Avoiding Plagiarism: When & Why to Cite

Cite whenever you use something that came from someone/somewhere else.  This can include - but is not limited to - words, images, data, music, and formulae.

Cite regardless of your format - essay, PowerPoint, website, handout, etc.

Do not cite your own research, data, ideas, opinions, observations, compositions, images, etc.

You do not have to cite common knowledge.

When in doubt...cite!

At times it can be difficult to know when to cite or how to properly cite a source.  It may seem like more trouble than it's worth.  But there are very important reasons for referencing the works of others in your research:

• It gives you credibility by showing you've researched your topic
• It gives your arguments/ideas context and support
• It gives your work extra strength to quote powerful or unique language from the original author

Giving proper credit to the original author/creator of your source is not only important from an ethical standpoint, but it also tells your audience where they can find that information for themselves.

- Source: Academic Integrity at MIT, https://integrity.mit.edu/handbook/citing-your-sources/what-common-knowledge

Plagiarism has serious consequences in academia.  The consequences can be even more serious outside of academia; damaged reputation, job loss, and lawsuits.  There have been many famous cases of reporters, authors, politicians, and artists being caught plagiarizing. 

Watch this video on a famous case of copyright breach in the music industry.  It became very costly for the band The Verve.  But were they the only guilty parties here?