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Michigan State University

PLS 800 Proseminar - Political Theory and Research Methods: Academic Integrity and Library Research

Academic Integrity

At Michigan State University, it is the student's responsibility to understand and comply with academic integrity standards. MSU's academic integrity policies are available through the Office of the University Ombudsperson.

When Do I Cite?

Are you confused about when to cite? This video will help clear up your questions!

Direct link to "When do I cite?" on MSU Mediaspace

Video credit: Megan Kudzia

A PowerPoint Message from the Graduate School

plagiarism - presentation by Gail M. Dummer

Types of Plagiarism

  • Verbatim copying without using quotation marks
  • Not using in-text or reference list citations to attribute quotations to the original author
  • Paraphrasing or summarizing other works without using in-text or reference list citations to attribute the paraphrased material to the original author
  • Quoting and paraphrasing a large portion of others' works without adding critical analysis; no new contribution to knowledge
  • Making errors in the reference citations so that the original source of information cannot be checked
  • Using fictitious references so that your project appears to be well-researched
  • Buying or paying someone to write a paper, or submitting someone else's writing as your own

Plagiarism Examples

Suppose you want to add information to your paper from an article you found at the MSU Libraries.  Here are some examples of proper and improper paraphrasing, and general advice about avoiding plagiarism in academic writing.