How do I make sure I am using my sources properly?

This page last updated 04/03/2007

The internet provides a huge amount of information that you can use in your assignments.  Depending on the assignment, you may be permitted to use internet sources, but even if you are allowed to use them you need to be very careful about the actual process.  In particular, you need to avoid the temptation to simply copy and paste large sections of the text into your document.  This runs into the problem of plagiarism, which is defined as presenting someone else's ideas as your own.  Plagiarism is a serious offense and can have drastic effects on your academic career.  You must be careful to follow the guidelins set down by your instructor, and ask questions if you aren't certain what is or is not acceptable.  In the end, though it is your responsibility to make sure that you are following proper procedures. 

Many students think that plagiarism is only a problem if you copy something word for word.  In fact, you also must avoid the technique of paraphrasing, where you copy a block of text and then make modifications to the wording.  Students often think this is acceptable because you have changed as least some of the wording.  The problem is that plagiarism involves the theft of ideas not just the exact wording.  Even if you have not stolen someone else's wording you may have stolen their ideas.  This means it will be important to put your writing in your own words, but it will also be vital that you document your sources to make it clear that you are giving credit to other people for their ideas.  See the section below for guidelines on how you can document your sources properly. 

Here are some references on plagiarism:

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