Plagiarism Guide - Swinburne University of Technology

Important noteIt is not sufficient to paraphrase or quote and then just put the reference details at theend of the assignment in the reference list – these reference details must appear inthe text as well.Further details about Harvard referencing can be found athttp://www.swin.edu.au/lib/guides/harvard_system.pdf2.4.3.2 The Cambridge systemTo use the Cambridge system, you insert a small, raised number as close as possible tothe use of the author’s ideas, words or work that you have quoted or paraphrased. 1For example:Smoking has now been linked to baldness. 2Note that a footnote appears at the foot (bottom) of the page (an endnote appears at theend of an assignment). Many word-processing packages have a function that allows youto easily and neatly insert footnotes or endnotes. Check the guidelines from your Schoolor Subject Convenor for more information.2.4.4 Why do I have to use these complicated methods and rules?One of the central purposes of Australian higher education is to produce independentthinkers, who are able to critically analyse information and ideas. This means that duringyour time at Swinburne you will be asked not only to become familiar with the theories,techniques and ideas of scholars and experts, but to examine these theories/ideas closelyand to decide how much or how little you agree with them. You will develop your ability toform opinions about ideas and to communicate these opinions verbally and in writing.These opinions must be based on evidence and one common source of evidence is theideas or research findings of others. You are likely to find yourself using the ideas of onescholar to analyse and perhaps criticise the ideas of another. This is considered excellentscholarly practice at Swinburne (and at all Australian universities).1This is an example of a footnote.2Smith, J. The effects of smoking on hair. Made Up Publications, Melbourne, 2004, p. 32.A guide for students at Swinburne University of Technology ■ 25