Question: 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:

1. 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"?

2. 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 for help.

i. Highlight your quote in blue. Highlight your citations for your self-worded explanations/commentary in yellow.

ii. 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.)

iii. Run this summary through your course similarity tool (Turn It In). Make corrections as indicated prior to submitting.

3. Part Three

i. 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. Note that no title page is required.