Discussion: Turnitin, High Similarity Score, Plagiarism …… “Oh, my!”

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In this first discussion, we will take a look at the Trident’s Academic Integrity Policy and the importance of paraphrasing and citing sources.

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Where is the Turnitin Similarity Report for a Submitted Assignment?

Review the following help video showing how to find the similarity score:

Trident University International. View your TurnItIn Similarity/Originality Report and Feedback; View TurnItIn Report. Retrieved from http://support.trident.edu/?page_id=3025

What Does Turnitin’s Similarity Report Tell Me?

If the similarity score is over 15%, be sure to click on the colorful box to see what is driving up the score. It could be that the match is just a citation, a heading, or the assignment instructions. But, if the report shows a match to another student’s paper or to another author or source, this may indicate that you are improperly using work prepared by someone else.

Quickly, before the first submission is graded, ask your professor not to grade it, if you choose to rework and resubmit it. It is in your best interest to submit papers a few days before the deadline so there is still time for the rework to arrive and be awarded timeliness points.

Scores that show a student “borrowed” wording from another source is a “red flag” to your professor that this may be a plagiarism issue.

Danger, Danger! Improperly Using Papers (and Parts of Papers) Written by Others

Creativecommons.org CC BY

With all the wonders of the Internet comes the temptation of purchasing papers from student paper-selling sources. The Turnitin software, however, reports to the professor and student what is driving up the similarity score. And, often, the software reports exactly where the original wording comes from.

Trident professors are trained how to respond in these instances by following the Academic Integrity policy.

Trident’s Academic Integrity policy

According to the policy–

Trident regards academic integrity as vital to the success of its students and to the reputation of the University as an institution of higher learning. Students attain their educational goals and enjoy an enriched academic experience only when there is effective learning. Effective learning occurs when students conduct their own research and are the sole authors of their work. The assessment of that learning is undermined when the originality of students’ work is questionable.

Trident therefore expects students to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity in all their work.

Plagiarism

The most common form of academic dishonesty is presentation of the work of another person as one’s own, referred to as “plagiarism.” Plagiarism is a serious academic infraction that tarnishes everyone associated with it. Civil and criminal penalties may also apply where conduct violates U.S. copyright laws. Also, violating this policy by failing to submit original work may be subject to loss of eligibility for tuition assistance or financial aid, including cancellation of awards and disbursements of aid.

In addition to the most common form, plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

• Contract Cheating: Hiring another person or organization to prepare and/or complete academic work on your behalf.
• Copy and Paste: Piecing together the work of other people, section by section or as a whole, and presenting such copied work as your own.
• Direct Duplication: Manual or electronic copying of the work of another person, including from an article, website, book, online repository, or another student, and presenting such copied work as your own.
• Paraphrasing: Restating another person’s work with minor changes, but maintaining the essence or meaning of the statement without properly citing the source.
• Submitting or Facilitating the Submission of Prior Work: Submitting work previously submitted for assessment whether created by oneself or another student.

Facilitating academic dishonesty is also a violation of Trident’s Academic Integrity policy. It includes but is not limited to:

• Intentionally assisting another student to commit an act of academic dishonesty.
• Attempting to assist another student to commit an act of academic dishonesty.

While facilitating academic dishonesty may not directly benefit the facilitator, it does assist another student in violation of the policy. To avoid plagiarism:

• Never represent the work of another person as your own. Use your own words in referring to the ideas or concepts of others, even when collaborating with other students.
• When you do use the idea of another person, give credit to the author/source. For example, you may state: “Another point of view, as espoused by Smith (2000), is that…”
• Use quotation marks for material (up to about 40 words in length) written by another person, and properly cite the source.
• Separate material (consisting of 40 or more words) written by another person by indenting a half inch, using no quotation marks, and properly citing the source.
• You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the course guidelines and the elements of a well-written paper. For questions or concerns regarding plagiarism, you are urged to contact your professor.

For the entire Academic Integrity policy, see 2019-2020 University Catalog—Policy Handbook, p. 45. Retrieved from https://www.trident.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Policy-Handbook_2019-2020.pdf

Writing Papers with the Highest Integrity

You can access a list of useful reference sources on how to write graduate-level papers…including APA citation style.

Important: Also view and follow the steps for successful paraphrasing in the video below:

University of Maryland, Baltimore Writing Center. (2017). The Art of Paraphrasing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=H1qo10dG5Gw.

Important Take-Away:

Do your own work. Discuss questions with your professor.

Don’t risk violating the Trident Academic Policy.

It just is not worth it.

Note: This section is written to start all classmates off with an understanding of academic integrity.

Discussion Assignment:

Early in the first week of Module 1, respond to the following:

1. Share what you have learned about the term “academic integrity” and how it relates to students preparing class assignments.
2. Share your knowledge, experience, and/or research related to writing a master’s-level paper that (a) does or (b) does not violate the academic integrity policy. For example, share with your peers any experiences you have had with similarity scores and paraphrasing in your ETH501 Case 1, ETH501 SLP 1, or in an undergraduate assignment from your prior degree program.
3. Explain which ethical philosophy (or philosophies) relate to academic integrity.
4. Do you think the university practice of using software to detect plagiarism issues is ethical? Why or why not?
5. Is finding a similarity score for each assignment a good learning experience for students (i.e., does it teach students to be better writers)? Why or why not? If not, how can it be improved upon?

Remember in this discussion forum that you should respond with substantial detail to this topic early in the module’s first week. This will be your “initial post.” For your initial discussion, also bring in information from at least one background source or your own research to help inform your classmates. Cite the source.

Then by week 2 of the module, respond to the posts of at least two of your classmates. Your responses should have depth of critical thought and not simply agree or disagree. For each response, also bring in information from at least one background source or your own research to help inform your classmates. Cite the source.

Assignment Expectations

Each post should be about 250-300 words.

Discussion posts will be assessed according to the following criteria on the discussion rubric:

Quality of initial posting (first discussion only): Initial posting reveals a clear understanding of all aspects of the discussion question; uses factual and relevant information; and demonstrates full development of concepts.

Quality of Responses to Classmates: Responds to the required number of students and to the professor, if appropriate. Demonstrates analysis of others’ posts; extends meaningful discussions by building on previous peer posts; and offers alternative perspectives.

Reference to supporting readings/information literacy: Refers to and properly cites either course and/or outside readings in posts, as required.

Critical thinking: Demonstrates mastery conceptualizing the problem; viewpoints and assumptions of experts are analyzed, synthesized, and evaluated; and conclusions are logically presented with appropriate rationale.

Timeliness: Initial post occurs in a timely manner (1-3 days into module) allowing ample time for classmates to respond and engage.

COURSE MATERIALS/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Module 1

Required:

Readings:

Byars, S., & Stanberry, K. (2018). Business Ethics. Rice University, OpenStax. Retrieved from http://cnx.org/content/col25722/1.3. pp. 7-22, 40-58. CC BY 4.0 license
(Click on the link above, and then click on the green Get This Book button. Choose PDF and open [or save] the file. Once you are in the PDF version of the book, you will be able to see the page numbers on each page.)

Duty-based ethics. (2014). BBC. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml

Videos:

Carneades.org. (2017, May 21). What is deontology? (normative ethics) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMCeaXyrl7k.

CBS Sunday Morning. (2017, December 3). Sunday profile: Warren Buffett [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=168&v=O665cNwMVGw.

CrashCourse. (2016, December 5). Aristotle & virtue theory: Philosophy #38 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrvtOWEXDIQ&list=PL2OiwZrUmE548Pf_BqpxIcqJnxr8crXK_.

CrashCourse. (2016, November 21). Utilitarianism: Crash course philosophy #36 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a739VjqdSI.

CrashCourse. (2016, December 19). What is justice? Crash course philosophy #40 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/H0CTHVCkm90.

Philosophy Tube. (2016, June 10). Beginner’s guide to Kant’s moral philosophy [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ2fvTvtzBM&t=127s.

PBS NewsHour. (2017, June 26). America should stand for more than just wealth, says Warren Buffett [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6irBmOnQEc.

TrainingABC (Producer). (2017). Workplace Ethics Made Simple [Video file]. Retrieved from the Trident Online Library, Academic Video Online: Premium database.

Optional:

Niche Partners PTY Ltd. (n.d.). A list of the 52 virtues. http://www.52virtues.com/virtues/the-52-virtues.php

Sera832. (2013, February 14). Are you a Kantian or a Utilitarian? Retrieved from
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/personality/quizshow.php?title=are-you-a-kantian-or-utilitarian&q=10

Trident University International (2018). Trident Commencement Highlights 2018. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/280475824

VirtueScience.com (n.d.). List of vices. Retrieved from https://www.virtuescience.com/vicelist.html

General References Useful for Preparing Graduate-Level Papers:

For a list of general reference sources related to locating library sources, using APA formatting, applying critical-thinking skills, and so forth, see General References Useful for Preparing Graduate-Level Papers. It is not required that you read these sources page-by-page, but rather you refer to them for guidance.

Your CEO is a visionary who wants you to transform the way the company conducts business. She is fascinated by computer software for project management and requires that you conduct a SWOT analysis of this service in relation to your specific project. You wish to gain good favor of the CEO by introducing innovative technology in addition to computer software. After all, the CEO is scheduled to retire this year and will probably be able to appoint her successor.

• Describe 2–4 innovative tools that can help the project manager analyze and improve success.

  • State the respective advantages and disadvantages of each innovative tool.

  • Provide your rationale for why each tool is an innovative one for enhancing projects.

• Analyze one piece of project management computer software, and develop an extensive SWOT analysis of it.

  • Include how weaknesses and threats can be transformed into strengths.

The following is a basic checklist for solutions:

• Identify and address the main issue.

• Provide real-life solutions (more than just theoretical considerations).

• Address the criteria and measurements for success for this project.

• Use proper APA formatting and citation.

• Provide solutions which display critical and innovative thinking.

Please submit your assignment.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.

600- 800 words

For this Critical Thinking Assignment, you are to compose a working thesis that takes a definite position on an arguable issue and maps a few of the main points you plan to explore. Specifically, your working thesis should state a problem, describe and evaluate at least one aspect of the cause, and offer one potential solution.

For example, one could explore the recent boom in real estate values in a specific area of the nation or world.  While this could be seen as a positive situation and not a problem, any dramatic increase in the cost and availability of housing can become problematic for some groups or the society as a whole. Within this topic, key concepts need to be discovered, such as what are the effects of changes in home valuations or how does sudden population growth affect a city. You will need to state and clearly specify your approach and position on the topic and argue the validity of it. You will also need to understand any potential arguments against your position.

Before you make a final discussion, try Brainstorming. Choose two or three potential topics and explore the key concepts involved to see if the topic holds your interest and is doable.

Requirements:

• Use first person
• Assert your academic voice
• Choose a topic related to a problem you would like to address; ask a question about how to solve the problem.  The question must start with the phrase, “What would it take to . . .?” Answer the question with a thesis that names the problem, cause, and solution. 
• Describe why you made your final selection and discuss in some detail the key concepts you think are important to that particular topic.
• Cite at least two sources for this assignment. 
• Your written paper should be 2-3 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.
• Your paper must be formatted according to apa 

Introduction

Historians love to review the works of other historians. Whenever a new history book is written, the historical profession selects experts in particular fields of studies to determine the value and contribution the new work will have on the academic discipline. Upon completion of the course’s reading, each student will be considered an expert and be required to read an academic article and submit a 3-page review (minimum). Students are encouraged to celebrate the author’s accomplishments, but also challenge anything that seems substandard. Style and creativity play a crucial role in the success of your review.

Pick one of the Academic Journal Articles below:

• Antigay Prejudice and the 1979 Backlash against Disco.pdf
• Birth Control and the Black Community in the 1960s.pdf
• Bloody Christmas and the Irony of Police Professionalism.pdf
• Chinese American Women Defense Workers.pdf
• Diet and Masculinity in Postwar America.pdf
• Japanese Americans and Racism in CA Impact WWII.pdf
• Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale, Collaboration, and Community Activism in Phoenix.pdf
• McCarthyism, Mexican Americans, and the Los Angeles Committee for Protection.pdf
• Remembering a Vietnam War Firefight.pdf
• Ronald Reagan and Student Unrest in California.pdf

Format

• Three pages (minimum)
• 12 point font
• Double spaced
• Paragraphs
• This should be in essay form

Each paper should include the following:

1. The author’s purpose in writing the article
2. The author’s main thesis
3. The author’s challenging of other historical viewpoints
4. The evidence utilized by the author (specifically primary sources). provide three
5. Personal likes/dislikes
6. How could the author make the work stronger?
7. The recommended audience for the article?
8. Explain how this article contributes to understanding the history of the United States
9. An example of how this article supports/contradicts Eric Foner’s Give Me Liberty
10. Suggested reading to accompany this work (not required, but helpful)

Here is the link to Eric Foner’s Give Me Liberty:

http://libtips.org/main/BC4EB6E2A775E0F49FD33B7D1C…

Helpful Information

Primary Source

Primary sources are first-hand accounts written/produced during the time period.Examples of primary sources are: diaries, newspaper articles, court records, photographs, paintings, archaeological remains, and interviews from an eye witness of an event.

Secondary Source

Secondary sources are second-hand accounts written/produced after the time period. Examples of secondary sources are: textbooks, academic journal articles, lectures, and documentaries.

********please respond to the discussion question below add citations and references ******

Imago Dei is latin for “the image of God”. As per scripture, God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all earch and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” The idea of man being made in the imager of God has been influenced by four definitions of Imago Dei (Ross, 2013). The Image of God as Similarity refers to ther physical similarities people have with God as Adam was made in his image.

Christianity has been influenced by four definitions of the imago dei. The Image of God as Similarity – people have some similarity to God which are the physical similarities people have with God as God made Adam in his image. The image of God as Dominion refers to Adam given dominion over all of creation. The Image of God as Counterpart Others refers to the relationship with the universe as God created people for fellowship. The Image of God as Representation refers to the relationship people have with others (Ross, 2013).

This concept is important to the Christian perspective in healthcare as one should use their abilities and likeness to God as “earthly masters should reflect the justice and fairness found in the Heavenly Master.” (Eph.6:9; Col. 4:1). Healthcare providers, should carryout their duties as instructed by God, according to his teaching and in his likeness, reflecting goodness, love, and compassion, and discipline (PHI-413V Topic 1 Overview, 2019).

References

Foundational issues in Christian spirituality and ethics. (2019). Phoenix, AZ: Grand Canyon University.

Ross, M. (2013). Imago Dei. Retrieved from https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/imago-dei/