7.6.2 Plagiarism

Plagiarism — presenting another author's words, ideas, data, or images as one's own without appropriate attribution — is treated as a serious form of...

Plagiarism — presenting another author's words, ideas, data, or images as one's own without appropriate attribution — is treated as a serious form of research misconduct by every reputable journal and academic institution, and is routinely screened for using text-similarity detection software such as Turnitin or iThenticate prior to peer review. Plagiarism extends beyond verbatim textual copying to include closely paraphrased text that inadequately transforms the original source's wording and structure, uncredited reuse of figures or data (including, notably, an author's own previously published work, a practice termed self-plagiarism or duplicate publication, which is likewise considered a form of misconduct), and the uncredited use of ideas or hypotheses encountered through informal channels such as grant review or manuscript peer review. Rigorous, contemporaneous citation practice during the literature review and writing process, together with genuine paraphrasing in one's own words rather than superficial word-substitution of source material, is the most effective safeguard against inadvertent plagiarism.