Introduction
At PYMINDS International Journal, we are committed to fostering original scholarship and upholding academic integrity. Plagiarism undermines the value of student work and the credibility of our journal and mini-courses. This Plagiarism Policy outlines what constitutes plagiarism, how to avoid it, and the consequences of violations.
Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgment, presenting them as your own. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Copying text, images, or data without citation.
- Paraphrasing another’s work without crediting the source.
- Submitting work created by others, including AI-generated content, as your own.
- Reusing your own previously submitted work (self-plagiarism) without disclosure.
Examples of Plagiarism
Common examples include:
- Quoting a source without quotation marks or citation.
- Using a researcher’s data or methodology without acknowledgment.
- Copying sections of a published article into your submission to Submit Article.
- Submitting an AI-generated essay for a mini-course via Learn Now without disclosure (see AI Usage Policy).
- Resubmitting a paper from another journal or course without noting prior use.
Preventing Plagiarism
To avoid plagiarism, follow these best practices:
- Cite Sources: Use proper citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA) for all quotes, paraphrases, and ideas from others.
- Paraphrase Correctly: Rewrite ideas in your own words and cite the original source.
- Use Tools: Employ reference managers like Zotero or citation generators to track sources.
- Disclose Prior Work: Note any reuse of your own work in submissions or coursework.
- Check Your Work: Use plagiarism detection tools before submission to ensure originality.
Detection Methods
PYMINDS uses the following methods to detect plagiarism:
- Plagiarism Detection Software: Tools like Turnitin or iThenticate to compare submissions against published works and databases.
- Manual Review: Editors and instructors review submissions for unattributed content or suspicious similarities.
- AI Content Checks: Cross-referencing with our AI Usage Policy to verify disclosed AI use.
Consequences of Plagiarism
Violations of this policy will result in the following actions:
- Journal Submissions: Plagiarized articles will be rejected or retracted. Authors may be barred from future submissions.
- Mini-Courses: Plagiarized coursework may lead to grade penalties, resubmission requirements, or course dismissal.
- Notification: Authors or students will be informed of violations with evidence.
- Reporting: Serious or repeated violations may be reported to academic institutions or relevant authorities.
Appeals Process
If you believe a plagiarism decision was incorrect, you may appeal:
- Submit an Appeal: Contact support within 14 days of the decision, providing evidence of originality.
- Review: An independent editor or instructor will review the appeal and respond within 30 days.
- Final Decision: The appeal outcome is final, but you may request clarification via Contact Page.
Resources and Support
PYMINDS supports academic integrity through:
- Guidelines: Detailed submission guidelines with citation and originality tips.
- Mini-Courses: Lessons on research, writing, and citation skills via Learn Now.
- Support: Contact our team via Contact Page for guidance on avoiding plagiarism.
For questions about this Plagiarism Policy or to report concerns, contact us:
Last updated: April 18, 2025
