Responsible Conduct of Research Plagiarism The Research Integrity Program LL05 Jouett Hall University of Louisville (502) Allison Griffin Ratterman, Ph.D. Research Integrity Specialist Laura Engel, BS Assistant Research Integrity Specialist

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism Defined… Federal Definition: “Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.” (42 CFR ) University of Louisville Graduate Catalog: “Academic dishonesty is prohibited at the University of Louisville and all its programs. It is a serious offense because it diminishes the quality of scholarship, makes accurate evaluation of student progress impossible, and defrauds those in society who must ultimately depend upon the knowledge and integrity of the institution and its students and faculty.”

Please give some examples of plagiarism?

Examples of Plagiarism Copying and pasting text from a web site or online encyclopedia Using the work of another person and claiming it as your own Not using quotation marks when quoting a source even if you have cited the source Purchasing written work off of the internet for submission as your own Turning in one paper for more than one class without the permission of both teachers. (Self Plagiarism) Citing sources that you didn’t use. From: Mirka, 2004, The Plagiarism Trap, Powerpoint Presentation

Oh come on now! Nobody really does that kind of thing….. Do they?

How common do you think plagiarism is? I have no idea.

Plagiarism is more common than you might expect… Statistics from Plagiarism.org The Center for Academic Integrity : ~ 80% of college students admit to cheating The State of Americans: This Generation and the Next (Free Press, July 1996): 58.3% of high school students let someone else copy their work in 1969, and 97.5% did so in 1989.

Academic Dishonesty Cheating Fabrication Falsification Multiple Submission Plagiarism Complicity in Academic Dishonesty

What is at stake? Academic Integrity Academic Careers Professional Careers Organizational Reputations Personal Reputations Public Trust

What to Cite? Another’s Idea? Yes Cite it. No Do not cite it. Yes Quote and cite it. No Another’s Words? “Copyright 2001 by Pyrczak Publishing All rights reserved. Reproduction with permission

When to Cite? Is it common knowledge? No Yes Cite it. Yes Do not cite it. No Did you think of it? “Copyright 2001 by Pyrczak Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission” “Copyright 2001 by Pyrczak Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.

If she’d just tell me what to do, I would do it!

Citation Styles  There are a number of popular citation styles, and certain styles are preferred within specific disciplines. For example:  APA, The American Psychological Association which is most often used in fields such as psychology, education, or sociology  MLA, The Modern Language Association, most often used in language and literature University of West Alabama, Livingston Alabama, Presentation by Joyce A. Brannan, Technical Service Librarian

Information on How to Cite The following sites offer up to date information, examples, and direction on various citation styles.    

Holy Cow!!!! Do I have to cite EVERYTHING ?

Common Knowledge Information that is easily observed Commonly reported facts Common Sayings There is no need to cite material if you are certain it falls within the definition of common knowledge. OWL, Online Writing Lab, Purdue University, “Research and Documenting Sources,”

Avoiding Plagiarism Give proper credit for use of another’s work Know the proper citation formats in both your discipline and the class you are taking Do not fall victim to time and workload pressures

If you have any doubts…. Use a citation!!!  Better to be safe than sorry  A stitch in time saves nine  A penny saved is a penny earned  Ya see what I’m sayin here?

Plagiarism and the Internet Use of the internet has – Increased the ease with which people can plagiarize – Made it more difficult to catch a plagiarist with traditional methods – Offered teachers and reviewers better tools with which to examine materials for plagiarism – Established websites to assist teachers and reviewers with additional strategies for preventing plagiarism

Examples of Plagiarism on the Internet  Paper Mills CheatingEvilSchoolHaters.com  Google Images Copyright infringement Not all pictures are free Quality of writing & research Cost for custom written papers

Internet Plagiarism: Concerns  Poor Quality  Cost of Custom Papers  Dealing with Dishonest People  Detection Programs UofL Detection Program

Where Do I Find More Information? Whom Do I Consult If I Have Questions? Consult Department Chair, Dean, Research Integrity Program Internet Resources – – – plagiar.html – – –