Turnitin

This page answers brief questions about Turnitin, how to interpret similarity scores, and academic integrirty at Brock. If you experience technical difficulties with turnitin, please contact your instructor.

What is Turnitin? 

The is a web-based plagiarism prevention tool that checks text for similarity across a large database and the web. Turnitin's software takes what a student submits and we compare it to a massive database of content, including internet, academic, and student paper content, and we look for similarities. When similarities are identified they are highlighted in the Similarity Report as Text Similarity. Note that even texts in correctly referenced quotes may be highlighted, in this instance your TA or instructor will determine if the text has been plagiarized.

Academic integrity at Brock

Academic integrity is more than just obeying the rules. How you conduct yourself on campus says a lot about the type of person you are, which speaks to your personal integrity. At Brock, academic integrity refers to your acknowledgment of and respect for the academic principles and behaviours that support the University’s mission.

For information on Academic Integrity at Brock go to https://brocku.ca/academic-integrity/ .

What is text similarity?   

Text similarity is the percentage of text in your assignment that matches text stored in the Turnitin database or in another location on the web. It is OK to have some matching text if you have correctly referenced direct quotes from a source. For more information go to https://help.turnitin.com/feedback-studio/turnitin-website/student/the-similarity-report/interpreting-the-similarity-report.htm.

How do I use Turnitin?

Turnitin is embedded into the assignment setup by your instructor. All you have to do is submit your paper as normal. You have opted into this software for the course and can refer to the course syllabus section on Turnitin. Once you have submitted the assignment, you will be able to view the similarity report within several minutes. If you experience technical difficulties, contact your TA or Instructor.

What do my Similarity Report results mean?  

The Similarity report provides a percentage of text in your assignment that matches text found by Turnitin. See https://help.turnitin.com/feedback-studio/turnitin-website/student/the-similarity-report/interpreting-the-similarity-report.htm for more information.

Can I check my Similarity Report before I hand in my assignment? 

No. You must make a submission before your are able to view the similarity report. If re-submissions are allowed you will be able to resubmit after viewing the similarity report for the first submission. Note that your instructor will be able to view all prior submissions.

Does Turnitin mark my assignments?   

While Turnitin does not mark assignments, your instructor may decide to grade using the Turnitin Feedback Studio. For more information on the Feedback Studio see