What Is the Definition of Plagiarism?

Introduction:

Plagiarism has been around for many, many years and is no new term among us. What is the definition of plagiarism? “Plagiarism, specifically, is a term used to describe a practice that involves knowingly taking and using another person’s work and claiming it, directly or indirectly, as your own.” (Neville, 2007, p.28). Universities deem plagiarism as unethical and if one is caught out for it, serious consequences are brought in; “Universities consider plagiarism as the most serious offence whether in the form of copying other’s work and representing as one’s own.

” (Pandoi & Gupta, 2018, p. 38). Plagiarism is not appropriate when done intentionally as it shows a lack of interest and opinion. Why is plagiarism frowned upon and how can it be avoided? Throughout this report, it will be explained and strategies will be given.

Information:

Plagiarism is a serious offence in secondary and tertiary education and in the workplace. It is so frowned upon due to the fact that plagiarism is seen as unethical as the work you are producing is not yours a lone; it lacks effort and one’s own opinion and ideas.

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In harsher terms “Park (2003 ) asserted that “ plagiarism involves literary theft, stealing (by copying) the words or ideas of someone else and passing them off as one’ s own without crediting the source” (p. 472).” (Babaii & Nejadghanbar, 2016, p. 241). It is taken so seriously in tertiary education because those works that have gone undetected will go towards final grades. Those whose work goes undetected can be given a better result than those who have worked hard at their final products resulting in unfairness to those who worked hard for their results and standing in the university.

Many students plagiarize due to many reasons. Some don’t intentionally plagiarize, many lack the experience when it comes to referencing, especially those who are international students. Other reasons are due to students leaving their work until the last minute, then there are the students who blatantly plagiarize as they find this to be quick and easy and feel as though they won’t be caught, those who felt there was no wrong doing in the first place, the need to succeed and rebellion – wanting to see if they could get away with it.

When educators encourage assessments/assignments and tactics such as these, it encourages the students to create their own original work. This can also create a sense of pride when a student hands in their own work and receives a great response due to a better understanding as well.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, although the idea of plagiarism is different all over the world, it can still be understood if one takes the time to learn and an educator takes the time to teach the appropriate ways in which student should reference, cite, quote or paraphrase in their region. Although, plagiarism is still a big issue, there are many ways to make sure it can be prevented. Educators should not have to severely punish their students if the correct actions are taken before students have to do assignments.