Using several unattributed and marginal sources for her new book,
Seeds of Hope, noted author and primatologist, Jane Goodall has been labeled as a plagiarist ("
Jane Goodall’s ‘Seeds Of Hope’ Book Contains Borrowed Passages without Attribution," Washington Post, March 19, 2013). In an email written as a response to these claims, she notes that she wanted to use a variety of "reliable sources." However, she seemingly took words from the less-than-authoritative
Find Your Fate website according to the Post article, that doesn't list its sources. Also, her arsenal of quality information includes details lifted from Wikipedia.
Discussion Questions:
- Goodall isn't an expert of plants, so why do you think she decided to write a book on a topic she doesn't know well?
- What criteria do you use to select your sources of information for research papers?
- Do you use Wikipedia for college projects? Why or why not?
- How do you make sure you don't plagiarize another author's work? Do you have a system for keeping a record of your sources?
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