Is it self plagerism if I take the same argument or main idea from a paper that I wrote last semester and use that same principle/argument/main idea/thesis in another paper for the next semester if it's is completely rewritten with different words and stuff but is trying to get the same idea across to the reader?
If it is how do I avoid this? This seems awfully... weird... how can one steal from one self? Would it even matter sense I'm undergraduate student and my papers aren't published and my new professor would have no access to my paper that I wrote last semester. How would I reference myself if I'm not directly quoting myself and let me reader now that I wrote a similar paper (but this one is rewritten and has new sources and so forth sense I have to incorporate new sources). I find it strongly odd that the main concept from one course has reappeared in another and I feel as if I should be able to write a paper that has the same argument/idea of a paper that I already wrote (especially sense my old paper unpublished and considered not complete? and I can rewrite it and what not) and don't see what would be wrong with it.
I'm very confused by the idea of self plagerism and was wondering if someone could tell me if my case would be considered self plagerism. I checked on the internet and can't find anything about my particular case were my previous paper is unpublished and therefore not complete? How do I get around self plagerism of this type if this is indeed self plagerism?
self-plagiarism -- that doesn't even make sense!! Plagiarism means to copy someone else's words and ideas and call them your own.
There's nothing wrong with doing this as long as the ideas fit the new assignment.
Note the spelling ~~> plagiarism
Note the meaning ~~> http://www.answers.com/topic/plagiarism
Self-plagiarism, also known as duplicate publication, is the act of reusing or republishing one's own previously published work without proper citation or acknowledgment. Whether self-plagiarism is considered a violation depends on various factors, including the specific guidelines set by your academic institution or the publisher you are submitting your work to.
In your case, if you want to reuse the main argument or idea from a paper you wrote last semester, it's important to understand your institution's policy on self-plagiarism. While your new professor may not have access to your previous paper, it is still possible for them to notice similarities in ideas or arguments if they have expertise in the subject matter.
To avoid self-plagiarism, you have a few options:
1. Consult your professor: If you are unsure about the policy, it's always a good idea to consult your professor or academic advisor. They can provide guidance on what is acceptable in your specific academic context.
2. Paraphrase and cite: If you decide to use the same argument or main idea, ensure that you paraphrase the content and present it in a new way. Additionally, cite your own previous work just as you would any other source. This way, you give credit to your earlier work and make it clear to the reader that you are building upon your own ideas.
3. Add new insights and sources: Incorporate new research, sources, or perspectives into your new paper. By expanding upon your previous work and incorporating additional sources, you can demonstrate growth and development in your thinking.
Remember, the principles of academic integrity, including avoiding self-plagiarism, are essential for building trust and maintaining ethical standards within academic communities. While the specifics may vary, it is generally a good practice to be transparent and provide proper attribution when reusing your own previous work.