Academic Integrity at Northeastern University Boston

Irony Laboratory reports are like any other deliverable in school. They require original work, and the citation of work borrowed from others. When referring to prior research, I need to cite that research properly. When I like an idea or theory, I can include that in my paper as long as I give credit to the source. If I like someone else's words, I can quote those words and give credit. This way, I will not be plagiarizing.

Laboratory reports are not like essays in that our laboratory partners are working with the same basic concepts, variables, and ideas. My partner and I will have worked together and therefore share the same hypotheses and conclusions. However, there are ways of delivering different laboratory reports based on our collaborative work ("General Information," 2014). Methods of writing a report independently will include receiving help from a writing tutor, as long as the tutor only helps me correct my grammar.

When we receive help with our writing from tutors, we can improve our work without plagiarizing. Of course, inventing data, forging lab results, and altering lab results are types of fabrication and are prohibited ("Academic Integrity Policy," 2014). The Northeastern University Citation and Academic Integrity Checklist (2014) is a helpful way to remind myself of the parameters of plagiarism during every laboratory report and any other material I produce for class. Because software like "Turnitin" can be highly sensitive, it is important to remember to provide citations.

I have learned that it can be difficult to distinguish between what is common knowledge and what is considred proprietary information. The Northeastern University Citation and Academic Integrity Checklist (2014) does not clearly distinguish between what might be common knowledge and what is not. For example, I know some things about chemistry that I believe to be common knowledge but my sister does not. My sister knows some things about history that she believes to be common knowledge.

When in doubt, I need to create a citation, even if it means looking up what I already know and finding a source to cite. This safeguards me against disciplinary actions and ensures that I learn the proper citation methods, too. When I have a new idea, I might be accused of stealing it if the professor does not believe that I am capable of independent thought. In these cases, I can appeal the case.

Strategies for avoiding violations in the future include relying on the Citation and Academic Integrity Checklist (2014) each time, asking my writing tutor to proofread and make sure I cited everything properly, never purchasing a pre-written paper, and not copying from my laboratory partner. The strategies also include working harder, improving my writing skills, and citing everything just in case including my own work because self-plagiarism is a problem (Citation and Academic Integrity Checklist, 2014).

I have also learned that many of the essays in online databases are poorly written and therefore not worthy of citation. In addition to citing my own sources, proper sources to use in my academic work include articles published in peer-reviewed journals, which are most honored and preferable. Books published at university publishing houses are also valuable sources, especially when they are.