How to Use Sources in a Research Paper and Avoid Plagiarism - 3 Easy Steps

Summary

This video script emphasizes academic integrity, focusing on paraphrasing and proper citation as key skills. It explains that paraphrasing involves rewording others' work with one's own voice, while maintaining originality and integrity. The script clarifies misconceptions about paraphrasing and stresses the importance of in-text citations. It also discusses the appropriate use of direct quotations, advocating for their use in defining concepts, responding to wording, or preserving succinct phrasing. The video underscores the necessity of academic honesty to avoid plagiarism and build trust within the academic community.

Takeaways

• 📚 Academic integrity is crucial for students, instructors, and staff alike.
• 👥 Integrity involves honest behavior and accountability to one another.
• 📝 Proper attribution is necessary to avoid plagiarism and maintain trust.
• 🔑 Paraphrasing is a key skill for using sources responsibly and maintaining your voice.
• 🌟 Paraphrasing should synthesize others' work with your own while repeating key terms.
• 📖 Responsible paraphrasing means rewriting the original text in your own phrasing.
• 📑 Clear attribution involves using both narrative and parenthetical in-text citations.
• 💡 Direct quotations are used for accurate definitions, responding to wording, or preserving succinct phrasing.
• 🔗 Signal phrases help connect your ideas with direct quotations and maintain flow.
• ✏️ Academic writing prioritizes your original thoughts, supported by paraphrases and quotations.

Q & A

What is the importance of academic integrity?

Academic integrity is crucial as it reflects honest behavior and adherence to standards of behavior expected in an educational setting. It guides interactions with classroom material and sources, ensuring trust within the academic community.

Why is it important to be accountable to each other in an academic setting?

Accountability ensures that all members of the academic community act with integrity, which is essential for maintaining trust and avoiding academic dishonesty such as plagiarism.

What is the role of paraphrasing in academic writing?

Paraphrasing is a key skill in academic writing that allows students to synthesize the work of others with their own words while maintaining their authorial voice, thus avoiding plagiarism.

How does paraphrasing contribute to the integrity of a student's work?

Paraphrasing contributes to a student's work integrity by allowing them to integrate information from outside sources responsibly, giving authority to their work while maintaining their own voice.

What is the misconception about paraphrasing mentioned in the script?

The misconception is that the original passage must be put entirely 'in your own words.' However, it is acknowledged that certain articles, prepositions, and key words must be repeated in responsible paraphrasing.

How does clear attribution of sources help in maintaining academic integrity?

Clear attribution through in-text citations and reference citations ensures proper credit is given to the original sources, preventing plagiarism and upholding academic integrity.

What are the two types of in-text citations mentioned in the script?

The two types of in-text citations are narrative and parenthetical. Narrative citations include the author's name and date as part of the sentence, while parenthetical citations place this information in parentheses at the end of the sentence.

Why is it important to use signal phrases when introducing a quotation?

Signal phrases alert the reader to an upcoming quotation and help transition smoothly from the author's voice to that of the quoted source, avoiding 'hanging quotations.'

Under what circumstances should direct quotations be used in academic writing?

Direct quotations should be used to provide accurate definitions, respond to specific wording, or preserve an author's memorable or succinct phrasing, always with clear justification.

Why might teachers or publications limit the number of quotations in academic work?

Quotations are limited to emphasize the importance of the writer's original thoughts and analysis, ensuring that the work is primarily the student's own and not overly reliant on others' words.