Introduction

Understanding the principles of citation is essential to upholding academic integrity and respecting intellectual property. In this module, students will apply the concepts covered in previous lessons by analyzing examples of both appropriate and inappropriate source attribution. The objective is to strengthen citation skills and promote ethical academic practices in writing and research.

Guided Activity: Citation or Plagiarism?

Let us now evaluate two excerpts based on the use of a published source. Read the following examples and determine which demonstrates proper citation and which constitutes plagiarism.

Example 1 (Plagiarized):

“AI ethics require transparency and accountability.”

This sentence includes a direct quotation taken from a published source, yet it lacks attribution. Because there is no indication of the original author or publication details, this example constitutes plagiarism. Even when the content is quoted verbatim, failure to credit the source violates academic standards.

Example 2 (Correctly Cited):

According to Smith (2023), “AI ethics require transparency and accountability” (p. 14).

This version includes the author’s name, the year of publication, and a page number—consistent with APA citation guidelines. This is an example of proper citation, demonstrating respect for intellectual property and adherence to academic norms.

Practice Prompt

• Have I clearly identified the original author or source?
• Have I used the correct format for my citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)?
• If quoting directly, have I included quotation marks and page numbers?
• If paraphrasing, have I still acknowledged the source of the ideas?

Reflection and Application

Proper citation is not simply a technical requirement—it is a fundamental aspect of academic honesty. By consistently citing sources:

• You give credit to original thinkers and creators.
• You allow readers to locate and verify information.
• You demonstrate credibility and rigor in your work.
• You avoid the serious consequences of plagiarism.

Final Thoughts

Practicing ethical citation is a crucial component of digital citizenship and scholarly communication. As you continue your academic journey, remember that maintaining transparency in your use of sources upholds both your personal integrity and the values of the academic community.

In every paper, project, or presentation, strive to be not just informed—but ethical and accountable.