Detecting and Preventing Plagiarism

MEGASEARCH ENGINES 

DOGPILE.COM http://www.dogpile.com
Vivisimo            http://www.vivisimo.com

FREE PAPER MILLS (Examples)

Find a detailed list at: 

CHEATING 101: Papermills and You 
(From Margaret Fain at Coastal Community College) 

FULL TEXT ONLINE TOOLS NOT SEARCHABLE BY SEARCH ENGINES: 
(Some examples) 

Online Techniques:

  • Select a phrase at least two paragraphs from the beginning of the text.

  • enter the phrase in the search engine box IN QUOTATION MARKS.

Text analysis Techniques: 

  • Check for unusual formatting or formatting that does not match what you require such as:
    • website printout page numbers or dates
    • grayed out letters  (these are link URLS)
    • inappropriate use of upper/lower case and capitalization.
    • URL or address on the paper.
  • Syntax and vocabulary issues, such as:
    • jargon.  
    • advanced vocabulary.  
    • sentence structure.
    • references to professors who don't exist. 
    • present tense discussion of historical issues.
  •  Assess quotations. 
    • Do they sound like quotes from an interview or transcript?
    • Do quotes appear without matching references in the works cited list?
    • Are charts or graphs discussed but missing?
  • Match the paper to the original assignment.
    • Is any required element missing?
    • Does any text read in a disjointed manner ?
    • Is it the correct type of paper, e.g. argument, descriptive,analysis, position, first person, narrative?
    • Does the approach to the topic match the requirements spelled out in the assignment.
  • Examine the works cited list for
    • correct citation style.  
    • date of publication. (Watch for old materials ONLY!)
    • consistent citation style.  
    • inactive websites.
    • matches between body of the text and the works cited list. 
  •  Miscellaneous
    • Are there many items cited that the library does not have?
    • Are paragraphs inserted randomly?
    •  Is there a cut-and-paste feel to the paper?
    • Can the student discuss the content appropriately?

Free Software

Bloomfield, Lou. Free software to detect plagiarism: Plagiarism Resource Site

Paid Databases from the STCC Library: 

  • Ebscohost

  • Infotrac

  • Lexisnexis

FOR PROFIT PLAGIARISM ANALYSIS TOOLS:

*     The site has many useful tools, but please note the following caveat:

Plagiarism Detection

Date: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:26:33 -0700  
From: Colleen Crowley Subject:
RE:  The TurnItIn database was mentioned in an article in the May 17th (2002) issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education. The problem that they discussed with that database, was the fact that the TurnItIn.com staff do not obtain student's permission for keeping the paper in their database. But do check out the article for more complete and accurate info.