Definition

plagiarize:
v. tr. - 1. To use and pass off as one's own (the ideas or writings of another).
2. To appropriate for use as one's own passages or ideas from (another).

v. intr. 1. To put forth as original to oneself the ideas or words of another.
(from the American Heritage Dictionary)

For more legal definitions and examples, see the Plagiarism in Colleges in USA Web site.

Plagiarism Web Sites with Examples

Plagiarism can range from submitting someone's work as your own to using long pieces of text or unique phrasings without acknowledging the original source. Plagiarism could also include submitting someone else's program or spreadsheet with minor alterations. The following Web Sites not only define plagiarism, but provide examples of the different types of plagiarism:

• Penn State "How to Avoid Plagiarism"
• Unacceptable Paraphrases (Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services)
• How to Avoid Plagiarism (Northwestern)
• Purdue Online Writing Lab "OWL"
• University of Wisconsin Writing Center
• Plagiarism Examples (Rob Toreki, University of Kentucky Department of Chemistry)
• Princeton Examples of Plagiarism - (includes computer programming example at bottom)

Causes

Most students don't spontaneously plagiarize just to be unethical. They typically "justify" it with some other rationale such as a demanding workload, or lack of writing ability. Reminding students of the penalties and consequences if they're caught will help students see that plagiarism really is not a "solution."

I. Demanding Schedules (& Lack of Planning)

Students who work outside school (some up to 20 hours per week) or have heavy class loads may decide there is not enough time to do the assignment properly. Guidance on organization and the assignment may show students how to better plan their time. Students should also be reminded that the assignments are providing skills and knowledge that may be needed in their future careers.

II. Fear of Failure

Some students may feel their writing or research skills are so weak, that they can only pass the course if they buy a paper written by someone else. Clear guidelines may help students put their skills in perspective

III. "Economy of Effort"

Of course, some students plagiarize because they feel it's easier to copy from someone else than do the work themselves. One strategy for these students is to remind them of long-term consequences. Another strategy is to structure assignments so that plagiarism becomes more work than doing the research.

IV. Ignorance of Policy/Law

Students may not see the distinction between synthesizing sources or true collaboration and certain types of plagiarism such as "cut-and-paste" or too close a paraphrase. Reviewing the different types of plagiarism will let students know what the standards are.

Also, students should be encouraged to add citations as they write, including drafts. This will avoid the excuse - "I meant to put in citations, but I forgot."

V. Seeking Thrills

A small percentage of students may plagiarize just for the thrill of circumventing school policy. One way to combat this could be to present the assignment as a challenge also.

*This section on "Causes" is based on "Anti-Plagiarism Strategies for Research Papers" by Robert Harris.

VI. Cynicism About Grades

In a CNN Online article, some students expressed the view that cheating is necessary in order to maintain a competitive G.P.A. and be successful in life. Comments included:

• "We students know that we are almost completely judged on our grades. They are so important that we will sacrifice our own integrity to make a good impression."

• "A person who has an entirely honest life can't succeed these days."

— "Many students say cheating's OK", CNN Online

Paper Mills

Below is a sampling of some term paper Web sites which vary in fee, services and tone. Although some sites warn students against plagiarism, they do in fact sell papers or custom written papers.

Experts recommend visiting these Web sites to see their product line and learn how they function. It is also advisable to review papers in your field/assignment area to see what is available.

• www.bignerds.com
• custom-dissertations.net ("100% non-plagiarized")
• www.serve.com/doctor ("The Doctor")
• www.essayfinder.com ("designed only to assist students in the preparation of their own work")
• www.essaytown.com ("Beware of Foreign Sites")
• www.cheathouse.com ("Evil House of Cheat")
• www.lazystudents.com ("If your professor can have a research assistant, why can't you?")
• www.schoolsucks.com

Note that subject specific paper mills also exist. Topics include narrow specialties like Jane Austen, Death of a Salesman and the World Wars. See the Coastal Carolina University Papers Mills by Subject for more listings.

A Google Search for "essays" or "research papers" in your topic is also recommended. Students may be doing something similar themselves.

Detection*

I. Positives of Warning Students

When discussing plagiarism with your students, you should warn them if you intend to use special detection services or software. The warning alone may deter some students from plagiarism, and can serve as a clear policy statement should any issues relating to possible discovered cases arise.

II. Some Obvious Signs of a Plagiarized Paper

1. Changes in formatting, including mixtures of straight quote marks and curly (Smart Quote) marks.
2. Printed off the Internet with Netscape or Internet Explorer
3. Web site address (e.g. www.cheathouse.com) in the text
4. Anachronistic references (e.g. 'Reagan, who is currently president...')

III. Some Subtler Signs

1. Lack of recent reference sources or unusual references
2. Paper veers away from topic
3. Changes in writing style within one paper
4. Mysteriously improved writing style or mysterious grade-school style
5. Common phrases which appear in more than one paper (you can search for unusual phrases on the Internet)

IV. Using Google as a Detection Service

If you think a paper has been plagiarized, try searching for a key phrase on a search engine such as www.google.com. This is free and least likely to have negative legal consequences.

V. Other Detection Web Sites

These services search a database of papers listed on term paper Web sites to determine if there is a match for text you submit. Many of these services charge a fee.

• www.canexus.com/eve/index.shtml ("Essay Verification Engine/EVE 2")
• plagiarism.org (Turnitin.com)
• scriptum.ca (Also a grading service)

Prevention

Explain "plagiarism" and its consequences to your students

1. Incorporate an "Academic Integrity" statement into your syllabus or program.
   
2. Show examples of plagiarism.
   
3. Explain the difference between collaborative work and academic dishonesty. Provide specific details for collaborative projects.
4. Post drafts or assignments for peer review. Students will receive advise and you will have another set of eyes.
   
5. Speak of your awareness of term paper Web sites.
   
6. Remind students that they may need the research skills or knowledge in their future careers.
   
7. Ask your students to sign a contract.
   
8. If you intend to use a plagiarism detection service or software package., warn students ahead of time. The warning alone may may drop the rate of plagiarism.

Restructure writing assignments

1. Make writing topics specific - it is far more difficult to find and adapt outside papers to specific topics.
2. Outline the research and writing process for students so they feel more confident in doing their own work.
3. Work with students to determine a paper topic they like so they have more incentive to do their own research. A standard proposal form/worksheet could be used.
4. Ask for reference lists and drafts throughout the semester.
5. Require very recent references or to include sources from a list you provide.
6. Require students to turn in research notes with final drafts.
7. Change assignments from year to year.
8. Make assignments unique to students/year (e.g. a family history, current issues, local issues, personal reactions).
9. Include alternative genres such as an article review, Web site review, journal, interview or other assignments requiring personal reflection or original research.
10. Think about providing a bibliography for students so they know where to begin legitimate research.
11. Research other courses in your area for additional ideas.

Other Tips

1. Point out which assignments will require longer time commitments at the beginning of the semester.
2. For longer assignments, spell out how long you expect it to take and suggested work or research tips so students have the opportunity to better prepare.
3. Avoid tests and assignments which are all multiple choice or simple fill-in-the-blank.
4. For math and science problems - requiring students to spell out each step will make plagiarism easier to detect. Alternatively, you can allow collaboration for some assignments if appropriate.
5. If your course includes a threaded discussion area, you should monitor it from time to time to make sure students are practicing academic integrity.
6. Use multiple assignments instead of one long paper, especially for general education classes.