Why We Cite Our Sources
- contribute free exchange of ideas
- give credit to those whose ideas, theories, or research have influenced your work, including critical definitions, background information, or data
- How would you feel if someone took credit for your work or presented your work as their own without your permission?
- avoid plagiarism -- passing off the work or ideas of someone else as your own, whether intentionally or unintentionally
- violates the ethics of your academic community
- violates University polities, with consequences
Definitions and Consequences
From the University College Policies on Academic Integrity:
"Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner, serving as a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at Penn State. All members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. Consistent with this expectation, the University's Code of Conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.
"Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others."