QNRF Guidelines on Referencing and Plagiarism Policy

1. Introduction to Referencing

The practice of acknowledging/citing other work consulted for any original work in the body of the text and providing a final corresponding list is known as “referencing”. References need to be provided while using another author's opinions, theories, data or any other material. Referencing must be done for information used from any books, articles, videos, computers, personal communications or other sources of information.
References must be provided if a writer:-

  • Quotes (using someone's exact words);
  • Uses data (using figures, tables, etc.,);
  • Paraphrases (providing another author's ideas in his/her own words);
  • Summarizes (giving a brief account of another person's ideas);

2. Purpose of Referencing

The purpose of referencing is to:

  • enhance the breadth of the writer's research and knowledge of the literature
  • provide readers with other sources they might be interested to read
  • verify/cross-reference data
  • convince the reader with similar research/opinions by other people working in the same area
  • assure authenticity.

3. Recommended Referencing System

Note System: This system involves use of sequential numbering in the body of the text and providing a respective list of references used in the same order of numbering.

4. Guidelines for use of:

a. Quotes

Quotes are usually not recommended as it involves use of another work, word by word and, generally, using many direct quotations disrupts the flow of the proposal. In cases where the exact words absolutely have to be used, it might be acceptable with appropriate referencing.
Quotes may ideally be used when:

  • Misinterpretation can result by changing the wording;
  • It is used as evidence to prove the author's point of view;
  • The author needs to comment on the quote or argue for/against it;
  • The author wants to communicate using the exact wording.

Quotations need to be used minimally, in context, woven into the proposal, and reproduced exactly, which is the accepted academic practice. Hence QNRF requires correct use of accepted practices like:

  • Quotation marks appropriately : " ";
  • Insertion of square brackets [ ] inside quotations for further explanation/clarifications;
  • [sic] (meaning so) inserted in the quote to indicate there is a error in spelling, gender or grammar that the quoting author is not in agreement with;
  • The lead-in statement with a colon and the quotation separated by a line, indented and in a different font;
  • Omitting portions of the quote in the middle, beginning, or end by use of an ellipsis "(…)";
  • Double quotations inside single quotations where applicable

b. Paraphrasing or summarizing

Paraphrasing or summarizing is incorporation of concepts or ideas from an original text in the writer's own words, with proper citations. Paraphrasing demonstrates comprehension of the original ideas to the reader and also gives them other sources of reference.

If the paraphrased/summarized content is taken from a paragraph or page of another work, the page numbers need to be mentioned. If the general idea or theme is used, the reference can be made to the entire book or published article, as applicable.

5. Plagiarism

QNRF considers any intentional duplication or replication of work, from another author or self, without proper referencing, as plagiarism. It is to be noted that the Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) is responsible for the authenticity of the proposal submitted. Since the LPI is the owner of the scientific idea, he/she is required to write the proposal and lead the research team.

Plagiarism is considered as a serious misconduct and key investigators are strongly advised to take additional care to avoid such issues.

6. Plagiarism policy

If any plagiarism is detected or suspected, QNRF might report the matter directly to the research office of the submitting institution for further investigation and actions.

If plagiarism is proven in any document submitted, QNRF reserves the right to disqualify/terminate the proposal/grant and take further independent action as deemed necessary.

7. Fraud

Key investigators are strongly advised to submit completely novel proposals for funding request. Any proposal or part of a proposal under consideration by QNRF should not be concurrently under review by any other funding agency.

QNRF considers any proposal/parts of a proposal submitted for a grant, when it has already been funded by another funding agency, as fraud.

If fraud is proven in any case, QNRF reserves the right to disqualify/terminate the proposal/grant and take further independent action as deemed necessary.

8. References