Patchwork or mosaic plagiarism may hinder the development of new knowledge

 

Patchwork or mosaic plagiarism illustration

Patchwork plagiarism, also known as mosaic plagiarism may hinder the development of new knowledge. Besides being unethical, patchwork plagiarism contributes very little to the development of new knowledge. 

Cooper (2007) said that, "In this Information Age. students produce research projects by piecing together passages quoted verbatim and stitched together with a few introductory or transitional words. They assemble research as patchwork quilts rather than weaving a fabric of new knowledge." 

There are many problems associated with patchwork or mosaic plagiarism, such as a decline in research quality, dependence on other sources, ethical issues, hindrance to the development of new knowledge, and a lack of credibility. To avoid patchwork or mosaic plagiarism and gain new knowledge, you should learn what a systematic literature review is.

Patchwork may resemble a systematic literature review (SLR), but the difference is that in an SLR, you will identify research gaps, while patchwork plagiarism simply combines sources without addressing research gaps and without proper citation.

In an SLR, you will properly cite sources and formulate clear research questions to guide you in finding new knowledge from research gaps. According to Cooper (2007), patchwork or mosaic plagiarism is merely about recalling and summarizing. You should analyze, synthesize, or evaluate in order to gain new knowledge.

Reference

Cooper, J. (2007). Patchwork plagiarism. Knowledge Quest, 35(4), 62. https://istc651.pbworks.com/f/Info%20Lit,%20avoid%20plagiarism,%20Cooper,%20AN25753328.pdf