The Act of Plagiarizing | What's and why's?

The Act of Plagiarism | What's and why's?

Plagiarism | What does it mean?

The word “Plagiarism” comes from the Latin word “plagiaries”  which denotes a “kidnapper”  and  “plagium” which means “kidnapping someone”. As the name suggests, it is a form of ethical misconduct done to gain benefit from other’s ideas and research. 

The idea became common in the 20th century with the evolution of the Internet where one can find ideas and sources very easily. It is basically done with a mentality of gaining substantial benefits with copying someone else’s ideas and thinking it as short-cut trick.

Always refer to the 5 Golden Rules for any effective work.
For example, if you are getting money for free, will you not take it. Similarly, if you can copy someone else’s ideas and thoughts, why not take it?. It shows a lack of research and preparation for the person and will not help them in the long run.

Plagiarism Checker Board

Types of Plagiarism

When the word comes in mind, we only think of just “copying someone’s article and renaming the article”, but this is just one type of the crime. But, there are other types too:

Academic: Simply copying someone else’s article and reusing it. This is sometimes referred to as Content Copying

Musical: Copying someone’s music melody or tune.

Business: Copying someone’s business ideas and implementing with the same resources and tools.

Information: This form is basically found in the Journalism industry, where the anchor or the news reporter dissolves the integrity of the news displayed.

Although these are the types of unethical acts, there can be many methods or kinds in each type. The most common form is Academic.

Plagiarism ultimately does not help the Research Community or the society as a whole. While publishing an article, or creating music, our ultimate aim is to benefit society. The act of any form prevents such benefits and misguides the audience in someone’s favor. 

Do not think it is a joke and nobody can catch you. There are many Detection Softwares which will give prizes for your effort.  It makes resources less useful and your article or your piece of work will be just junk in the vast web. It also does not give credit to those who deserve it. 

While engaging in such acts you do not commit a crime, but you conduct an unethical behavior. There are various International societies and bodies like IEEE, ACM (Scientific Bodies) who keep a track of such unethical publishers and may take legal action of copyright violation against you.

Conclusion

Our ultimate aim in academic research is to contribute to the research community. By engaging in such malpractices we are ultimately doing nothing and our work and time will go in waste, so beware and do not indulge in such Malpractices or Scientific Misbehavior.

You can do effective and sustainable research by following these 5 Golden Rules which might help you in doing effective work and can save time.

Do shout if you need any help!