Final answer:
The statement is false because ethical documentation serves to acknowledge intellectual property, maintain credibility, and enable information verification. It is about honesty and reliability, not just courtesy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the purpose for ethical documentation is only to be nice to the original author is false. Ethical documentation, especially in academic and professional settings, serves multiple critical purposes. It acknowledges the intellectual property and contributions of the original author, maintains the credibility and integrity of the person using the source, and allows readers to verify the authenticity of the information presented.
When considering the intent behind a document, one must examine whether the document was intended to provide a factual account of an event, to persuade the reader, or if it could possibly be a falsification. An ethical writer aims to present information in a balanced manner, rather than merely highlighting positive attributes or concealing weaknesses. Therefore, ethical documentation is about more than just being courteous; it's about upholding the standards of honesty and reliability in conveying information.