Last updated: January 2026 · 2 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Introduction
Plagiarism is the use of another person's words, ideas, or data without proper attribution. It is one of the most serious breaches of research integrity and is treated as misconduct by every credible publisher. This guide explains the main forms of plagiarism, the practical steps that prevent it, and how journals — including EP Journals — detect and respond to it.
Forms of plagiarism
<strong>Verbatim plagiarism</strong> is the direct copying of text without quotation marks or citation. <strong>Paraphrasing plagiarism</strong> is the rewording of someone else's argument or analysis without acknowledgement. <strong>Mosaic plagiarism</strong> is the assembly of an apparently original passage from fragments of other sources. <strong>Self-plagiarism</strong> is the reuse of one's own previously published material without disclosure. <strong>Idea plagiarism</strong> is the appropriation of a distinctive concept or framework without crediting its source.
How to avoid plagiarism in practice
Most plagiarism in academic writing is unintentional. It usually arises from careless note-taking, poor source management, or unfamiliarity with citation conventions. Three habits prevent the great majority of cases. First, when taking notes, always record the source alongside the note and mark direct quotations with quotation marks. Second, paraphrase by closing the source and rewriting from your own understanding, then verify accuracy and add the citation. Third, run the final manuscript through similarity-detection software before submission and resolve any flagged passages.
Self-plagiarism and text recycling
Authors sometimes assume that reusing their own previously published material is unproblematic. It is not. Reusing substantial text, figures, or analyses from a prior publication without disclosure and appropriate citation is a form of plagiarism. Limited reuse — for example, a methods section that necessarily repeats published work — should be acknowledged with a citation and, where required, permission from the original publisher.
How journals detect plagiarism
Most reputable journals run submitted manuscripts through similarity-detection software as part of editorial screening. The output is not a verdict — overlap with reference lists, common phrases, and properly quoted material is normal — but it directs editorial attention to passages that warrant inspection. Reviewers also flag suspected plagiarism, particularly where they recognise material from their own field.
Consequences and editorial response
Where plagiarism is identified before publication, the manuscript is rejected and the authors are notified. Where it is identified after publication, the journal may issue a correction or retract the article in line with COPE guidance. Institutions may be informed in serious cases. EP Journals maintains documented procedures for handling allegations and follows COPE-style flowcharts in evaluating outcomes.
Key points
- Plagiarism includes verbatim copying, paraphrasing without credit, mosaic assembly, and self-reuse.
- Most cases are unintentional and traceable to poor note-taking and citation discipline.
- Run similarity-detection software before submission and resolve flagged passages.
- Self-plagiarism is a form of plagiarism; disclose and cite reused material.
- Detected plagiarism leads to rejection or retraction and may trigger institutional notification.
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Editorial enquiries
Questions about this guide or about preparing a manuscript for submission may be directed to the editorial office. Where a query relates to a specific journal in the portfolio, please indicate the journal abbreviation in your message.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org