Plagiarism is using someone's words or ideas without giving them credit. Even if unintentional, it can result in failing a course or expulsion.
Tips from the APA Publication Manual:
- Keep track of your sources -- take notes!
- Every time you use someone else's ideas, give them credit in the text of your paper.
- Don't cite an article unless you have actually read it.
- Unless they are common knowledge, document each fact and figure in your paper.