How Can I Check for Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is using the ideas and words of others without crediting the source of the information. Plagiarism negatively effects everyone involved; the cheater loses integrity and leaves himself open to severe consequences if discovered. The true author loses the ownership of her work. Author Nora Roberts, after becoming the victim of plagiarism, once said, "Certainly the plagiarism, and dealing with the fallout of it, was the most difficult thing I've ever faced since I started writing." Checking student reports and other documents for plagiarism is critical to stopping this harmful practice.
Things You'll Need
- Document file to be checked
- Computer with Internet access
- Viper Account (See Reference 3)
Instructions
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Dustball Check
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1
Open the document file you are reviewing. Copy the contents of the file that you wish to check for plagiarism.
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2
Open a web browser. Go to dustball.com and select plagiarism checker.
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3
Right-click and select "paste" in the indicated area. Click "check the paper."
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4
Read the plagiarism checker results. Make a note of any potential plagiarism found.
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5
If any plagiarism is found, take the appropriate steps as laid out by your school or organization.
Viper Check
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6
Go to scanmyessay.com. Select the download tab and download Viper.
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7
Install Viper on your computer. Launch the program and create a free account.
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8
Log into Viper. Select the document files to be scanned. Select the appropriate category.
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9
Go to section 2. Skip through section 2 go to section 3. Select "Search in the Internet" and click "Start."
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10
Review the results. Take the appropriate actions if you find any plagiarism.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always properly source any reference used in the creation of a paper. Most universities or professors will have a designated format such as MLA or APA.
Plagiarism checkers err on the side of caution. Just because a work is flagged as plagiarized does not mean that it definitely is.
Submitting plagiarized material can lead to serious academic consequences.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit writing book image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
