Plagiarism check
Turnitin Similarity is a web-based text similarity detection software. Submitted documents are compared against an extensive database of academic papers (both published and unpublished), books, journals, and other sources:
Some features:
- Detecting plagiarism: Turnitin Similarity detects similarities in texts including paraphrasing, citations and references.
- Originality reports: The tool generates an originality report that highlights all the areas of the document that match the sources in the database. The report also shows the percentage of similarity and the matching sources.
- Checking quotations and references: Turnitin Similarity can check citations and references in submitted documents to ensure that they are properly formatted and incorporated correctly.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using Turnitin Similarity:
- Note the confidentiality level: Only documents classified as "public" or "internal" may be uploaded to Turnitin Similarity for similarity checking. For more details, see the Downloadterms and conditions of use (PDF, 143 KB).
- Understand the limitations: Turnitin Similarity is not infallible. It relies on its source database and may not detect all instances of plagiarism, for example, if the source is not in the database. Turnitin Similarity is not a substitute for teaching proper citation and referencing practices. Instructors should guide students on correct citation and referencing. Here, the ETH Library offers support.
- Watch out for false positives: Turnitin Similarity can mark text as plagiarised even if it is properly cited. It is important to carefully review the flagged text to determine if it is indeed plagiarised or a false positive.
- False positives: Turnitin Similarity may flag sections of texts as plagiarised even if they have been cited correctly. Always check highlighted sections carefully to determine if they have really been plagiarised or if the software has merely produced a false positive.
- Use the software responsibly: Plagiarism detection software should be used in a responsible and ethical manner. Selective use only in cases of suspicion prevents a culture of mistrust. The following use cases are possible:
Plagiarism check of written work of students from the teaching context such as term papers and bachelor's/master's theses: The plagiarism check is carried out by supervisors (usually professors or lecturers) if plagiarism is suspected. If the suspicion is confirmed, it is communicated by the supervisors to the ETH's Office of Legal Affairs in Teaching and further processed together with them.
Plagiarism check of written work that is produced in the context of a doctorate: Term papers, papers, abstracts, doctoral theses. The examination is carried out by supervisors (professors or lecturers) if plagiarism is suspected. If the suspicion is confirmed, it will be communicated by the supervisors to the ETH Research Ethics via trusted persons and followed up.
Plagiarism check of texts produced in the context of research: Papers, abstracts, habilitation theses, etc. The check is carried out by members of the department (mostly professors or lecturers) if plagiarism is suspected. If the suspicion is confirmed: proceed as described in the previous point.
