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EE 777 Undergraduate and MS Student Projects

How to Avoid Plagiarism

The best way to avoid plagiarism is to cite your sources. Here are some tips:

  • Keep track of your sources in a method that works for you
    This is a major function fulfilled by your literature review, so use it to keep track of your sources
     
  • Know when to cite a source:

    Here are some questions to help you decide:
    1. Did you think of the idea? 
      Yes → Do not need to cite anything. 
      No→ Go on to question #2.

       
    2. Is the idea common knowledge? 
      Yes → Do not need to cite anything. 
      No → Cite the source.
       (Harris, 20)
       
  • Know what sources to cite:
     
    What to Cite
    You must cite someone else's
    words you quote
    words you summarize
    words you paraphrase
    idea (interpretation, opinion, conclusion)
    data
    graph
    photograph
    drawing
    table of information
    experiment
    example
    unique concept
    apt phrase
    expression of common knowledge
    solution to a problem
    speech
    video source (film, TV, etc.)
    the structure or sequencing of facts, ideas, or arguments
    You do not have to cite your own
    words
    idea (interpretation, opinion, conclusion)
    data
    graph
    photograph
    drawing
    table of information
    experiment
    example
    unique concept
    apt phrase
    expression of common knowledge
    solution to a problem
     
     
     
     


    ​                        
(table from Harris, 18)
Harris, Robert. A. Using Sources Effectively: Strengthening Your Writing and Avoiding Plagiarism. Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing, 2002.

Adapted from the L.V. Johnson Library, Plagiarism, Copyright & Fair Use

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