If you use something (words, ideas, music, images and other creative works) that is not your own original work and don't say where you got it (giving credit or citing source) or who created the original work, that equals plagiarism.
Plagiarism is a serious problem, with serious consequences. If you are caught plagiarizing, you could:
All schools have established procedures set up for dealing with plagiarism. Your school's code of conduct will explain everything in detail.
Citing shows you are an ethical user, produce concrete information, comprehend information and avoid plagiarism. Citing helps to give credit to creators for their words and ideas, and so that your reader can see where you got your information—both so they can verify how you used it, but also so they can learn more if they’re really interested in what you’re saying!
In the recent develop of AI, Clark College doesn’t have a policy in place with users using AI. Users should still check in with their instructors as to what is allowed in their classes. Instructors can deem certain elements of AI, plagiarism.
Expanded Plagiarism
Using an entire text and claiming it as yours.
Direct Plagiarism
Using direct parts of others work in your own work.
Rephasing Plagiarism
Using another person’s ideas and rephasing them to use as yours. Such as paraphrasing.
Quilted Plagiarism
Such as with a quilt, using different sources and mending them together to create one source.
Recycled Plagiarism
Using work from previous times and presenting it as new work.
Do I only have to cite sources in written papers?
Cite sources in posters, speeches, PowerPoints, web pages- everything!
Can I turn in a paper for one class that I wrote for another class?
No, but discuss it with your instructor. You may be able you use a similar topic.
Can I get help with writing my papers?
Yes with limits. Others may read your work and provide input, but not rewrite.
Can I buy papers off the internet, hire someone one else or have Artificial Intelligence write my papers for me?
No! That is academic dishonesty, and plagiarism even if you do your own research.
My friend is a good writer. Can they write the paper, as long as I do the research and the ideas are mine?
No. Turning in work that someone else wrote is academically dishonest and plagiarism.
Do you only cite things in college?
In the "real world" you must cite, or you could get in trouble, lose your job or even get sued.
If you know how to avoid plagiarism, you can set up good research habits that include: