academic self-plagiarism

[John Lujan]

I'm working on a final assignment for a class I'm taking (business). This final paper requires that I include information from previous papers that have already been submitted and graded. The rub is that I don't know if what this last assignment requires technically constitutes self-plagiarism or not. Common sense would say no because the assignment requires it, but APA standards may not agree. My chief worry is that this final assignment I complete will have information in it (from previous papers) that does not constitute fresh and original work done. When these previous papers were done, they were considered original work on my part because they were properly sourced and thus, acceptable. However, with this latest assignment, roughly half of it will be made up of already-done (and hence non-original) work. Even if I cite my original resources correctly, the work itself will not be original. So, if I proceed as the assignment stipulates, will I be self-plagiarising?

 

[durangodawood]

Give yourself a proper citation each time.

 

[Albion]

I've never heard of "self-plagiarism," but if the professor's assignment was to have you "include information from previous papers that have already been submitted and graded," then I can only assume that it is permitted to do so.

The real problem IMO is that no paper which is half or more composed of material taken from some other source, even if properly cited, is likely to be considered to be quality work. That's even if it passes the "original material" test.


At the least, I'd say to slim down the material taken from your earlier papers and compensate with more material enlarging upon your thesis, material from other sources that support what is contained in your earlier papers, and/or completely new slants on the subject.

 

[Of the Kingdom]

I'm working on a final assignment for a class I'm taking (business).

Proper citation is important, and understanding self-plagiarism is important, especially if you're looking for a career in academia. In this case it's an assignment for a class; presumably it does not need to meet the same standards as a published paper.

A good place to learn about these issues is https://academia.stackexchange.com/ where you can ask a specific question if you need to, but most likely can already find what you need to know. Also, consider contacting your instructor, since expectations may vary.

 

[Caliban]

I'm working on a final assignment for a class I'm taking (business). This final paper requires that I include information from previous papers that have already been submitted and graded. The rub is that I don't know if what this last assignment requires technically constitutes self-plagiarism or not. Common sense would say no because the assignment requires it, but APA standards may not agree. My chief worry is that this final assignment I complete will have information in it (from previous papers) that does not constitute fresh and original work done. When these previous papers were done, they were considered original work on my part because they were properly sourced and thus, acceptable. However, with this latest assignment, roughly half of it will be made up of already-done (and hence non-original) work. Even if I cite my original resources correctly, the work itself will not be original. So, if I proceed as the assignment stipulates, will I be self-plagiarising?

I agree with the other comments on this thread about proper citation of your previous works. I would also email you professor and inform them of your intention and concern; this will establish goodwill and provide a record of communication that could demonstrate your integrity at a later date.

 

[Daniel Marsh]

I'm working on a final assignment for a class I'm taking (business). This final paper requires that I include information from previous papers that have already been submitted and graded. The rub is that I don't know if what this last assignment requires technically constitutes self-plagiarism or not. Common sense would say no because the assignment requires it, but APA standards may not agree. My chief worry is that this final assignment I complete will have information in it (from previous papers) that does not constitute fresh and original work done. When these previous papers were done, they were considered original work on my part because they were properly sourced and thus, acceptable. However, with this latest assignment, roughly half of it will be made up of already-done (and hence non-original) work. Even if I cite my original resources correctly, the work itself will not be original. So, if I proceed as the assignment stipulates, will I be self-plagiarising?

Correctly cite your old papers and in the header place a note that you are reusing your old papers.

Also, talk or email your professor about what he/she wants. When I submitted a paper I used before, I added a new cover page over the old one with a paragraph explaining that the paper had been used before.

I also discussed with the professor if that would be acceptable.

I was taking so many courses at those times and teaching courses in various Universities at the same time. I got the arraignment in writing from every Universities I was involved with.