In order to understand plagiarism, it is worthwhile to understand and respect the process of sharing and creating new ideas in the university setting. First, it should be understood that all knowledge is built from previous knowledge. Very little that we do within the world of academics or business would be possible if it were not for those who went before us. As we read, study, experiment, and gather perspectives, we are merely "standing on the shoulders of giants". This is not to say that all that can be learned has been, it just simply means you realize the process of knowledge is less about the individual and more about fields of study. However, by building on other people's ideas, we hopefully create our own original thought.
So what happens when you put your ideas down on paper? When you do this your instructors will be able to distinguish between the building block ideas borrowed from other people and your own newly reasoned perspectives or conclusions. When you write a research paper or essay you make these distinctions by citing the sources for your building block ideas. On a side note, giving clear credit for your ideas matters in the professional community as well as the academic community.
So why are professors so strict about citing sources? Think of it this way: in the vast majority of assignments you'll be assigned while attending university, your instructors will ask you to read something. OK, easy enough. These assigned books, journals, essays, and papers are the building blocks for your new thought. Upon reading you assigned work, generally the next step is for you to write a paper in which you analyze one or more aspects of what you just read. Thus your opportunity to explore the new structure you build. If that is too abstract, let's keep it simple. When instructors are asking you to site your work they really want to know the following things:
First and foremost they want to know that you actually read the assigned work.
Second, they want to see that you have a clear understanding of the material you've been asked to read. By the time you reach university the instructor's job is to challenge you as a student, not simply supply you with facts.
Third, professors want to see you refer to your sources to support the ideas you have developed. Professors will generally only assign books or essays by authors that they respect. Thus citing specific pieces of an authors work gives the professor a chance to see whether or not you were able to pick out the key concepts.
Fourth, and probably the most important, professors want to see that you can distinguish your analysis from the author's analyses. Anyone can recite, but analysis takes more work.
Lastly, remember that when you cite a source you are using an expert's ideas as proof or evidence of your new idea. It is important to communicate this clearly to the reader. Do not think of sources as a way of filling your paper with random facts, professors want to know what you think.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- How to Present Your Research Paper Ideas
- Research Paper Rubric Tips and Tricks
- How to Find Research Paper Topics from Everyday Life
- How to Write Exclusive Research Papers
- The Basics of Writing a Research Paper
- Common Challenges With Research Papers
- Writing a Research Paper – the Complete Guide!
- The Research Papers Writing – Two Different Approaches!




Law School? - Consider These Things
By: May Smith | 05/07/2009Getting into a law school can open doors to much greater opportunities. If you are really committed to enter in a law school, there are some things that you need to consider.
Prepaiding Your Cell Phone Service
By: Daniel Stouffer | 04/07/2009There are a variety of different prepaid cellular phone plans options available, but many of them come with a contract and a requirement to purchase a certain type of service every month for a given term. In many circumstances, consumers will want to opt for a prepaid plan. Still others may have had some difficulties in the past and carry a poor or nonexistent credit rating.
IIPM B School Delhi Young Indians Summit
By: Kartik | 04/07/2009India on the rise, Aspire to succeed - IIPM Business School Summit
6 Day CCIE Security Mock Lab Workshops supplied by CathaySchool
By: Woly | 04/07/2009Travel to our training center in the fantastic country China, where you can enjoy different culture, and join our highly certified team of CCIE instructors. We proudly offer a variety of CCIE Security bootcamps each designed for CCIE candidates at different level in their CCIE journey.
Chrysler vehicles overview and locksmiths by Arizona Keys Locksmith
By: Sam Jackson | 03/07/2009Chrysler cars and locks
LGV Training in Just Five Days
By: J Mikula | 03/07/2009Short LGV training courses can be completed in as little as 5 days. You might be wondering what doors of opportunity such a short training course opens. To look at this issue in the right perspective, it would be enlightening to know what components are attached to these types of programs. Perhaps the most important components are the instructors themselves.
The truth about IDEA - Who is Deborah Blair Porter?
By: Ericha Parks | 03/07/2009IDEA is also known as Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. Though it is only 19% funded by the federal government, the federal government mandates all of the services. The school districts pay over 50% out-of-pocket.
Rapid HGV Training
By: J Mikula | 03/07/2009With people losing their jobs by the thousands, it won’t come as a surprise if you know of someone who’s looking for a job nowadays. In fact, you might not even have to look beyond yourself to find that someone. If you’ve just lost your job, know of someone who has, or if you’re simply one of those who is just searching for one, you might want to know that there is an industry that has an unbelievable number of vacancies.
Teenagers Today -Example Scholarship Essay
By: Phil Forp | 20/08/2008 | EducationIn the old days, teenagers played a secondary role in the society. They never assumed any responsibility nor was it offered. The elders usually played all the important roles and the youth was made legally responsible only after they attained certain age. In many matters, the decision of the elders...
Medicine in Elizabethan England
By: Phil Forp | 15/07/2008 | MedicineDuring the reign of Henry VIII (1485-1509) in England, the royal confiscation of monastic land s and church properties put a huge crutch on the entire charitable system. Between 1536 and 1544, one would have to search far and wide for medical help, and there was absolutely no help for...
Federal Emergency Management Agency Fails
By: Phil Forp | 02/06/2008 | PoliticsIn the wake of a tragedy we are often left in a state of complete and utter shock. Especially in events where our homes are destroyed and our loves one separated from us, our minds are the furthest thing from rational or clear. The unfortunate part about this fact is...
Why Instructors Are Concerned About Plagiarism
By: Phil Forp | 15/05/2008 | EducationIn order to understand plagiarism, it is worthwhile to understand and respect the process of sharing and creating new ideas in the university setting. First, it should be understood that all knowledge is built from previous knowledge. Very little that we do within the world of academics or business would...