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Avoiding Plagiarism

This guide provides an overview of what plagiarism is and what methods (such as quotes and paraphrasing) can be used to avoid committing plagiarism.

How Citations Can Produce a Better Paper

Graphic Text: Why citations are helpful. By indicating who is the author, it provides them with credit for their work. Stating when the source was published can reflect on how current the information is. In some disciples, you are required to use sources that have been published in the past 5 years (example). Citing the title of the source is shown where the readers can access the full article (or evidence). Finally, how the source was published helps direct the reader to the publisher and how reliable the information is.

Graphic by: Janessa Ullendorf

Who is the author of the source?

When you cite an author, it first gives them the credit for their work, but it also shows how reliable the information is. For example, if you cite a well-known historian in a history assignment, that information is more trusted than history information from a scientist. 

What is the title of the source?

Your citations show readers where you gathered information and will allow them to locate that source. This is important because, depending on the assignment, some readers need to validate your sources. For research studies, it will support your argument that your research is important to that field.

Who published the source?

This question also directs the reader to who published the work. If the work was published through a well-known publisher that uses a peer-review process, that work can be more trusted and considered valuable to that field. If the work is from an unknown publisher, it is possible that the work is not credible and has errors. With unknown publishers, you need to research to make sure that the publisher can be trusted and has a review process that challenges/verifies the points in the work.

When was the source published?

The publication date can be important because recently published material usually has the most up-to-date information. You also need to keep in mind, some instructors may want you to write your assignment using resources that have been published in the past 3 to 5 years.

Paraphrase, Short and Long Quotes, and Common Knowledge

Graphic Text: Three Ways to Avoid Plagiarism: 1) Quote: Quotations must be identical (word for word) to the original using a narrow segment of the source. 2) Paraphrase: Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from a source in your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it. 3) Summarize: Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s). It is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad view. Why are these ways important? It provides support, refers to connecting work, provides examples, calls attention or highlights information, and can help expand the breadth or depth of your writing.

Graphic by: Janessa Ullendorf

Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is when you write a broader restatement of the information you have gathered from a source. By paraphrasing, you are able to provide supporting information without using a quote. Although paraphrases are in your own words, you do need to provide an in-text citation to show that information was originally from another author. Remember a paraphrase needs to be in your own words and writing style, and you must provide an in-text citation.

Short Quotes

Although paraphrasing is the preferred method, there are times when you need to use a short quote. Some examples could be if you want to respond to that author’s work or the author’s words provide the best supportive evidence for your paper. When using short quotes, make sure you are using them occasionally and only if you cannot paraphrase.

Each citation style has different guidelines for what is considered a short quote. Following the citation manuals, a short quote is: 

  • APA 7th Edition: Less than 40 words
  • MLA 8th Edition: Four (4) or less typed lines
  • Chicago Manual Style 17th Edition: Four (4) or less typed lines

Long Quotes

Similar to short quotes, a long quote should be used only when you are not able to paraphrase another author’s work and keep the integrity of the idea. Before including a long quote in your assignment, you should ask your instructor if they will let you use long quotes. At the university level, the instructors prefer your assignments to be mostly your own thoughts and words.

Each citation style has different guidelines for what is considered a long quote. Following the citation manuals, a long quote would be: 

  • APA 7th Edition: More than 40 words, indent the left margin ½ inch, no quotation marks
  • MLA 8th Edition: More than five (5) typed lines, indent the left margin ½ inch, no quotation marks
  • Chicago Manual Style 17th Edition: More than five (5) typed lines, indent the left margin ½ inch, no quotation marks

Common Knowledge

When you use generally well-known information, it can be considered as common knowledge and does not need to be cited. There is no set rule on when information officially becomes common knowledge; a general guideline is information that is in at least 3-5 sources that experts wrote can be considered common knowledge. Since common knowledge can change from person to person, it could be helpful to check with your instructor and have the citation information in your research notes.

Note: An opinion or unique terminology is not common knowledge.

Attribution

This guide was adapted with permission from The University of Southern Mississippi University Libraries Avoiding Plagiarism Research Guide.