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Step 5: Cite the article
It is essential that you properly cite your research resources.
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Avoiding plagiarism
Sometimes "plagiarism can result from a misunderstanding of the conventions
used in documenting sources or, perhaps even more frequently, from errors
made in the process of conducting research and taking notes." (Guide to
Library Research, Duke University) Or, more ominously, it is intentional.
GW's Code of Academic Integrity is explicit. Plagiarism is "intentionally
representing the words, ideas, or sequence of ideas of another as one's
own in any academic exercise; failure to attribute any of the following:
quotations, paraphrases, or borrowed information." Technology has made
plagiarism easier, it has also made it easier to detect.
Avoid problems by doing careful and honest research. Here are some resources
that can help you avoid plagiarism:
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Use the most appropriate citation style
In many cases your professor will require that you use a particular style
in your citations. The style includes such things as punctuation, order
or the citation elements (author, title, etc.) and so forth. These things
are very specific. Common ones are MLA (Modern Language Association), APA
(American Psychological Association), Chicago, and Turabian. Here are online
resources for each style:
You may also consult the print versions of each of these resources. Ask
at the Reference & Information Desk in Gelman Library.
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If in doubt, ask for advice
Talk with your professor if you have questions about how to use, adapt,
or cite another scholar's ideas or analysis. You may also ask for advice
from a Reference Librarian or from the people at GW's
Writing Center. Remember: avoiding plagiarism is your own
responsibility.
Better safe than sorry!
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