As you begin to take notes for your research, it is important to understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. Interestingly, the word plagiarism is derived from the Latin word Plagiarus meaning kidnapper. Using another's ideas or concepts, wording, and paragraph organization without documentation also constitutes plagiarism. Often students inadvertently plagiarize by making minor changes in an author's wording. Also, some students incorrectly believe that paraphrased material does not need to be documented.
Plagiarism is a form of intellectual dishonesty.
The penalty for intentional plagiarism is usually substantial and can extend from failure of the paper, failure in the course, to expulsion from the institution. You may recall in recent years that notoriety regarding plagiarism has often followed people into the work world as it has in the case of a well-known senator and some business people. Your research paper reflects your scholarship. Since your paper demonstrates the knowledge you have gained and your ability to synthesize and organize, you will want it to represent your best efforts. Inadvertent plagiarism can be easily avoided if you take a few precautions.