Avoiding Plagiarism CIS 100: Introduction to Computers Mr. A. Craig Dixon Spring 2006

Avoiding Plagiarism2 Plagiarism Defined “Plagiarism is the act of presenting ideas, words, or organization of a source, published or not, as if they were one’s own.” -KCTCS Student Code of Conduct Article II, Section

Avoiding Plagiarism3 Penalties for Plagiarism “For instances of academic dishonesty related to earning grades…the instructor may implement any of three sanctions: a failing grade for the specific assignment; and/or a reduced grade for the course; and/or a failing grade for the course. The specific sanction depends upon the weight of the assignment in satisfying the requirements for the course. …The instructor may also recommend that the student be suspended for any academic offenses” -KCTCS Student Code of Conduct Article II, Sections &

Avoiding Plagiarism4 Citation of Sources For this class, either of two methods will be acceptable for citing work that is not the student’s own.For this class, either of two methods will be acceptable for citing work that is not the student’s own. Endnote citationEndnote citation Parenthetical citationParenthetical citation You should choose a style of citation and stick to it. Never mix endnote and parenthetical citation within the same work.You should choose a style of citation and stick to it. Never mix endnote and parenthetical citation within the same work.

Avoiding Plagiarism5 Endnote Citation For endnote citation, the quoted, summarized, or paraphrased fact is followed immediately by a superscripted number.For endnote citation, the quoted, summarized, or paraphrased fact is followed immediately by a superscripted number. These numbers are sequential with regard to their order of presentation within the work.These numbers are sequential with regard to their order of presentation within the work. On the Works Cited page at the end of the work, each superscripted number appears, in order, followed by the source cited with that number within the work.On the Works Cited page at the end of the work, each superscripted number appears, in order, followed by the source cited with that number within the work.

Avoiding Plagiarism6 Endnote Citation: An Example Suppose the following sentence appears in a student paper:Suppose the following sentence appears in a student paper: “According to Dr. John H. Doe, 50% of people say ‘yes.’ ” 1 In the Works Cited page, we should find something similar to this:In the Works Cited page, we should find something similar to this: 1 Doe, Dr. John H. “Statistics of Public Opinion.” p. 23 Journal of Useless Information. July 12, 2003.

Avoiding Plagiarism7 Parenthetical Citation In parenthetical citation, the quoted, summarized, or paraphrased fact is followed immediately by the author’s name (or the name of the work) and the page number on which the information is found (if applicable.)In parenthetical citation, the quoted, summarized, or paraphrased fact is followed immediately by the author’s name (or the name of the work) and the page number on which the information is found (if applicable.) On the Works Cited page, all works cited within the paper appear alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each source appears only once, even if it is cited multiple times.On the Works Cited page, all works cited within the paper appear alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each source appears only once, even if it is cited multiple times.

Avoiding Plagiarism8 Parenthetical Citation: An Example In the body of the paper, you should see:In the body of the paper, you should see: “According to Dr. John H. Doe, 50% of people say ‘yes.’ ” (Doe 23) On the Works Cited page, you should see:On the Works Cited page, you should see: Doe, Dr. John H. “Statistics of Public Opinion.” Journal of Useless Information. July 12, 2003.

Avoiding Plagiarism9 Direct Quotations Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks.Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks. Direct quotations longer than two lines are usually block-quoted (i.e. indented from both the left and right margins.)Direct quotations longer than two lines are usually block-quoted (i.e. indented from both the left and right margins.) In either case, direct quotes must still be cited using one of the methods mentioned earlier.In either case, direct quotes must still be cited using one of the methods mentioned earlier.

Avoiding Plagiarism10 The Works Cited Page The Works Cited page should be the last page of your work (barring appendices.)The Works Cited page should be the last page of your work (barring appendices.) The words “Works Cited” or “Endnotes” (as appropriate) should appear prominently at the top of the page.The words “Works Cited” or “Endnotes” (as appropriate) should appear prominently at the top of the page. All works that were cited in the paper must appear on this page.All works that were cited in the paper must appear on this page. If you wish, you may also include an “Other Readings” section which lists works you read for background, but did not actually cite in the paper.If you wish, you may also include an “Other Readings” section which lists works you read for background, but did not actually cite in the paper.

Avoiding Plagiarism11 Citing a Source Because types of media vary widely, it is difficult to say unequivocally what must be included in a citation.Because types of media vary widely, it is difficult to say unequivocally what must be included in a citation. Without question, all of the following should be included, if available:Without question, all of the following should be included, if available: Author’s (or authors’) name(s)Author’s (or authors’) name(s) Name of the publicationName of the publication Name of the articleName of the article Page numberPage number Date of publicationDate of publication

Avoiding Plagiarism12 Citing an Internet Source Citing a web page can be difficult, since many if not all of the previously mentioned data may not be available. (If it is, you should include it in your citation.)Citing a web page can be difficult, since many if not all of the previously mentioned data may not be available. (If it is, you should include it in your citation.) All Internet citations should include:All Internet citations should include: Name of siteName of site URLURL Date of accessDate of access Date of last updateDate of last update

Avoiding Plagiarism13 Citing Other Sources Other sources, such as software, videos, personal interviews, etc. can also be cited. The format for each is different.Other sources, such as software, videos, personal interviews, etc. can also be cited. The format for each is different. Consult an instructor or credible resource for details on how to properly cite your source.Consult an instructor or credible resource for details on how to properly cite your source. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for most sources. Their web site is Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for most sources. Their web site is

Avoiding Plagiarism14 What to Cite The following are examples of things that should be cited:The following are examples of things that should be cited: Statistics or experiment resultsStatistics or experiment results Professional opinionsProfessional opinions Non-obvious or non-trivial factsNon-obvious or non-trivial facts Observations not originally made by the author (i.e. you)Observations not originally made by the author (i.e. you)

Avoiding Plagiarism15 When In Doubt, Ask “In any case in which a student feels unsure about a question of plagiarism involving the student’s work, the student must consult the instructor before submitting the work.” -KCTCS Student Code of Conduct Article II, Section

Avoiding Plagiarism16 Choose Credible Sources Remember that creating a web page isn’t that difficult. Just because you read it on the Internet, doesn’t make it true.Remember that creating a web page isn’t that difficult. Just because you read it on the Internet, doesn’t make it true. Try to confirm facts with at least two sources, or stick to highly credible sources.Try to confirm facts with at least two sources, or stick to highly credible sources.

Avoiding Plagiarism17 Your Work Is About You Anyone can search the Internet to learn facts about a subject; in fact, I’m probably already pretty well-versed in the topics many of you will choose.Anyone can search the Internet to learn facts about a subject; in fact, I’m probably already pretty well-versed in the topics many of you will choose. The point of a paper in this class is not to show how much information you can gather, but to show how well you interpret that information and present the conclusions it leads you to.The point of a paper in this class is not to show how much information you can gather, but to show how well you interpret that information and present the conclusions it leads you to. The information you cite should not be the main part of your paper; it should be the support that strengthens what is truly important… your ideas!The information you cite should not be the main part of your paper; it should be the support that strengthens what is truly important… your ideas!