acknowledging that person's work constitutes intellectual theft. Passing off another person's ideas, information, or expressions as your own to get a better grade or gain some other advantage constitutes fraud. Plagiarism is sometimes a moral and ethical offense rather than a legal one since some instances of plagiarism fall outside the scope of copyright infringement, a legal offense.
Ten types of plagiarism are (Turnitin)
1. Clone :- Submitting another’s work, word –for-word as one’s own. It is also considered by MLA as the most blatant form of plagiarism.
2. CTRL-C :- It contains a significant portion of text from a single source without alterations. It is the second most used by people.
3. Find –Replace :- changing key words and phrases but retaining the essential content of the source.
4. Remix :- In this type a researcher/student paraphrases from multiple sources, made to fit together.
5. Recycle :- A student/researcher borrows generously from the writer’s previous work without citation.
6. Hybrid :- combines perfectly cited sources with copied passages without citation.
7. Mashup :- Mixes copied material from multiple sources.
8. 404 Error :- includes citations to non-existent or inaccurate information about sources.
9. Aggregator :- it includes proper citation to sources but the proper contains almost no original work.
10. Re-tweet :- includes proper citation, but relies too closely on the text’s original wording and/or structure.
Consequences :
Importance of High Standards in Documentation
Complex societies depend on well-informed citizens and strive to maintain high standards of quality and reliability in public documents.
Responsible writers carefully compose their work and cite sources to recognize others’ contributions.
Proper documentation helps discourage the spread of errors and allows readers to verify the credibility of references.
2. Negative Impact of Plagiarism on Public Values
Plagiarism undermines the trust and integrity of the written work.
Readers often feel skepticism and outrage when plagiarism is detected.
It damages the public’s confidence in trustworthy information.
3. Consequences for Writers
Plagiarists are viewed as either incompetent or dishonest.
Professional writers (e.g., journalists) face severe consequences, such as job loss, public embarrassment, and permanent damage to their careers.
These consequences highlight the public's emphasis on reliable and authentic information.
4. Consequences for Students
Students caught plagiarizing face penalties, such as assignment failure, course failure, or expulsion.
Plagiarism harms teacher-student relationships by fostering suspicion instead of trust.
It undermines institutional credibility, as fraudulent degrees damage the reputation of educational institutions.
Example: A physician with a degree obtained through fraud would not be trusted.
Plagiarism deprives students of the opportunity to develop research and writing skills essential for academic and professional success.
5. Personal and Professional Harm from Plagiarism
Plagiarism betrays the personal element in writing, as writing is tied to individual identity and self-expression.
According to Mark Rose, ownership of written words is deeply connected to our sense of self and individuality.
Skill in writing fosters self-discovery, personal voice, and unique approaches in writing.
6. Need for Awareness and Avoidance
Students must understand the importance of avoiding plagiarism.
Writing a research paper involves learning how to collect, analyze, and present information, which is crucial for various careers.
Careers in law, journalism, engineering, public policy, and other fields require this skill set.
Unintentional Plagiarism :
Purpose of a Research Paper
A research paper combines previous research with the writer's own ideas.
Borrowed material (words, facts, ideas) must be properly documented and not presented as original.
Definition of Unintentional Plagiarism
Occurs when borrowed material is not acknowledged due to lack of awareness or poor note-taking practices.
Example: Copying content word-for-word from an encyclopedia or other sources without realizing it constitutes plagiarism.
Common Causes of Unintentional Plagiarism
Failure to document direct quotations, paraphrases, or ideas from other sources.
Poorly maintained notes that fail to distinguish between:
The writer’s original ideas.
Summaries or paraphrases of others’ ideas and facts.
Exact wording copied from sources.
Forgetting the source of content in poorly marked or unmarked notes.
Presenting exact wording as original, even with a citation, if quotation marks are missing.
Electronic Note-Taking
Copy-pasting without adding quotation marks around the borrowed content can lead to plagiarism.
Properly mark all quotations in electronically kept notes.
Language Barriers
In second-language writing, students may copy sentence structures to avoid grammatical errors.
This practice may inadvertently lead to plagiarism of the author’s words, expressions, ideas, or information.
Preventing Unintentional Plagiarism
Keep clear and organized notes, distinguishing between quotations, paraphrases, and original ideas.
Use quotation marks and citations when borrowing exact words.
Record only quotations when conducting substantial research, especially for beginners.
Actions if Unintentional Plagiarism Occurs
If accidental plagiarism is realized after submission, report it to the instructor immediately.
Reporting the issue removes the element of fraud.
Consequences may include receiving a lower grade, but this is preferable to failing a course or expulsion.
FORMS OF PLAGIARISM :
Repeating or Paraphrasing wording without acknowledging the source
Taking a particularly Apt Phrase without acknowledging the source
Paraphrasing an argument or presenting a Line of Thinking
When you have ulterior motive
Using other person's idea s as your own to get better grade or gain some other advantage which may or may not be academic
Self-plagiarism: If you use arguments from your previously published article in a new research paper, you must cite your own work.
Que : In your opinion, why is Academic Integrity necessary?
Academic integrity is a cornerstone of education and research, fostering trust, respect, and ethical behavior. Academic integrity is essential for maintaining the credibility of education systems, fostering ethical growth, and ensuring societal progress. It is not just about following rules but about building a foundation of honesty and responsibility that lasts a lifetime.
Ethical Codes to Maintain Academic Integrity :
Honesty
Be truthful in your work.
Trust
Build a supportive and reliable environment.
Fair Treatment
Ensure everyone gets equal opportunities.
Respect
Value others' ideas and efforts.
Responsibility
Take ownership of your actions and follow academic rules.
Courage
Stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Why Academic Integrity Matters
Promotes Originality
Encourages students to share original ideas and properly credit sources.
Supports Lifelong Learning
Honesty isn’t just about avoiding punishment; it’s a value that strengthens learning and personal growth.
Strengthens Reputation
Academic integrity enhances an institution’s reputation and helps researchers grow academically.
Protects Learning Opportunities
Plagiarism, cheating, and shortcuts take away chances to truly learn and improve.
Doing your own work allows you to receive accurate feedback and support for your growth.
Reference :
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2009.
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