Plagiarism is a concern in academic writing, especially with increased access to AI tools. AI tools can help students with ideas, structure or writing but if used improperly can create inadvertent plagiarism. If you are using an AI tool or if you are getting support from assignment helpers – writing programs, group tutors online – you should ensure that the finished output is original and referenced properly. This blog will show you how to avoid plagiarism while still making the most of the support available.
Understanding Plagiarism and Its Relevance in Academia
Plagiarism involves taking someone else’s words or ideas and calling them your own. Whether it is an accident or deliberate act, it doesn’t matter; the result is the same and can have serious consequences.
Types of Plagiarism
- Direct Plagiarism. Copying others’ words directly from a source and not citing.
- Paraphrased Plagiarism. Rewording someone else’s idea and not identifying that source.
- Plagiarism by citation. Citing incorrectly or not completely citing.
- Self-plagiarism. Turning in your prior work as new work without permission or acknowledgement.
- Mosaic Plagiarism. Putting together ideas and phrases from multiple sources with insufficient originality or citation.
What are the consequences of plagiarism?
- Academic Consequences: Potentially receiving a lower mark, failing modules or worse, being expelled.
- Future Impacts: Your reputation at Cambridge could be ruined forever or you could lose your scholarship or miss out on a future opportunity.
- Easily Found: With plagiarism checkers and systems such as Turnitin or originality.ai, it is almost impossible to successfully ‘plagiarize’ even with heavy paraphrasing, especially where AI is involved!
The Rise of AI Tools in Academic Writing
AI tools can elevate the genuine writing process if you understand how to utilise the tools correctly, and you need to know the tools’ limitations to uphold your originality!
Benefits of Using AI Tools
- Idea Generation: AI is beneficial for producing rough outlines and arguments.
- Grammar and Spelling Checking: Some AI tools, such as Grammarly, are great for honing the language in your work.
- Drafting Help: AI will even help you write a rough draft quickly to use as a springboard for your writing (not for submission).
- Support for Non-Native Writers: AI can improve fluency and structure.
Hidden Plagiarism Issues with AI
- Over-Dependency: If you are copying text from AI, then your work is not original.
- Common Phrases: AI may repeat phrases that are online, which could trigger a plagiarism detector.
- Lack of Citation: AI does not have creativity or understanding and cannot substitute for your analysis and citation.
Proven Ways to Prevent Plagiarism (Either With or Without AI)
Master these skills to help prevent plagiarism in academic writing:
Research and do not plagiarise first
- Use a variety of appropriate sources and materials (not just the first things you stumble upon).
- Summarise and take notes in your own words.
- Identify the main argument and supporting evidence while reading.
- Keep accurate records of your sources (this will make it easier to cite later).
- Formulate your ideas about the topic before you begin to write.
Make Sure You Paraphrase Properly
- Make sure you understand the original idea completely before you paraphrase.
- Change both the wording and structure; don’t just use a thesaurus.
- Make sure to restate the idea in “your own” way.
- You can use AI paraphrasers to help you, but review and make it your own.
- Make sure you source the source, even after you paraphrase.
Always Cite Your References
- Obtain you schools referencing style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.).
- Always give credit if you are using someone else’s ideas, information, or direct quotes.
- Utilize the other citing tools, like Zotero and Mendeley, and the built-in referencing tool that is available with your word processing software.
- If you are ever in doubt, it is much safer to cite than risk being accused of plagiarism.
Use the Plagiarism Detection Tools
- There are many paid and free tools, such as Turnitin, Grammarly, QuillBot Checker, or Originality, to use to scan your work to find unoriginal content.
- Before you submit, scan any AI-generated text using these tools.
- Be sure to read the report and look out for the flagged phrases and make changes if necessary.
- While these tools are beneficial, always remember to use your best judgement in addition to these tools.
Using AI Tools Appropriately
Learning how to use AI tools ethically is a good step to prepare you for success.
Make AI Your Publishing Assistant, Not Your Publishing Author
- Using AI can be beneficial for outlining, brainstorming, or even polishing your work, but it should never be used to write your entire paper.
- Request it to provide suggestions, but never request a paper or an essay.
- Use artificial intelligence, proofreading, checking, and section summary suggestions.
Make AI Text More Human and Then Check Your Voice
- You can use “AI humaniser” tools to adjust tone, but include assurance for your voice to come through when revising.
- Make corrections to spelling, grammar, and edits to make sure the writing sounds like you and academic writing.
- Finally, verify facts, and then combine the information provided by the AI with your prior research.
- Read the revised AI text with a plagiarism detection program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Copying without processing and therefore without citing AI or online sources.
- Forgetting to cite any data, paraphrased idea, or information that is less than obvious to the reader.
- Relying upon AI outputs – before checking and attributing manually to the original works.
- Choosing the wrong style for your assignment.
- Racing against the clock as it ticks down to your deadline for an assignment by taking shortcuts regarding proper research and referencing.
Conclusion: Academic integrity is what matters
Simply put, your academic honesty is what sets your work apart. You should always try to research, reword, and cite the sources you use. AI tools and assignment helpers can support your writing process at times, but they should never replace your work and understanding. Good writing is the amalgamation of what you have learned, and your unique voice.
If you are ever feeling lost during the writing process, please reach out for support, such as from your peers, tutors, or other writing support that your university may have. It is always better to seek support and focus on your own work, than to seek short cuts that others might take, that will lead you to an academic integrity issue. Just let your voice be heard with robust research and responsible writing practices.
