Research Paper > Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is considered a serious offense and should be taken seriously. In this recording, an Indian River State College student shares his experience as someone who got caught, the consequences he faced, and the lesson he learned.
When writing a research paper, you must credit all of your sources (even if you are not directly quoting them). The following guide provides a good explanation as to what constitutes plagiarism.
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General Guidelines
- When using direct quotations, take care to use the exact wording, spelling, and punctuation of the original source and to credit the source. If you use the exact wording of a research source, you must indicate with quotation marks where the direct quote begins and ends.
Example:
According to insurance investigator Joyce Mulroney, “All of our independent researchers have discovered that texting is the primary cause of automotive mishaps among teenagers.”
- When paraphrasing or summarizing (putting someone else’s ideas into your own words), you still must credit the original source.
Example:
Joyce Mulroney, an insurance investigator, cites studies that most automobile accidents involving teenagers are a direct result of texting while driving.
- Even if you substitute a few words from an original quote, you must cite the original source.
Example:
One insurance investigator, Joyce Mulroney, claims that independent research indicates that texting is “the primary cause of automotive mishaps among teenagers.”
- You do not have to provide credit for concepts that are considered common knowledge.
Example:
Texting while driving has become a common topic of debate among Americans.