What is plagiarism?

Candace Perkins BowenKent State UniversityJEA/NSPA, Spring 12

First, some definitions “The act of passing off as one’s own the ideas or

writings of another.”Appendix to the Honor Council pamphlet,

“Acknowledging the Work of Others,” Georgetown University

“… Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the knowing or intentional failure to attribute language or ideas to their original source, in the manner required by the academic discipline (such as … footnote citations …) or in the manner required by journalism practice (such as by quotation marks and attribution in a journalistic presentation)…”

Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, Policy of Academic Integrity

“The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.”

The Random House Dictionary

Levels of plagiarism:Does one size fit all?

Turning in someone else’s work as yours Leaving out quotation marks for a quote Not indicating the source of information Changing words but leaving the structure the

same Copying so much of the idea it is no longer

the writer’s work

Is this a big problem? Penn State supplies students and faculty with

Plagiarism Prevention Resources Plagiarism Tutorials for Students Student tutorial on

plagiarism, inappropriate paraphrase, citations and academic honesty

Plagiarism Detection and Prevention: An Instructor Guide Instructor guide to strategies for detecting and preventing plagiarism in the classroom

Plagiarism Links Links to plagiarism policy pages, guides, quizzes, citation guidelines, basic copyright

http://www.tlt.psu.edu/plagiarism

Higher standard for media?

Seek Truth and Report ItJournalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics

Professional electronic journalists should operate as trustees of the public, seek the truth, report it fairly and with integrity and independence, and stand accountable for their actions.

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct,Radio-Television News Directors Association

What do journalists say? Two things have changed when it comes to

new media technologies and plagiarism: Plagiarism is much easier to commit. And plagiarism is much easier to detect. I believe that all news organization should randomly filter the stories of staffers through the plagiarism detection software. Kind of like urine tests for texts. .

Is Plagiarism More Likely in the Internet Age?Roy Peter Clark Talks About

How to Avoid Plagiarism in an Online WorldBy Tony Rogers, About.com Guide

What about college media?

PlagiarismWhen you plagiarize, you violate two of the most important standards we uphold as journalists: honesty and accuracy. This document is to help you understand the Cronkite School’s standard on plagiarism and what is expected of you as a Cronkite student.Plagiarism consists of using someone else’s words, phrases, sentences or ideas without giving credit. This is true whether you do it intentionally or inadvertently.Students most often get into trouble when they cut and paste information from the Internet. There are two main ways to avoid this and other kinds of plagiarism:

– Quote and attribute. Use the exact words in quotation marks and include who said it or wrote it.

– Paraphrase and attribute: Use your own words, but still include who said it or wrote it.

ASUWalter Cronkite School of JMC

What about the pros? Jerry Ceppos, former vice president for news

of Knight Ridder and now dean at LSU:– Every American newspaper has a problem with plagiarism.

– American journalism schools give ethics instruction short shrift. (Hynes study: Only half have an ethics course.)

– Knight Ridder has a virtually zero-tolerance rule. “We decided -- and this happened at the highest levels -- that when someone is fired because of plagiarism, when a reference check comes in … we will say, “the guy was fired for plagiarism.”

Interview with John McManus, GradeTheNews.com, Jan. 13, 2006

Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald– Plagiarism is one of journalism’s unforgivable sins — and, at this

newspaper, a dismissible offense. Material taken from other newspapers and other media must be attributed.

San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News– Plagiarism exists in many forms, from the wholesale lifting of

someone else’s writing to the publication of a press release as news without attribution. The daily newspaper should be an original work. Do not borrow someone else’s words without attribution.

Sioux Falls (S.D.) Leader– Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise– Plagiarism is the act of lifting the words and work of others and

representing it as one’s own. It will be a firing offense at The Enterprise.

Compiled by the Society of Professional Journalists

‘You can quote me on that….’

Advice on attribution for journalists, by Steve Buttry, Oct. 31, 2011– MiddletownPress.com article from Patch

“Attribution is one of journalism’s most serious issues. Plagiarism is inexcusable.”– “How do you know that? Attribution is a key

ingredient in any story’s credibility.”

“When should we attribute? Attribute any time that attribution strengthens the

credibility of a story. Attribute any time you are using someone else’s

words. Attribute when you are reporting information gathered

by other journalists. Attribute when you are not certain of facts. Attribute statements of opinion. When you wonder whether you should attribute, you

probably should attribute in some fashion.”Steve Buttry

‘You can quote me on that….’

What can YOU do about it?Make expectations clear to staffersUse a high-tech method to combat? (i.e.

Turnitin.com)Have clear consequences/policy

– F on article?– F for the course?– Kicked off staff? Suspended temporarily?– Write and publish an apology

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