IS365 Writing for IS Applications: Citation & Plagiarism

Plagiarism is passing off another’s words or ideas as your own. Anything you did not write that you turn in as your own work is plagiarism. Plagiarism is a form of cheating.

Often, plagiarism occurs inadvertently as the result of sloppy scholarship, inadequate paraphrasing skills, or failure to understand the rules of citation. However it occurs, it is a serious academic infraction. Follow these helpful tips:

1. Take clear, accurate notes about where you found specific ideas.
2. Write down or print out the complete citation information for each item you use.
3. Use quotation marks when directly stating another person’s words.
4. Always credit original authors for their information and ideas.
5. Learn how to paraphrase correctly!

Citation is necessary because scholars want to share ideas without stealing them.  When you create a research paper or presentation, it should be a combination of your original thoughts and the knowledge you have gained from the thoughts of others.  Citation is a way of giving credit to those whose ideas made your final product possible.

• Wake Forest University - APA
• APA Style