Academic integrity

Introduction

Module Learning Outcomes

• Understand RCSI's plagiarism policy

• Complete RCSI's online plagiarism tutorial

• Apply strategies for avoiding plagiarism:

  • Note-taking

  • Summarising

  • Paraphrasing

  • Use of direct quotations

  • In-text citation and referencing (Vancouver style)

Activity Learning Outcomes

• Exhibit professionalism through:

  • Integrity and honesty

  • Commitment and respect

  • Cultural sensitivity and confidentiality

Understanding Medical Professionalism

• Core Values in Medicine:

  • Establishing values and behaviors that build professional relationships

  • Promoting public trust and ensuring patient safety

• Definition of Medical Professionalism:

  • Combination of knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment in service of human health

  • Emphasizes partnership between doctor and patient based on respect and accountability

Lecture Themes

• Compassion

• Effective Communication

• Self-Care

• Integrity and Honesty

• Cultural Sensitivity

• Patient-Centered Care

• Interprofessional Collaboration

• Continuous Improvement and Ethical Altruism

Key Skills Required

• Construct and reproduce arguments in own words to avoid plagiarism

  • Plagiarism is taken seriously; understanding the RCSI policy is vital

Definitions and Types of Plagiarism

• Plagiarism Definition (RCSI 2013):

  • Unacknowledged inclusion of others' work, intentional or unintentional

  • Includes all forms of published or unpublished material, including internet sources, lecture notes, etc.

• Types of Plagiarism:

  • Word-for-word

  • Paraphrasing without credit

  • Copying & pasting

  • Inaccurate citations

  • Collusion

  • Plagiarism of ideas

  • Common information (not usually plagiarism)

  • Unintended plagiarism

  • Content and media plagiarism

Understanding Plagiarism

• Using others' work without proper acknowledgment:

  • Direct phrases or ideas without citation

  • Poor paraphrasing without source attribution

  • Consequences of plagiarism may include disqualification of work

Case Study: Dr. Raj Persaud

• Background:

  • A prominent UK psychiatrist who plagiarized multiple academic works

  • Found to have copied materials without attribution in publications

• Consequences:

  • Investigation led to three-month suspension and damage to reputation

  • Reinforces importance of academic integrity

Research Misconduct Example

• Dr. Dipak Das and Resveratrol:

  • Fabricated research data and the implications of his misconduct

  • Led to significant retractions and increased scrutiny in nutrition research

• Impact:

  • Confusion and decline in consumer confidence regarding health benefits

Referencing Guidelines

• Importance of Referencing:

  • Enhances arguments and provides evidence

  • Follow Vancouver style for in-text citations and bibliography

Best Practices for Avoiding Plagiarism

• Paraphrasing:

  • Use own words and sentence structure

  • Avoid direct sentence-by-sentence paraphrasing

  • Maintain original meaning

• Good Note-Taking:

  • Take notes without looking at sources

  • Use multiple sources for research

  • Record full source details early

Plagiarism Detection Tools

• Turnitin Usage:

  • Identifies potential plagiarism by matching submitted text with sources

  • Used as an educational tool rather than punitive

• Staff Support:

  • Guidance provided to students for proper writing and referencing practices

Group Work and Cheating Behaviors

• Cheating Definitions:

  • Examples of behaviors categorized by type of cheating, including collusion and plagiarism

Final Tips

• When in doubt, cite your sources

• Prioritize paraphrasing over direct quotations

• Ensure your own voice dominates in writing

Interviews and Appendices

• Conducting Interviews:

  • Obtain permission for note-taking

  • Type up notes as an appendix and cite accordingly

Lecture Themes (Reiterated)

• Compassion

• Effective Communication

• Integrity and Honesty

• Cultural Sensitivity