Summary
Learn how to request a similarity check in Turnitin for your work
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How does a similarity check work?
The similarity check software TurnItIn compares the text of the submitted document with the text of all documents saved in the TurnItIn repository. A similarity report is then generated.
In the TurnItIn similarity report, you will have access to the similarity score. The similarity score is the percentage of the document’s content that matches the content of the Turnitin repository. The report also indicates which parts of the text match the repository's content.
Always be careful with interpreting the Similarity Report, and make sure to always check the similarity score in relation to the sources of the match. There is no threshold value that indicates plagiarism. TurnItIn provides information on how to interpret the Similarity Report on their website.
How to request or perform a similarity check?
Students
Are you a WUR student? Please contact your teacher or supervisor if you would like to have your work checked. The Copyright Information Point (CIP) does not provide a similarity check for students.
WUR staff with access to Brightspace
WUR staff with access to Brightspace must use TurnItIn in Brightspace to check students' work, for example, by creating a Brightspace Course for MSc-thesis students where students can submit their thesis. The outcome of the check is available as soon as the student has uploaded the assignment. If you have issues with TurnItIn in Brightspace, you can refer to the user manual or contact the WUR’s Education helpdesk.
WUR staff members without access to Brightspace
For WUR staff without access to Brightspace, the CIP can perform a similarity check. WUR staff and PhD candidates without access to Brightspace can send us the document they want checked by email. We will perform the similarity check with TurnItIn. The similarity report will be sent back as soon as possible, and if necessary, an information specialist from the Copyright Information Point can provide an explanation on how to interpret it.
Questions & support
Do you have questions about this service, or would you like personal support? Feel free to contact us. You can send an email to the Copyright Information Point.
Curious to find out what else WUR Library can offer you?
Visit the Library's website to access the Library’s databases and get a full overview of the Library’s services, tools, and support. You can contact a librarian anytime through the chat box on our website or click Chat online. We’re happy to help you!