Guide to Plagiarism, Research and Referencing

What is plagiarism and why is it important to avoid?

What is Plagiarism and Why is it Important to Avoid?

Plagiarism is when you present someone else’s ideas, words, or work as your own, without giving them proper credit. The word ‘plagiarism’ comes from the Latin word for ‘kidnapper,’ which reflects the idea of taking something that belongs to someone else.

Plagiarism is considered academic dishonesty, and in professional settings, it can have legal and ethical consequences. Avoiding plagiarism is important because it ensures you are acting with integrity, respecting the work of others, and developing your own skills and knowledge.

Why is Referencing Important?

When you use someone else’s work—including books, websites, journal articles, or even AI-generated content—you must cite your sources correctly. Proper referencing allows you to:

  • Avoid plagiarism by acknowledging the original author.
  • Follow copyright laws, which protect the rights of content creators.
  • Support your argument with credible sources, making your work more reliable and allowing readers to check your information.

Examples of Plagiarism

Plagiarism can happen in different ways, including:

  1. Copying someone’s words or ideas without credit – This includes direct quotes, summaries, or paraphrased content that isn’t properly referenced. There is no ‘safe’ number of words you can copy without citing the source. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to include a reference.

  2. Paraphrasing without credit – Changing a few words but keeping the original meaning is still plagiarism if you don’t acknowledge the source. Good paraphrasing should not only change the wording but also demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

  3. Using AI-generated text without citation – If you use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to generate content, you must acknowledge this just as you would a human author. AI does not have original thoughts, but it compiles information from other sources, which still requires citation.

  4. Not using quotation marks for direct quotes – If you use the exact words from a source, you must put them in quotation marks and provide a reference. Otherwise, it appears as if you wrote those words yourself.

By understanding and avoiding plagiarism, you can develop strong academic and professional skills while maintaining ethical standards in your work.