1. Software Programs:
* Turnitin: This is the most widely used plagiarism detection software. It compares submitted papers against a massive database of academic papers, websites, and publications. It highlights sections that match existing sources, allowing professors to assess the extent of plagiarism. Turnitin also provides a similarity score, indicating the percentage of the paper that may be considered plagiarized. However, it's crucial to remember that a high similarity score doesn't automatically mean plagiarism; it flags areas requiring further investigation.
* Other similar software: Other programs like iThenticate, SafeAssign, and Grammarly (with its plagiarism checker) offer similar functionalities.
2. Manual Checks and Reading:
* Familiarity with the student's work: Professors often recognize their students' writing styles. Significant deviations from a student's typical writing (e.g., improved vocabulary or sentence structure beyond their usual ability) can raise red flags.
* Careful reading: Professors will read the submitted work attentively, comparing arguments, style, and overall presentation to the material taught in class or available through assigned readings. Inconsistencies or unusually high-level arguments that seem out of place can trigger suspicion.
* Google searches: A quick Google search of key phrases or unique sentences can reveal if the material has been copied from online sources.
* Cross-referencing with other sources: If a professor suspects plagiarism, they might compare the student's paper to other known works (assigned readings, popular publications, etc.) to identify possible sources.
3. Combination of methods:
Most professors use a combination of these methods. They might use plagiarism detection software as a first screening tool, and then manually review the flagged sections to determine whether actual plagiarism has occurred. The software provides a starting point; the professor's judgment is crucial in determining intent and context.
Important Note: It's vital to understand that plagiarism detection software isn't foolproof. Sophisticated plagiarists might paraphrase heavily or use various techniques to circumvent detection. The software's primary role is to highlight potential issues that require further scrutiny by the professor. Ultimately, the judgment of the professor is key in determining whether plagiarism has actually occurred.