The Plagiarism Spectrum

The Plagiarism Spectrum describes a range of ways someone might improperly use or present someone else’s work as their own. It includes honest mistakes like forgetting to cite sources, as well as deliberate actions such as copying content verbatim or purchasing essays. The spectrum helps distinguish between different types of misconduct, from minor errors to serious ethical violations. Recognizing this range encourages better understanding of academic integrity and helps individuals prevent unintentional plagiarism while addressing intentional misconduct appropriately.