Final answer:
The claim about documenting web sources less thoroughly than print sources is FALSE. All sources, regardless of the medium, should be documented accurately to avoid plagiarism and ensure that information can be verified. The responsibility to evaluate the reliability and quality of sources applies equally to web resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Because web content usually is free, information from a web source need not be documented as thoroughly as that from print sources and the same concern for plagiarism need not be demonstrated' is FALSE. Regardless of whether content is free or paid for, information from all sources, including the web, must be documented thoroughly to avoid plagiarism. This is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and also for providing a trail for readers to verify the information. Even in digital formats, responsible sourcing involves citing where information was acquired, whether it comes from a print source or an online platform.
Plagiarism does not only occur in print but also online, where it is equally serious and subject to the same academic standards. With the presence of misinformation and varying quality of web content, it is ever more important to assess the reliability of online resources. Online sources can be of great help in academic research, but they must be evaluated with the same rigour as any traditional source.
As a researcher or student, using resources like academic article databases and ensuring that sources are peer-reviewed or professionally edited is key to the strength of your work. Information on the Internet is not regulated for quality or accuracy, thus making the evaluation of sources critical. Databases, peer-reviewed journals, and verifiable sources provide a stronger foundation for academic work than non-reviewed web content.