Text similarity and plagiarism control
Aarhus University uses Originality for the screening of exam assignments in order to detect potential plagiarism. Originality is an integrated part of the examination system WISEflow.
- See a guide from Originality on how to read an analysis.
- AU Library provides support regarding the use of the system and we also play a role in the prevention of plagiarism at Aarhus University..
- AU checks assignments from AU students that are subjects to assessment. As a student, you cannot access Originality for checking your own materials, as the system is not intended for this purpose.
As an assessor, you have access to Originality analyses via WISEflow, in connection with an exam. The support can help you better understand and make the best use of an Originality analysis.
If you need help with Originality, you can contact the support by email or phone. To ensure that we can assist you as efficiently and quickly as possible, please have the relevant flow ID and/or container ID ready when reaching out.
If your issues concern WISEflow please contact the Student Administration Systems Support.
If I suspect plagiarism
If you suspect plagiarism in an assignment, it is important that you do not consider the Originality analysis to be concrete proof the student has committed plagiarism.
Originality highlights only areas with text similarities between documents, and text similarity does not necessarily equal plagiarism. Text similarity may, for example, be a quote that has been viably inserted into an assignment and where a clear source has been documented. An Originality analysis must be read in its context in order to determine whether any plagiarism has occurred.
If you need help finding out how to read an Originality analysis, AU Library, Originality Support is here, to assist you.
If, after having studied an Originality analysis thoroughly, you have decided to proceed with a case, you must report and document the case to Educational Law. Educational Law will handle the subsequent processing of the case, based on your documentation.
What is Originality?
Originality is a tool to find text similarity, and it is accessible to all assessors at Aarhus University via the exam system WISEflow.
Originality can detect overlaps between texts and thus help to spot potential cheating in written assignments.
Originality searches in:
- previously submitted assignments on Aarhus University.
- screened assignments from institutions with a license to the system.
- online Open Sources.
More about plagiarism - for students and assessors
It is important that students are made aware of the rules on documenting sources and managing references, in order to avoid plagiarism. AU Library has made a number of resources available, which you can share with your students.
- AU Library's page on how to avoid plagiarism - for students. Includes information on reference management, stopplagiat.nu, etc.
- AU’s page concerning cheating in exams - for students. On the consequences of plagiarism, how to avoid cheating, etc.
- Avoiding pitfalls in exams – a guide for students on how to avoid cheating in exams.
As a lecturer, and researcher, we have the following information pages for you:
- AU Library's page on how to avoid plagiarism - for lecturers. "What do I do if I encounter plagiarism?", "what can I do to prevent plagiarism?", etc.
- Plagiarism, crediting and good citation practice - the researcher portal's page on plagiarism, etc.
- AU's page on responsible research practice - includes, among other things, a code of conduct for responsible research practice and guidelines for research integrity.
- Exam cheating, what procedures to follow.