What is the Definition of Plagiarism – Best Concise Explanation

James King Literature Law
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Plagiarism definition at its simplest is when the words of an author are copied, and then published as if they were created by another. It should be avoided, especially in academics and the creative industry. However, quoting someone and citing the source to improve content, is not plagiarism.

In the internet and the digital age, plagiarism has become more prevalent than ever. Anyone who operates in the field of literature needs to understand what the definition of plagiarism is to avoid it. To write with integrity and promote originality, literary creatives must guard against plagiarism.

Knowledge of the legal aspects associated with plagiarism, its consequences, and the tools available to detect it, can help to avoid it.

Plagiarism defined. A visual representation of the blurred lines between originality and imitation in the digital realm of literature. A young woman stands in the middle of a library in a virtual blizzard of books
  • Key Takeaways
  • Plagiarism occurs when someone uses another’s work, ideas, or language without proper credit, leading to consequences in academic and professional settings.
  • Recognising and avoiding plagiarism is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and promoting originality.
  • The digital age has made plagiarism more prevalent, making it important to be aware of legal aspects and available tools for detection.

Defining Plagiarism

The Origin of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is derived from the Latin word plagiarius, whichcarries the meaning of kidnapper or abductor. It refers to the act of using someone else’s work, words, or ideas without proper attribution. In effect it is theft of intellectual property. And in academic and professional circles, plagiarism is considered a breach of honesty and ethics, as it disguises another’s work as one’s own.

Types of Plagiarism

There are several types of plagiarism.

  • Direct: This occurs when entire passages or sections of text are copied verbatim from a source without citation. It is the most blatant form of plagiarism and is easy to detect.
  • Mosaic: Also known as patchwriting, Mosaic involves rephrasing or rearranging text from one or multiple sources and presenting it as original work without proper attribution. This type of plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional but still constitutes dishonesty.
  • Self: This form occurs when an individual reuses their previously published work without referencing it. It is a violation of academic integrity, as it presents old work as new and original.
  • Accidental: Unintentional plagiarism can happen when a person fails to cite a source or improperly paraphrases the original text. It is essential to be aware of proper citation methods and rules to prevent accidental plagiarism.

Understanding the definition of plagiarism is crucial for maintaining academic and professional integrity. Using proper citations, paraphrasing, or summarising correctly, and checking work for originality will help prevent instances of plagiarism and ensure the ethical use of words, ideas, and data.

Recognising Plagiarism

Quoting and Paraphrasing

In academic and professional writing, it’s essential to quote and paraphrase sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.

  • Quoting refers to using the exact words from a source while providing proper citation. Always use quotation marks for directly quoting from a source. Then include the proper citation according to the appropriate style guide, such as APA or MLA.
  • Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the original text in your own words while maintaining the original idea and giving due credit to the author. When paraphrasing, make sure to alter the original text significantly and express the concepts in your own words, without changing the meaning.

Citing the Source

Remember to cite the source, even when paraphrasing.

“Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.” 

Plagiarism.org

Self-Plagiarism

Although it less-known, self-plagiarism is still a form of plagiarism. It occurs when a writer reuses their published work or submits it to assignments without citation. Self-plagiarism can be considered unethical, as it undermines the value of originality in writing. To avoid self-plagiarism produce new content and cite any previously published work when referencing it.

Incorrect Information

Providing incorrect information in a text is another form of academic dishonesty. This can occur when writers intentionally fabricate or manipulate data, falsify studies, or present inaccurate claims in their work. Incorrect information can undermine the credibility of a text and have serious consequences for the author or academic institution.

To avoid quoting incorrect information verify the accuracy of the source and data before publishing a work. And be cautious when interpreting and presenting research findings.

Takeaway

So, what is plagiarism really? Be aware of the different forms of plagiarism and work to prevent them. In so doing, you will maintain the integrity and credibility of your writing while contributing valuable knowledge to your field.

Consequences of Plagiarism

Academic Consequences

Plagiarism has academic consequences, which can lead to severe repercussions for students. When a student is found deliberately plagiarising, they may fail a grade on an assignment or even in an entire course. In some cases, a permanent notation of the incident may be added to their academic transcript.

This can negatively impact their academic record and future opportunities for scholarships or graduate studies. And repeat violations of plagiarism policies could result in more severe sanctions. For example, students may face suspension or even expulsion from their educational institution if they continue engaging in plagiaristic practices.

Beyond academic consequences, plagiarism can also have legal ramifications. When someone uses copyrighted material without permission and proper citation, they may be fined, face restitution, or be made to pay damages to the owner of the copyrighted material. In extreme cases, the plagiariser may even be sued for copyright infringement.

The legal consequences of plagiarism further emphasise the importance of understanding and adhering to academic and ethical standards concerning the use of another’s work. By avoiding plagiarism and ensuring the proper citation and attribution of sources, individuals can protect themselves from facing potentially damaging consequences.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Citation and Referencing

To prevent plagiarism, it is crucial to accurately cite and reference sources. When using another person’s words, ideas, or research, include a citation to acknowledge the original author. Several citation styles exist, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, so it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the appropriate style for a particular project.

Proper citation allows readers to verify the information and gives credit to the original author for their work.

Being aware of copyright laws can help individuals avoid plagiarism. Copyright laws protect the rights of creators, including authors, artists, and musicians, by giving them exclusive control over their work’s reproduction, distribution, and adaptation. When using information from the internet, always be mindful of copyright restrictions, and seek permission or license to use copyrighted materials when necessary.

Respecting copyright laws is essential to avoid plagiarism and legal consequences.

Using Plagiarism Detecting Tools

Plagiarism detecting tools can be a useful resource for ensuring originality in one’s work. Tools, such as Turnitin and Grammarly, compare submitted content with a vast database of internet sources, academic publications, and previously submitted works to identify potential instances of plagiarism. By using these tools, you can ensure your work is genuine and free from unintentional plagiarism.

Role of Academic Integrity

The Honour Code

Academic integrity is a core value upheld by universities, emphasising the importance of honest and responsible conduct within their communities. With its unparalleled significance, many educational institutions establish an honour code for students and faculty members to follow. This code acts as a guideline to maintain high ethical standards, including:

  • honesty,
  • trust,
  • fairness,
  • respect, and
  • responsibility.

Adherence to these principles is crucial to promote intellectual growth and academic success.

Research Misconduct

Academic integrity also addresses the issue of research misconduct, which includes plagiarism, data fabrication, and other unethical practices. Plagiarism undermines academic integrity when individuals use another’s words, ideas, or original material without proper acknowledgment, as detailed by Academic Integrity at MIT. Universities strive to detect and prevent inappropriate behaviours that can compromise the quality and integrity of scholarly work.

To uphold academic integrity and minimise research misconduct, educational institutions often provide resources. They include research guides, helping researchers to understand the importance of citation and ethical practices. By following the honour code and avoiding research misconduct, universities can work together to foster a culture in which academic integrity is highly valued and preserved.

Though it is considered a dishonest practice, plagiarism is not always illegal. However, it can be unlawful in some situations involving intellectual property rights and copyright infringement.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights protect the creations, ideas, and innovations of individuals or organisations. While plagiarism might not be a criminal or civil offence, in cases where it violates the author’s intellectual property rights, such as copyright or trademark, it does become illegal. In cases where the plagiarised work does not fall under copyright or trademark, it may still be considered a violation of ethical codes. This may result in disciplinary action from the person’s place of work or educational establishment.

When a person or entity appropriates the literary work of another without proper attribution or consent, and presents it as their own, they might be committing copyright infringement. Infringement occurs when a plagiarist takes protected material and publishes or sells it as their creation. Federal courts in the United States handle such cases, and the owner of the copyright can sue the plagiarist for copyright violation.

When plagiarism involves violation of intellectual property rights or copyright infringement, legal action can be taken against the perpetrator. Therefore a clear understanding of the legalities of plagiarism is crucial to prevent potential disputes and maintain ethical standards.

Plagiarism in Different Fields

So we don’t isolate ourselves in the literary world, it is worth noting the fields where plagiarism exists.

Literary Theft

Plagiarism in literature is considered a serious ethical violation. It can be verbatim plagiarism, where an individual copies and pastes text either completely or with slight alterations, or more subtle forms where ideas are used without appropriate attribution. For instance, in a literature review, plagiarism can occur if proper citations are not provided for the sources used.

Plagiarism in Music

Plagiarism in music is typically identified when a piece of music closely resembles another, either in melody, harmonics, or rhythm. This type of plagiarism can be more difficult to define and identify than in other art forms, as the line between inspiration and theft can be quite nuanced. Musicians might unintentionally borrow elements from other works due to the similarity of chords, structures, and harmonies.

However, blatant plagiarism such as sampling or replicating other artists’ work without permission constitutes copyright infringement.

Plagiarism in Art

Art forgery has been big business in the underworld for centuries. Plagiarism of visual art can be found in painting, sculpture, photography, and other forms of creative expression. It occurs when an artist copies or imitates another artist’s work without providing proper credit or authorisation. In some instances, artists may be inspired by another artist’s work and create something that bears striking similarities unintentionally, but the key to avoiding plagiarism in this context lies in acknowledging and attributing the source of inspiration.

Plagiarism of Internet Content

In the digital age, plagiarism has become more pronounced due to the ease of access to information available on the internet. With countless websites and online resources, plagiarism has increased significantly as individuals can simply copy information without proper attribution. If students and content creators look to the internet for information they must understand what constitutes plagiarism of internet content.

Copyrighted Online Material

Copyrighted content refers to any material that has been legally protected by the owner, granting them exclusive rights over its usage and distribution. Unauthorised use of copyrighted material can have legal consequences. This highlights the importance of being cautious when sharing and integrating content from online.

Digital technology has made it more convenient to access and duplicate copyrighted content through downloading, copying, and sharing files. Despite these challenges, there are ways to avoid plagiarism and unauthorised use of copyrighted materials. Tips include:

  • Properly citing sources: When using information from websites or other online sources, always provide acknowledgment and credit to the original author or creator.
  • Using licensed content: Choose materials that have been made available under Creative Commons or other permissive licenses to avoid violating copyright laws.
  • Seeking permission: If you are unsure whether a piece of content is copyrighted, request permission from the owner or rights holder before using it in your work.

Takeaway

Understanding the definition of plagiarism and the implications of using copyrighted content online are essential for anyone who navigates and uses resources on the internet. By adhering to ethical practices and respecting intellectual property rights, individuals can avoid plagiarism and its potential consequences in the digital era.

Final Thoughts

In the arts, music, and literature, plagiarism remains a crucial issue as it discredits an individual’s original efforts and, in many cases, violates copyright laws. The key to preventing plagiarism is to ensure proper attribution of ideas and respecting the intellectual property rights of others. By adhering to these principles, artists and writers contribute to fostering a culture of originality and integrity in creative expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I avoid plagiarism?

To avoid plagiarism, it is crucial to give proper credit to the original author when using their work in your writing. This can be achieved through citations and referencing, following the specific style guide required for your academic or professional purposes. Paraphrasing and summarising are useful techniques to prevent plagiarism, but remember to cite the source even when doing so. Additionally, ensure you have a solid understanding of the topic to present your ideas confidently without relying solely on the ideas of others.

What are common examples of plagiarism?

Some common examples of plagiarism include:

  • Copying text and publishing it without citing the source.
  • Presenting someone else’s work as your own.
  • Hiring a ghostwriter or using a paper mill service.
  • Paraphrasing or summarising a source without proper citation.
  • Self-plagiarism, where you submit your own written work as new content.
  • Mosaic or patchwork plagiarism, where you combine various sources without giving proper credit.

It is important to be vigilant and understand the various forms of plagiarism to avoid both intentional and accidental instances.

Is plagiarism a crime or just unethical?

Plagiarism is unethical and, in some cases, a illegal. While it may not be classified as a crime per se, plagiarism can lead to severe academic and professional consequences such as expulsion, job loss, or damage to one’s reputation. In certain cases, it may also involve copyright infringement, which can result in legal penalties and fines.

How does one detect content similarity?

To detect content similarity and potential plagiarism, educators and institutions often use specialised software and tools. These tools compare your work to a vast database of publications, websites, and other written materials, identifying similarities and potential instances of plagiarism. By using such resources, one can effectively ensure their work is original and compliant with academic integrity guidelines.

Why not Join Us

If you enjoyed this article, we would like to offer you two gifts – our Starter Pack of 4 James King’s books and our Weekly Digest, which you can receive by email.