Virtually everyone knows that plagiarism is morally wrong, yet this serious ethical offense continues to increase among researchers, bloggers, writers, journalists and students. Many people, especially students in the university, still engage in this act. One reason is the fact that this academic crime is, in fact, not a crime in itself. Even in the legal world, the concept “plagiarism” does not exist. The term that’s used in describing it – the use of other people’s ideas, expression, thoughts, writings, and so on, for personal interest and gain – is called “fraud” in the legal vocabulary. Anyways, in this world of researchers and academics, it is actually a heinous offense. It is the “stealing” of other people’s brainwork and using as if it were your own without properly acknowledging the original author, whether published or not published. It doesn’t even have to do with using it for academic or financial gain alone. In this article, we’ll be looking at why the text was validated for plagiarism. Enjoy and learn!
Plagiarism!
According to Wikipedia, the word “plagiarism” was initiated in the 1st century by Martial, a poet from Rome, because another poet had been stealing some of his lines and verses. He referred to the man as “plagiarus” a Latin word which translates to “kidnapper.”
The famous dramatist of the 16th century, Ben Johnson, also used the term “plagiary,” which he coined from plagiarus, to refer to someone who is involved in literary thieving. The first time the original English word “plagiarism” was used was in the year 1620, and its meaning has expanded to denote the presentation of other people’s ideas, expression, thoughts, writings, and other contents as if it were your brainchild.
This unethical act is now rampant as a result of many people’s, students especially, unwillingness to undertake thorough research for their research paper or story. Unfortunately, technology, which is a good thing, is now being used in the wrong way. Many students, because of the unlimited availability of academic materials online nowadays, just go ahead to copy and paste other people’s thoughts and ideas in their essays without even referencing the owners.
Is it a Crime?
For those of you that would like to ask this question; is plagiarism a criminal offense? Yes, it is. Plagerism is commonly referred to as academic theft and is a sin in our colleges. An undergraduate or graduate, who plagiarizes other authors’ writings, word for word or by paraphrasing, is actually a crime in the academic world, and they can be sanctioned for it.
It also concerns “copying” or “thieving” in all practices; whether in your dissertations, theses, projects, proposals, assignments, essays and even examinations. In fact, plagerism discovered in any work related to academics is usually compared to stealing your neighbor’s valuable property without their consent. And, just like thievery, it also draws punishments such as expulsion, suspension, fines and even imprisonment.
Is copying a definition of plagiarism? Not exactly, it is not only about copy and pastes alone. Plagiarizing another person work rests on two different things, or in plain words, offenses. One is the fact that you decided to copy and use another person’s ideas and expression as yours. And two, the fact that you decided to use another person’s work without a comprehensive reference to show your readers that you are not the original writer.
How would you feel when other people use ideas, thoughts expressions and other things you spent a considerable amount of time researching for your essay? Completely pissed right? That’s how it feels. Using someone’s words, sentences and full expression without proper acknowledgment goes beyond stealing. It does not encourage creativity.
People are always willing to undertake research and discover new things that will be useful for the betterment of society. Plagerism can affect this desire. Research is conducted regularly in order to expand knowledge. This is why it is mandatory for undergraduates and graduates to conduct research in order to show that they are sound and are ready for society. An online checker will be very useful in checking your works for originality as a student. In fact, you should always make use of it every time, for essays and articles.
How Can I Avoid it?
It can actually be avoided. Fortunately, by putting technology to good use, you will find a good free plagiarism checker that can always be used to check if your essays are free of plagiarism. Also, using another person’s brainchild in your work is not actually a crime as long as you make reference to their work. Learn how to not plagiarize facts. There are many ways or styles you can use to cite authors in your research. One of them is the American Psychological Association Referencing Style (APA). You can also use the MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, Oxford, Vancouver, and many others. The referencing style you use is usually determined by your school or the journal you are writing for. These styles are to ensure that you avoid plagerism as much as possible.
Conclusion
People don’t understand what constitutes this offense even though they know what the word means. That is why it has currently been on the increase in the area of research. Many people think that copying a little out of another person’s work does not count as plagerism and is perfectly okay. No percentage of copying or paraphrasing (which is another form) is okay. The best thing is to always avoid it. Cite the relevant authors appropriately and avoid breaking copyright laws on a published work. Even works that are not published cannot be plagiarized. It is ethically wrong. So avoid it.
Plagiarizing is not limited to text alone. It covers graphic materials like computer codes, pictures, videos, audios, and other non-textual materials. You can always use people’s idea. However, to avoid “stealing,” appropriately acknowledge them to show you are not the original owner.
