You wouldn’t plagiarize on purpose. You know that is unethical behavior that could destroy your academic career. You know better and, besides, you’ve done all your own work. But despite your good intentions, it is possible to accidentally plagiarize. Plagiarism involves more than just intentionally copying someone else’s ideas or words and using them as your own. Plagiarism also involves incorrect citing, falsifying data, and copying your own work. Yes, your own work. Here are a few ways to avoid plagiarism in your academic writing.
Avoid Obvious Plagiarism
You wouldn’t plagiarize on purpose, but when you are working on your paper at 2 am or trying to finish it before 12 pm the next day, it’s easy to get into the mindset that your writing is completely your own. Go through your paper carefully and compare it to the works you are sourcing. Make sure all your writing is original.
Check Your Citations
Check that you have cited everything properly. Poor citing is an academic offense. You are held to an academic standard and there is a correct way to cite quotations and sources. Follow the style in your guide books and make sure you are not losing marks, or worse, accused of plagiarism for being sloppy.
Double Check Your Data
Falsifying data is plagiarism. This includes mining sources. You can’t just omit half a quotation to make the speaker say something to suit your article. And you certainly can’t make up events that did not happen or attribute to someone something they did not say. Study your references and make sure that you are staying true to the original ideas.
Check for Recycled Work
Using your own previously submitted work, unless you are referencing and citing yourself as a source, is plagiarism. If it seems familiar to you, look into it. Avoid referencing and citing your own work to steer clear of any uncertainty.
If you are worried, have a friend or professional, any fresh pair of eyes, look over you work. Make sure it is someone who is familiar with the topic and data so that they can spot any areas that might be plagiarized.