Overview
This lecture explains what plagiarism is, why it's serious, and describes ten specific types of plagiarism that students should recognize and avoid.
Definition and Consequences of Plagiarism
- Plagiarism means stealing and passing off another person's ideas or words as your own without giving credit.
- Schools treat plagiarism as a serious offense, with consequences like failing assignments, failing courses, or even expulsion.
- Each school has its own specific plagiarism or academic honesty policies.
Types of Plagiarism
- Clone: Copying text word-for-word with no quotation marks or citations.
- Control C: Copying and pasting text but adding small original parts to disguise the plagiarism.
- Find and Replace: Changing a few words or phrases from the original but still keeping most of the source's language.
- Remix: Combining parts from multiple sources with poor paraphrasing, without creating original content.
- Recycle: Reusing large portions of your previous work in new assignments without permission or citation ("self-plagiarism").
- Hybrid: Mixing properly cited content with cut-and-pasted material from other sources without proper integration or citation.
- Mashup: Assembling a paper mainly from outside sources with little original writing or synthesis.
- 404 Error: Providing incorrect or fabricated citations to sources, intentionally or due to carelessness.
- Aggregator: Citing sources correctly but including little original writing or analysis in the paper.
- Retweet: Paraphrasing too closely to the original source, even when properly cited.
How to Avoid Plagiarism
- Learn to paraphrase effectively by restating ideas in your own words.
- Always document or cite sources properly according to your school's guidelines.
- Use research to support your own original analysis rather than replace it.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Plagiarism — using someone else's words or ideas without giving proper credit.
- Paraphrasing — restating information from a source in your own words and style.
- Citation — providing details about where information or ideas came from.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your school's academic honesty or plagiarism policy.
- Practice paraphrasing and citing sources accurately.
- Check if your school allows reuse of your own previous work before submitting.