When to use iThenticate
When to use iThenticate
You are advised to scan all substantial pieces of writing (e.g. articles, thesis, book chapters, etc.) in their final form before submission for examination or publication in any forum. iThenticate can also be useful throughout your writing process. Scanning a first draft of a chapter or article can help you identify any issues and address them early.
La Trobe values support an 'open, friendly and honest' University, where we 'treat people with respect and work together.' In line with these values it is generally appropriate for researchers to scan only their own work with iThenticate.
Where an allegation of research misconduct has been made against a higher degree by research candidate, the staff member conducting an investigation may scan the document(s) in question. In the case of allegations of research misconduct involving staff scanning with iThenticate may be done by the Designated Person (under the Research Integrity Policy).
Protocols for HDR candidates
It is a good idea to scan drafts throughout the writing process to identify issues early on. You are strongly encouraged to share and discuss reports with your supervisor, even if you do not think there are problems. Supervisors are experienced researchers with expert knowledge of their discipline and may identify concerns which are not apparent to you. Discussing your reports with your supervisor may help you develop your own informed personal judgement and knowledge of disciplinary practices.
You are advised to scan all of your written submissions for each progress report or candidature milestone, including confirmation and final submission.
Protocols for supervisors
iThenticate is an educative tool, so it is strongly recommended that you encourage candidates to use it throughout the thesis writing process.
Supervisors should not use iThenticate to scan a candidate’s work. If a problem with citation or other issue that iThenticate may identify is suspected, supervisors should ask the candidate to conduct the scan and then provide an opportunity to share and discuss the Similarity Report. Supervisors may request candidates share their reports, but candidates are not obliged to do so.
Protocols for co-authors
If researchers are co-authoring a publication, the individuals involved should check their own sections of writing. The writing of others should not be scanned with iThenticate without consent.
As many journals use iThenticate to scan submissions, it is a good idea to scan at least the final version before submitting. All authors should agree to any scan of a final document before it is conducted, and the report should be shared with all. If a co-author is not a member of staff or student at La Trobe and does not otherwise have access to iThenticate, you may share the report with them by generating and emailing a PDF.
Protocols for examiners
iThenticate should not be used to scan a thesis you are examining. If you are a staff member from another institution examining the thesis of a La Trobe student and have concerns about referencing or a related issue, please contact Exams.GRS@latrobe.edu.au.
If you are a La Trobe staff member examining the thesis of a candidate from another institution you should contact that institution if you have concerns.