GUIDE TO PLAGIARISM
OVERVIEW
• What is plagiarism?
• Quiz
• Types of plagiarism.
• Consequences of plagiarism.
• How to avoid plagiarism.
• Questions?
DEFINING PLAGIARISM
Basic Definition
“Merriman-Webster” (2012), defines plagiarism as “to steal and
pass of (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: use
(another’s production) without crediting sources” (para. 1).
Source: Merriman-Webster, 2012
DEFINING PLAGIARISM
Wayne State University has policies in place for
plagiarism
We refer students to Wayne State University’s Academic
Integrity Policy:
 http://doso.wayne.edu/student-conduct/Academic_Integrity.html
QUIZ
STUDENTS MAY ARGUE...
Question: Identify the statements which may be considered plagiarism:
1.“I am just using a few pages from a paper I wrote last semester”.
2.“I did the research, I should be able to resubmit whatever I want”.
3.“If it is a topic I am passionate about, I should be able to use portions of my old
work”.
4.“I will just change a few sentences around but use the same references”.
5.“My spouse/child/parent/colleague wrote/rewrote sections of the paper I felt
were not detailed enough...it’s not plagiarized, is it?”
Answer: All of the above may be considered plagiarism by a professor and are
subject to the same policies in place for traditional acts of plagiarism.
TYPES OF PLAGIARISM
SELF-PLAGIARISM
Yes, it is real.Yes, it is a problem on campus.
• Using a portion or entire body of previously submitted work may be
considered self-plagiarism.
• Portions of previously submitted work may be caught by scanning
software like SafeAssign or by a professor.
• Suggestions to students include seeking out new topics to broaden
prospective and avoid the temptation of using previously submitted
work.
• Suggestions to students who are passionate about their topic of
interest include meeting with their professor and discussing it before
going forward.
SELF-PLAGIARISM
The APA Manual also contains information on self-plagiarism:
•The American Psychological Association (APA) 6th Edition Manual (2009),
states “Just as researchers do not present the work of others as their
own (plagiarism), they do not present their own previously published
work as new. . .” (p. 16).
•
Additional coverage of self-plagiarism continues in Chapter 6 of the APA
Style Manual.
•
“Avoid charges of self-plagiarism by familiarizing yourself with the
ethical standards regarding duplicate publication and the legal
standards of fair use” (Publication Manual, 2009, p. 170).
OTHER TYPES OF PLAGIARISM
• Intentional plagiarism, which includes:
• Directly copying another’s work and not crediting the original
author.
• Directly copying paragraphs, sentences, or phrases and not
crediting the original author. This is also known as “cut and
paste” plagiarism and “patchwork” plagiarism.
• Unintentional plagiarism, which includes:
• Paraphrasing or summarizing another’s work and not crediting
the original author.
• Quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing another’s work and
incorrectly citing the original author
• An example may be using a direct quotation, citing correctly
but not utilizing quotation marks.
HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM
Cite Properly
• BSW and MSW students should own the 6th Edition Publication Manual
from the American Psychological Association (APA) in their library.
• This book is available at all campus bookstores.
• Students must place quotation marks around everything that comes
directly from the text.
• Students must check paraphrasing by not rearranging or replacing a few
words.
• Proper paraphrasing is an interpretation of the author’s ideas in one’s own
words.
• Workshops are offered regularly that cover paraphrasing specifically.
• All mandated students receive a workshop on paraphrasing, as part of their
APA Style workshop.
HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM
Cite Properly
• Know When to Cite:
• Quoting
• Paraphrasing
• Summarizing
HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM
•
Use the Writing Center.
• Many students do not realize they have FREE writing assistance on campus.
Students should make an effort to utilize the free services available to them.
• The Writing Center, located inside the Undergraduate Library.
• (313) 577-2544
• The School of Social Work has writing tutors. Contact them via email or phone.
•
Understand Wayne State University Policy.
•
•
http://doso.wayne.edu/student-conduct/Academic_Integrity.html
Still unsure? Students are encouraged to see their advisor or professor for more
information about plagiarism. Students have endless FREE resources available to
them.
RESOURCES
 Wayne State University Student Code of Conduct:

http://www.doso.wayne.edu/codeofconduct.pdf
 Wayne State Univeristy’s Office of Teaching and Learning:

http://www.otl.wayne.edu/wsu_integrity.php
The American Psychological Association:

http://www.apastyle.org
 Plagiarism dot org

plagiarism.org
 Purdy-Kresge Library

http://www.lib.wayne.edu
CONTACT US!
If you have further questions regarding plagiarism, please
schedule an appointment with your witting tutor!