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Initial post 300 Words

It is important to understand when to “cite” within an APA formatted paper.  Discuss when it is appropriate to “cite” work, and discuss the meaning of “plagiarism” and “self-plagiarism”. 

First Reply

Ideas come from a variety of sources and while some maybe like any given persons own thoughts it is the responsibility of any scholar to give credit to those previous researchers, philosophers, or those knowledgeable on the topic being discussed. For this reason, citing is vital. “Cite the work of those individuals whose ideas, theories or research have directly influenced your work,” (American Psychological Association, 2012, p. 169). For example, if a person reads your work and you gathered information from numerous sources without citing then you are infringing on said persons right to gain the same knowledge you obtained during your research process or in other words plagiarizing. However, if an idea is common knowledge then it is not necessary to cite the source. 

If you are questioning whether the information is common knowledge consider who will be reading your work, and is the information discussed in everyday conversation. For example, the first African American First Lady was Michelle Obama would not need to be cited. However, if you used the following: The energy of mixing per site for a binary polymer blend with differing degrees of polymerization can be described through the Flory-Huggins equation, would need to be cited or would be considered plagiarized information. (Source:  Flory, P.J. (1953). 

Another reason a person should cite is to not self-plagiarize. “Whereas plagiarism refers to the practice of claiming credit for the words, ideas, and concepts of others, self-plagiarism refers to the practice of presenting one’s own previously published work as though it were new,” (American Psychological Association, 2012, p. 170). For example, if a student were to write a paper in one class and then turn it in for another class for which the topic relates but not cite, this would be self-plagiarism. In all the time I have been in school I have heard when in doubt you cite.

References: 

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). (2012). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Flory, P.J. (1953).  Principles of Polymer Chemistry.  Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

Second Reply

The process of gathering information for a paper, thesis, sermon or speech has always been a great adventure of mine.  Research forces you to dive into different angles, perspectives, as well as opinions of many different thought and expertise patterns.   As one explores the different types of expertise patterns, similar themes begin to appear.   As the theme overlaps in subject matter, one can start the process of pulling all-alike content together.   According to the American Psychological Association Sixth Edition Manual, the number of sources you cite in your work will vary by the intent of the article (169).  It is only fair and integrity filled to acknowledge how others contributed to your work (APA, 169).

Plagiarism is taking credit or rephrasing an idea or research as your own (APA, 170).   Self-plagiarism is a new concept to me.  Self-plagiarism refers to the practice of presenting one’s own previously published work as though it were new (APA, 170).

American Psychological Association. (2010) Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition. p. 170). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.