Use Electronic Databases to Detect Plagiarism
The library subscribes to a long and varied list of
full-text databases that may be used in locating resources that have been
used without attribution. Searchers may select a database with
which they are familiar or one that fits the topical specifications of the essay in
question. The "Sort Databases by Subject" function at
the library's
Databases page may also be
helpful. Then, select keywords from the essay and search the database
for similar/identical texts.
Use Internet Search Engines to Detect Plagiarism
An internet search engine is also an effective starting point
for locating material that has been plagiarized.
Google
Advanced Search,
Yahoo Advanced Search, or
Metacrawler might be particularly useful, since search
results can be limited to exact wording or file formats, as well as other
characteristics. Select a phrase from an essay that seems particularly
suspicious based on changes in the writer's vocabulary, prose rhythm, or
comprehension of the materials and search for this exact phrase in the
search engine.
Free Resources for Detecting Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Resource Center
This University of Virginia site "distributes free software to detect
plagiarism and provides links to other resources." There are
limitations to this resource but it is one of very few free resources
available online.
Subscription Resources for Detecting Plagiarism
Eve: Essay
Verification Engine
This software searches the internet for documents matching those that are
submitted. It is an economical solution and has been advocated by a
number of Trinity professors.
Glatt
Plagiarism Services
Site offers a number of resources (at various price points) to help detect
plagiarism.
Turnitin.com
Associated also with Plagiarism.com, Turnitin.com considers itself the "standard" in online
plagiarism detection. The company's products have expanded to deal
with other classroom related tasks as well.
Writers who use the work and intelligence of other writers
without offering attribution do so for many reasons. These lines of
reasoning may suggest opportunities for deterring plagiaristic activity before
it occurs. A number of options
for deterring plagiarism are available at the following resources:
The following links provide further information related
to plagiarism and the need for giving attribution to research sources.
