Academic Plagiarism: What You Should Know About Self-Deception
Perhaps the term is new to you. And, if this is the case, we are here to explain what academic plagiarism is. Generally speaking, and according to dictionaries, it is the act of reproducing a work, usually intellectual, performed by another person without giving credit to the person.
Now, in addition to vocabulary, let’s take a practical example: imagine the feeling of discovering that your task has been copied and someone is doing well with something you produced? And the reverse situation – you earning over something that isn’t yours? Boring, right?
To learn more about this very important subject, read on.
Whoever thinks that plagiarism is only present in the academic community is wrong.
In literature, music or art (in general), this is more common than you think – to see that there are people with bad intentions, who “copy and paste”, everywhere. And so you don’t fall for that wave, let’s just show you the three most common ways it appears:
– Partial: is when part of a text, sentence or paragraph is used, by one or more authors, without mentioning the works. That famous patchwork quilt, where your voice and theirs blend together as if they were one.
– Integral: here, the work of selecting excerpts to compose the text does not exist. It is the full copy, without removing or putting it, and without citing the source.
– Conceptual: it is the use of the idea, the essence of a work by another author, with elements little different from the original.
Knowing that not all types of plagiarism are the same, but that – deep down, deep down – the objective of those who do it is the same (copying), understand the reasons for running away from it.
Because it’s not cool
It’s simple: plagiarism is bad for those who suffer, but also for those who do. It’s something that only harms, after all, whoever copies doesn’t develop – and, therefore, doesn’t learn. And without understanding the content, progression stops.
Besides, it sucks. And let’s agree that no one would like to have their reputation tarnished or to feel “marked” (let alone accused) for this, right? Ethics are important not just in the educational setting, but in life.
And there’s more, those who only reproduce are not guaranteed in the market, since a good grade does not guarantee that you have that knowledge. Say, how are you going to manage if, in real life, you don’t have Ctrl C Ctrl V? In short, plagiarism is self-deception. But lying to yourself, at the time of practice, is very expensive.
More than problematizing, we want to bring you solutions. Let’s go!
Remembering that this action is considered a crime, according to the Brazilian Penal Code and the Copyright Law, should be enough. However, some practical tips on how to avoid plagiarism are:
– Write down important passages in your own words. That’s right. Thus, the chance of something written by you being characterized as a copy is unlikely;
– Make your own arguments based on what you read. Write down any and all ideas that respect and then tie them up;
– Do not use words as if they were yours. If you want to support your argument, great, use and abuse direct and indirect citations, but remember (always) to give credit to the author.
