Plagiarism: What is it?

Can ideas be owned?  Does "borrowing" someone else's words or ideas constitute theft?  What if you wrote an excellent book and a friend "borrowed" it and passed it off as hers?  Would you say "no big deal" then?

Parkland's Student Conduct Code says "The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials"

Turning in a paper written for another class, buying a paper, or simply cutting and pasting from the internet are all forms of plagiarism.  This guide will give you tips on how to cite correctly to avoid unintentional plagiarism.

So how do you know if it's plagiarism? How can you make sure you aren't plagiarizing? We've put together some videos and some tips from other schools about how to avoid the dreaded "P" word. If in doubt about something you can

• talk with your instructor
• ask at the Writing Lab in the Learning Commons
• ask a librarian

Use the tabs above to see tips on how to prevent accidental plagiarism while you are researching. Make sure you are citing sources correctly using the info on the various citation styles.

EasyBib Grammar & Plagiarism Infographic: http://www.easybib.com/guides/students/research-guide/what-is-plagiarism/

For more information try EasyBib Grammar & Plagiarism: https://www.easybib.com/grammar-and-plagiarism/

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