Finding one’s academic voice is an important part of development when  dedicating one’s self to earning a degree. However, it is not always  easy. Sometimes we lack the confidence (self-efficacy) and think our  words are not good enough. Other times, managing our time becomes  difficult and taking short cuts seems like our only way out. Once this  habit begins, especially if it is not caught, can have devastating  results later down the road, but often our emotions allow us to  rationalize the practice of taking this easy option.  

There are also many temptations with the World Wide Web, including  websites touting that you can buy information that cannot be traced. Be  cautious. Technological advancement is making this claim false.

Find your confidence and take the high road by developing your  academic voice. One of the most important aspects to this is simply  giving credit to where the information was learned.

YES! You must cite, not only quotes, but also any information  that would not be known, had a person not learned it from someone. 

This exercise involves exploring ethical writing practices and will include three parts:  Part One  Discuss why you think plagiarism is so problematic in higher  education today. Have you seen examples of it? What do you think you can  personally do to help develop your own academic voice? Does it stir up  any emotions when you think others are “getting away with it”? Part Two  Write a two-paragraph summary about what you have  learned about I/O Psychology this week and how it could be applied in  your own circumstances. Include at least one quote, but for the rest,  paraphrase (rewrite in your own words) your paragraph (also applying  citations appropriately throughout). Refer to Citing Within Your Paper (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for help.  Highlight your quote in blue. Highlight your citations for your self-worded explanations/commentary in yellow. Be sure to also include correctly formatted citations prior to  running the document. (For examples of how to write citations, see the  Ashford Wiring Center.) Run this summary through your course similarity tool (Turn It In). Make corrections as indicated prior to submitting. Part Three  Discuss your results (two to three paragraphs) and the process of intentionally developing your academic writing skills.  Why do you think it is important to cite resources when you are putting into your own words? Do you have any bad habits you need to break? How much more difficult would it be to avoid this situation when using websites to assist you in research? What strategies could you use here to help you have more success and prevent accidental mistakes?

This exercise should be a minimum of two to three pages and should  adequately discuss all questions posed, demonstrate maturating  self-awareness and a personal commitment to developing your academic  voice.

A reference page is required and sources must include correct citations within the writing exercise when utilized. (If  you are not sure you are doing this correctly, please submit to the  Ashford Writing Center prior to submitting for a grade to allow them to  assist you. See “Writing Center & Library” tab on the left.)

Your text is the only required source, but additional sources are  encouraged. Use the rubric to check for thoroughness. The Ashford  Library should be used as your primary source for any additional  sources.

Your sources should be cited according to APA format as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Note that no title page is required.

For more information about how to  develop your academic voice and avoid even unintentional plagiarism  visit the following web pages: