Documenting a Research Paper
C HAP T E R
14
RESE ARCH PAPER
338 Chapter 14 documenting a research paper
DOCUMENTING A
outcomes
learning
14.1 Avoiding plagiarism. 14.2 Determining when to cite or not cite a source.
>
In this chapter you will learn techniques for the following:
14.3 Applying the MLA format for in-text citations, a works cited page, and a research paper.
14.4 Applying the APA format for in-text citations, a references page, and a research paper.
14.1 >
Avoiding Plagiarism
Would you walk into a store, take something off the shelf, and shove it into your backpack because you think no one is looking? That is unethical, right? Stealing someone’s words or ideas without properly citing them is just as wrong. Many people cringe when they hear the word plagiarism, especially college students and English teachers. To understand how to avoid plagiarism, you need to be sure of exactly what it entails. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, there are four definitions for the verb plagiarize: 1. To steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own 2. To use (another’s production) without crediting the source 3. To commit literary theft 4. To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source All of these definitions represent serious forms of academic dishonesty. The consequences for committing plagiarism at the college level range anywhere from failure of an assignment or the entire course to permanent dismissal from college. This problem goes beyond school. In the workplace, people can be terminated for plagiarism. However, there is no need to panic. If you learn the proper techniques for avoiding plagiarism, then you will have nothing to fear. Basically, unless you are reporting commonly known facts or your original ideas, you need to document every source that you incorporate into your essay to avoid plagiarism. For example, if you are writing an essay on the effects of television violence on
14
RESE ARCH PAPER
338 Chapter 14 documenting a research paper
DOCUMENTING A
outcomes
learning
14.1 Avoiding plagiarism. 14.2 Determining when to cite or not cite a source.
>
In this chapter you will learn techniques for the following:
14.3 Applying the MLA format for in-text citations, a works cited page, and a research paper.
14.4 Applying the APA format for in-text citations, a references page, and a research paper.
14.1 >
Avoiding Plagiarism
Would you walk into a store, take something off the shelf, and shove it into your backpack because you think no one is looking? That is unethical, right? Stealing someone’s words or ideas without properly citing them is just as wrong. Many people cringe when they hear the word plagiarism, especially college students and English teachers. To understand how to avoid plagiarism, you need to be sure of exactly what it entails. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, there are four definitions for the verb plagiarize: 1. To steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own 2. To use (another’s production) without crediting the source 3. To commit literary theft 4. To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source All of these definitions represent serious forms of academic dishonesty. The consequences for committing plagiarism at the college level range anywhere from failure of an assignment or the entire course to permanent dismissal from college. This problem goes beyond school. In the workplace, people can be terminated for plagiarism. However, there is no need to panic. If you learn the proper techniques for avoiding plagiarism, then you will have nothing to fear. Basically, unless you are reporting commonly known facts or your original ideas, you need to document every source that you incorporate into your essay to avoid plagiarism. For example, if you are writing an essay on the effects of television violence on