Plagiarism, the scary specter

In the world of writing, whether scientific or popular articles, there are ethics that must be maintained and adhered to. One of them, the article we create must be free from plagiarism. Acts of plagiarism are regarded as unspeakable, devious, vile, and reprehensible. Why is that? That's because this act of plagiarism not only hurts the values of honesty that are built and adhered to by intellectuals/ academics but can also be equated with criminal acts such as stealing and even robbing. Of course, what is stolen and robbed is someone else's idea or idea.

John Conde from Pixabay

Plagiarism is strongly opposed in the intellectual and academic world. That's because the intellectual and academic world is built on pillars of honesty, openness, consistency, and other sublime characteristics. Plagiarism hurts not only one but all of these academic pillars. If these pillars have been injured, it can be in the intellectual and academic world will collapse its credibility. In short, the intellectual and academic world which has been considered great, sacred, and honorable will fall in the eyes of our society. 

Why is plagiarism so rife? 

Wray and Bloomer (2006:237) in their book Projects in Linguistics: A Practical Guide to Researching Language, intelligently classify the main causes of plagiarism, including:

The first is the feeling of laziness. If this lazy feeling has attacked or plagued someone, then the person concerned does not want to bother thinking; Moreover, composing intellectual work is usually born from a painstaking process. The slacker will usually take shortcuts, namely by plagiarism. It still cools down if the slacker asks others—such as ghostwriters and shadow writers—to write intellectual work. This method is done by those who happen to have property or can afford to pay others. But for slackers who do not want to think and do not have the wealth to pay others, usually, will plagiarize. 

Second, heeded the rules even though he understood even understood them. This model is more widely embraced by people. This model arises also triggered by laziness as outlined. Because the sense of laziness is so great, while circumstances require someone to produce intellectual work, plagiarism becomes an option. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited by law, even by religious teachings. However, because laziness has soared in his or her “head”, self-control becomes nil to ignore the prohibition. It is natural that those who understand the law or rules are more violators of what they understand. That's ironic! 

Third, there is a false assumption that the perpetrator of plagiarism will not be penalized. This assumption arises when the government as the maker and guardian of the law has been absent more often. In other words, the government has been silent more often, when the practice of plagiarism has occurred everywhere. Like corruption, the new government acts when there is a strong insistence from the public. Without strong pressure, the government through its law enforcement officials, more often allows the illegal practice to occur. 

Another cause of rampant plagiarism in the academic world of scientific journals is poor management. Learning from Singapore, scientific journals are managed by specialized institutions, not lecturers. In the neighboring country, the task of lecturers related to research is only research and writing. While in Indonesia, in addition to researching and writing, lecturers get the task of managing scientific journals. As a result, the workload of lecturers increases in weight.

How to avoid plagiarism

Ethical writers certainly always keep their dignity by avoiding the scourge of plagiarism. Plagiarism is different from quoting. Why? Because in quoting it the source of the quote is mentioned accurately. In short, the bearer wants to honestly mention the source of the quote accurately, so that there is no attempt to "acknowledge" the quote as a result of the thought, idea, or idea in question. So what should writers do to resist plagiarism? Here are tips so that we do not fall into plagiarism:

First, write the source of the quote. Whether we are quoting directly or paraphrasing the ideas of others, the law must include the source of the citation. This action indirectly we have respected the hard work of others for their ideas and ideas. The author we quote the idea will certainly be happy because his thoughts are still other writers. This will certainly enhance his reputation as a writer.

Second, In taking notes on quotes or ideas, always give a sign (e.g. give quotation marks). Although only a few words, if indeed it is a direct quote of other people's ideas use quotation marks by not forgetting to include the source of the quote. Unique words or phrases that cannot be changed, are quoted. Study and follow the scientific notation guidelines of the citation carefully. 

Third, in making paraphrasing, do not while reading the original text. Paraphrasing is taking other people's ideas by using their sentences while still recording the source of the quote. Why is it advisable not to read the original text? This is because we are often stuck thinking instant and lazy thinking so that unconsciously the original text is carried away in paraphrasing. Therefore, double-check your paraphrasing results with the original text, to match the accuracy of interpretation, and avoid similarities in words or sentences.

Fourth, use the similarity test application. Kita can also avoid plagiarism by using similarity test software applications, namely Unplag.com, Writecheck, Copyscape, DupliChecker, PlagScan, Viper, PlagTracker, Turnitin, and much other software both free and subscription.

Fifth, always imagine the devastating effects of plagiarism. This method is powerful. Writers should always think about the adverse effects of plagiarism. There have been many examples, a person's career is hampered just because he has done plagiarism unconsciously let alone realized.

Good writers should be afraid when doing the slightest act of plagiarism. Be a writer who upholds ethics!