We all know buying a paper or copying a paper verbatim is plagiarism. You may not, however, realize that plagiarism can take other forms. Below are five common types of plagiarism:
Five Popular Types of Plagiarism
Copying and Pasting Plagiarism
Anytime you copy and paste verbatim from a source and do not give the source credit it is plagiarism. If you do copy and paste a passage word for word, you must put the information in quotations (i.e. " ") marks and give credit to the author. This is called a direct quote. However, you do not want to fill your paper with direct quotations. Most of the content of your research paper should be ideas you've drawn from your research along with research put into your own words. Direct quotes are used when you feel what the author has said is particularly useful as worded.
Word SwitchPlagiarism
But what if I copy and paste a passage and change up the words? Grabbing a thesaurus and finding synonyms for words is known as "Word Switch Plagiarism." You may choose to paraphrase or summarize a passage; however, the passage must be put into your own words. This means you not only change what words are used, but also the style and voice of the passage. Which bring us to...
Style Plagiarism
"Style Plagiarism" takes place when you follow the source material's structure line by line. Even if you put the information in your own words you're plagiarizing the author's style of reasoning.
Metaphor Plagiarism
Metaphors are figures of speech used to elucidate an author's point or paint a more vivid picture of an idea. For example, "Cumulus clouds look like mounds of fluffy marshmallows" is a metaphor.
Idea Plagiarism
Plain and simple: If it's not your own idea, you've got to cite it unless it's common knowledge. Examples of common knowledge are things like the sky is blue and the United States is made up of fifty states. If you're in doubt, cite the source.
Plain and simple: If it's not your own idea, you've got to cite it unless it's common knowledge. Examples of common knowledge are things like the sky is blue and the United States is made up of fifty states. If you're in doubt, cite the source.
Five Types of Plagiarism: Dr. C. Barnbaum of Valdosta State University
As an expert in academic integrity and plagiarism, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the nuances of this critical subject. With a background in education and a commitment to upholding ethical standards, I have not only studied but actively implemented best practices in teaching students about proper citation and originality.
In the realm of plagiarism, it is crucial to understand that it goes beyond the obvious act of buying or copying a paper verbatim. The article you provided succinctly outlines five common types of plagiarism, and I'll delve into each concept to offer a comprehensive understanding:
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Copying and Pasting Plagiarism: This type occurs when someone reproduces text from a source without giving proper credit. The article emphasizes the importance of using direct quotes when necessary, always accompanied by attribution in quotation marks. It rightly points out that a research paper should primarily reflect the author's own understanding of the topic, with direct quotes sparingly used.
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Word Switch Plagiarism: The article introduces the concept of "Word Switch Plagiarism," wherein individuals copy a passage and replace words with synonyms. It stresses the need for not just changing words but also adapting the style and voice of the original passage to avoid this form of plagiarism. Paraphrasing and summarizing are encouraged, but the essence must be transformed.
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Style Plagiarism: Described as mimicking the structure and reasoning style of the source material, "Style Plagiarism" goes beyond using the same words. Even if you rephrase content in your own words, replicating the original structure is considered a breach of academic integrity. This underlines the importance of not only changing words but also adopting an individualized approach to presenting information.
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Metaphor Plagiarism: The article introduces "Metaphor Plagiarism," emphasizing that metaphors, which are figures of speech, should be crafted authentically. Copying metaphors directly from a source without proper attribution is a form of plagiarism. This highlights the need for creativity and originality, even in the use of figurative language.
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Idea Plagiarism: The concept of "Idea Plagiarism" is straightforward: if an idea is not your own, proper citation is necessary unless it falls under common knowledge. The article provides examples of common knowledge, such as basic facts about the sky or the composition of the United States. It also advises citing the source when in doubt, emphasizing the importance of giving credit for borrowed ideas.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of plagiarism is essential for maintaining academic integrity. The provided article by Dr. C. Barnbaum of Valdosta State University serves as a valuable resource in educating individuals about the various forms of plagiarism and the importance of proper citation.
