Avoiding Plagiarism in Reviews

Plagiarism is a form of cheating that is defined as "copying of the language, structure, idea, and/or thoughts of another and claiming or attempting to imply that it is ones own original work (Mckeon, 2000). As I gather information to write this text, I constantly am at stress to not forget to quote or reference my resources. Most students, when they are accused of plagiarism, state that they cannot think of a way to state the text without using the same thought as the original author.

When writing reviews you need to come up with original opinions based upon your previous knowledge, not what another reader has given as theirs. Even to paraphrase a review, to me, is treacherous. The writer might read the opinion of another reviewer and then state what that reviewer believes and offer a rebuttal or agreement, but to read a review and then take the same slant is pure plagiarism. Your opinion of what you have read should be the definitive statement of review. A citation must be placed where the opinion is not yours.

Even editing a passage by changing a few of the words is still plagiarism. The idea must come solely from your critical and creative thinking toolbox which is your creative abilities and not those of another. Express your fact based opinion when developing your argument and only uses the review of another to help you come up with your own thoughts.

Not only the thoughts and the written word an attraction for plagiarism, with the information and production available with technology, plagiarism can now be found in graphs, drawings, artwork, and even the use of the spoken word without given proper credit. Many researchers use interviews to give credibility and substance to their work, but if the interviewee is quoted, they must also be citied. The spoken word heard on T.V., the radio, internet chat room, or casual conversations are all subject to scrutiny when presented as your own ideas.