In other words, give proper attribution to where it was first published.Ī related issue concerns redundant publications, that is, republication of work that you have already published elsewhere. And second, make it absolutely clear that what you are saying is not new. If you do wish to re-use your own text, first ensure that you are not breaching any copyright you may have signed over to a journal publisher. Perhaps a better term may be text-recycling. Self-plagiarism seems to be an oxy-moron – after all, how can one steal from oneself? So strategies, such as careful note taking, or never doing a simple cut and paste from other work, should be used to protect yourself. It is important to recognise that plagiarism is relatively easy to detect, particularly in the current era.Īnd whilst it is possible to mistakenly plagiarise, that is generally not considered a defence. Plagiarism is clearly unacceptable, and in the more egregious cases, can lead not only to allegations of research misconduct, but also have serious consequences for a career in research.
to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.to use (another's production) without crediting the source.to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own.The Miriam –Webster online dictionary goes into greater detail: “The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own” The Oxford dictionary defines plagiarism as follows: