The Bedford Researcher -- Chapter 7 Summary

Mike Palmquist's The Bedford Researcher Chapter 7 goes into detail about the steps necessary to avoid plagiarism. The chapter, titled Avoiding Plagiarism (AP), asks and answers the following questions: "What is plagiarism?" "What are research ethics?" "What is common knowledge?" "What is fair use and when should I ask permission to use a source?" "How can I avoid plagiarism?" and "What should I do if I'm accused of plagiarism?" AP discusses the fact that usually, plagiarism is unintentional and that this occurs from failing to use the proper technique, distinguishing between your information and someone else's. Chapter 7 warns that intentional plagiarism, however rare, can lead to a reduced grade or even the failure of a course. This can occur from patchwork writing, creating false citations, copying extended passages and passing it off as one's own writing, copying an entire document and passing it off as one's own writing, or purchasing a document to pass it off as one's own writing. AP also addresses the confusing situation of plagiarism in group projects. Chapter 7, section e, gives a detailed look on avoiding plagiarism. "Conduct a knowledge summary. Take notes carefully. Distinguish between your ideas and those drawn from your sources. Cite sources in the text and in a works cited or reference list. Recognize misconceptions about intentional plagiarism." When writing a research paper, there are a lot of confusing rules to keep track of that are important to remember. Chapter 7 is not only a much-needed warning against plagiarism, but a helpful tool in guiding the reader to writing with integrity and the knowledge that they are giving credit where credit is due.