Avoiding Plagiarism
Students should be aware that it is possible to violate both copyright law and plagiarize, or to comply with copyright law and only plagiarize. For example, you could adhere to the legal requirements of fair use when using a particular work but commit plagiarism by not properly citing the work. Although students are typically more concerned with avoiding plagiarism, they should have appropriate knowledge of copyright as well (see, Copyright Basics). Many students do not associate plagiarism with copyright infringement but the two are related, hence the reason for including a discussion of plagiarism in a website devoted to copyright.
Liberty Way on Plagiarism
Plagiarism (papers, projects or any assignment prepared outside of class) shall include, but is not limited to...
- Omitting quotation marks or other conventional markings around material quoted from any printed source.
- Paraphrasing a specific passage from a specific source without properly referencing the source
- Replicating another student's work or parts thereof and submitting it as an original
Cite Your Work When You:
- quote directly, paraphrase, or summarize;
- use an idea in your work that you obtained from somewhere else;
- refer to a point your instructor made;
- find a source on the Internet that gives you useful background information.
Summary: If you can trace the origin of your thoughts, phrases, and arguments to any source except your own mind, you need to cite it.
No Citation is Necessary When You:
- develop an idea entirely on your own;
- do primary research and want to report the results of the study;
- have a thought that emerges from—but is significantly different than—what is discussed in class, on the discussion board, etc.;
- are talking about your paper with a friend, colleague, instructor, or family member and come to a novel realization;
- refer to a fact that is common knowledge (i.e., most everyone knows it).
Summary: If your idea, words, or thought cannot be traced to a specific person, or source, you do not have to cite it.
Resources
“Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid It,” Indiana University.
Liberty University Writing Program. For assistance in avoiding plagiarism.
“How to Cite Your Research,” Guillermin Library. Also, see the University Writing Program (above).
Content adapted from “Academic Honesty, Academic Dishonesty, and Plagiarism: What Liberty University Says About It.” Presentation by Emily Heady, University Writing Program.
