This document discusses literature searching, referencing, citation, and avoiding plagiarism. It defines plagiarism and reasons for plagiarizing. It emphasizes the importance of citing references to avoid plagiarism and explains how to properly cite direct quotes, paraphrases, and ideas from other works. The document also provides guidance on note taking, developing your own voice, and writing references and bibliographies.
Example from the introduction to one of my previous student reports. Showing students an example of citing and referencing in use clarifies concepts. (The 5 categories of intellectual property rights are common knowledge) Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Abbreviated list of references from previous slide. Quotes and paraphrase used have been highlighted. Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
King’s official position (which they may have read) Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Most students think they understand how to avoid plagiarism so why does it occur? These are the commonly accepted reasons for plagiarism. Cynical plagiarism is one of the less common reasons. Time pressure and lack of understanding are the most common. (From observation of the quiz that comes later in the lecture, the 93% have only a very basic understanding) Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
[General note taking is covered in PSE study skills.] Using this method when performing desktop research will save time later. What makes sense to the student when they write it may not do so in a few months time. [PSE students do not generally make use of bibliographic software] Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Mention that in staff student liaison meetings, most complaints brought to each meeting (e.g. lecturer went too fast etc) could be better dealt with by talking to the lecturer. Over 50% of students find that they do not understand the subject/their report, so there is no stigma in asking for help. Also common is that students find it difficult to paraphrase an original author. This leads on to the concept of “voice” (next 2 slides) Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
With 40% of students using references they do not understand, can they represent other people’s work fairly? Students often confused about the idea of “contributing something of their own” or writing something original Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Contributing something of your own includes all of the above. The scholars “voice” is the way a student synthesises the available information. This is what makes it original. Especially in the first year, students are not expected to be able to write as well as an expert. This will develop over their student career. Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Hand out black and white cards ready to vote on the next slides (black = plagiarism/mis-citation, white = correct citation) All of the information on the following slides is on the website listed at the end of the presentation Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Slide22: Incorrect: No reference to original author Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Slide 21: Correct: Author referenced. Rewritten in own words Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Slide23: Incorrect: First sentence not attributed to original author Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Some lecturers conflate the two terms. Explain the difference Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
References are written in different ways for different sources. These are all explained on the website. The 3 most common are shown on the next three slides. The important thing is to be consistent Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Not all of this information will be available to the student. At a bare minimum, the URL and date accessed will be enough if there is no other information available (although can the student rely upon that website’s information?) Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
Physics citation and databases notes 12/08/10
12/08/10 Physics citation and databases notes
Most students use Google but most are not aware of Google Scholar. Optional depending on group. 12/08/10 Physics citation and databases notes
N.B. academics have different views on Wikipedia. Some are promoting it. Some are banning it! Our position is pragmatic – students use it so let’s help them use it intelligently. If you want a fun page try ‘Exploding whale’! 12/08/10 Physics citation and databases notes
12/08/10 Physics citation and databases notes
Customise library info. N.B. We can’t encourage everyone to register at BL without reason! Note new prices for ILLs!
