Facts and Myths about Citing References in Scholarly Work and Plagiarism

This activity was authored by Jeanne Sewell, Assistant Profession, College of Health Sciences, Georgia College & State University. It is based upon three web resources:
CLIP – Cooperative Library Instruction Project developed by the Northeastern State Library, Oklahoma
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity developed by Rutgers University
Understanding Plagiarism developed by T. Frick at Indiana University.
This material was originally developed through Merlot
as part of its collaboration with the SERC Pedagogic Service.

Initial Publication Date: January 7, 2011

Summary

This learning activity is designed to give the learner confidence and skill to avoid the use of plagiarism in scholarly papers. The learning material is introduced using a written lesson with links to interactive learning resources on the topic. After completion of practice, the student applies knowledge by completing a multiple-choice quiz.
The learning activity is intended as just-in-time learning prior to an assignment requiring the student to write a scholarly paper with citations.

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Learning Goals


Context for Use

After completion of this learning activity the learner should be able to:
1. Interpret the value of citing resources in scholarly papers.
2. Define plagiarism.
3. Discuss two myths associated with plagiarism.
4. Evaluate written work for signs of plagiarism.
5. Demonstrate the ability to cite resources in a scholarly paper.

Description and Teaching Materials

This learning activity provides information and interactive learning activities to assist the learner to understand essential concepts associated with citing resources and avoiding plagiarism in a scholarly paper.

Teaching Notes and Tips

Higher education students often have a profound misunderstanding of what constitutes plagiarism. Use of this learning activity could assist the dire consequences associated with academic dishonesty.

Assessment

Learning could be assessed in numerous ways.
  • Understanding Plagiarism can be used for assessing learning. It includes practice with feedback and a 10-item quiz.
  • The student could also complete a self-reflection on the topic of citation and plagiarism.
  • Students could be assigned to write a paper discussing citation and plagiarism after completing a literature review on the topic.
  • Another assessment method is to create an assignment that requires the student to write a scholarly paper using a particular citation style.

References and Resources

  • CLIP – Cooperative Library Instruction Project on Citation and Plagiarism (link down). This website has a Flash presentation with audio that reviews essential concepts related to citation and plagiarism.
  • Plagiarism and Academic Integrity is a Flash presentation that uses a cast of characters and a "voice of reason" to explain issues and myths associated with plagiarism. It could be used in conjunction with the CLIP source.
  • Understanding Plagiarism could be used for assessing learning. It includes practice with feedback and a 10-item quiz.