Library Research Guides: *The Research Process: A Guide for GWC Students: 5a. Avoid Plagiarism

Use Information Ethically

Plagiarism occurs when the creative work of another individual is imitated or used without authorization, or when the creative work of someone else is represented as one's own work.

Avoid cutting and pasting.
Basic, known facts are OK to use (e.g., Washington was our 1st President.)
Even if you are paraphrasing someone else's ideas using your words (rather than quoting), you must cite.
Give yourself time for the writing process.
Be careful when using Generative AI such as ChatGPT or Grammarly when writing. Check with your professor.

When in doubt, cite!

Student Code of Conduct, Coast Community College District
Rules for GWC Students: Plagiarism is considered academic misconduct, according to the Student Code of Conduct at Coast Community Colleges. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty can subject a student to disciplinary action. If you have questions about plagiarism, talk to a librarian.
Tutorial: Learn how to recognize and avoid plagiarism.
A plagiarism tutorial from San Jose State University. The goals of this tutorial are to: Define plagiarism; know when to cite sources used in your paper; know how to quote and paraphrase someone else's words or ideas; know some of the common citation methods, and to know the consequences for plagiarism.

The Plagiarism Spectrum
From Turnitin.com, the Plagiarism Spectrum identifies 10 types of plagiarism based on findings from a worldwide survey of nearly 900 secondary and higher education instructors. Each type has been given an easy-to-remember moniker to help students and instructors better identify and discuss the ramifications of plagiarism in student writing.