Question

A graduate student is writing her dissertation and wishes to include an article she has previously published in an academic journal as a chapter. Which of the following statements about self-plagiarism is correct?

a) Self-plagiarism is acceptable in academic writing.

b) Self-plagiarism is unethical and should be avoided.

c) Self-plagiarism is only relevant in fiction writing.

d) Self-plagiarism is allowed if proper citation is provided.

Answer 1

Self-plagiarism is considered acceptable in academic writing if proper citation is given to the previously published work. This ensures ethical standards are met and maintains academic integrity.

Step-by-step explanation:

You asked which statement about self-plagiarism is correct when including a previously published article as a chapter in a dissertation. The accurate statement is that self-plagiarism is allowed if proper citation is provided. This means that when reusing your own previously published work, you must cite it just as you would with anyone else's work to avoid the ethical breach of self-plagiarism. By doing so, you provide the proper accreditation and maintain the integrity of your academic writing. It's also important to note that while avoiding plagiarism can sometimes be challenging, especially under time pressures or due to unintentional oversight, it's essential to maintain best practices in research and writing to preserve academic integrity.