Speaking ethically 4.3 61
provides two dates: the date of publication (included in the title of the article)
and the date the article was accessed by the researcher. If you are unable to find
the date the material was posted—or any other single element of information—
proceed directly to the next item in the citation.
“Bed Bugs.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 January- Web. 09 June 2013.
Perhaps now you are thinking, “What about those ‘gray areas,’ those times
when I am not certain whether information or ideas I am presenting are com-
mon knowledge?” A good rule is this: When in doubt, document. You will never
be guilty of plagiarism if you document something you didn’t need to, but you
could be committing plagiarism if you do not document something you really
should have documented.
Quick check
The Ethical Public Speaker...
• has a clear, responsible goal.
• Uses sound evidence and reasoning.
• is sensitive to and tolerant of differences.
• is honest.
• avoids plagiarism.