A note on quotation and paraphrasing practices in dissertation report writing

A note on quotation and paraphrasing practices in dissertation report writing (information from perplexity.ai)

My question: "Provide 5 illustrative examples on good practices on each of the two topics: (a) making quotations and (b) paraphrasing, in the context of writing MBA and Housing Studies dissertation reports. Also briefly mention why the practices are good for each of the examples provided."

The reply: "Here are 5 illustrative good practices for (a) making quotations and (b) paraphrasing in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation reports, along with why they are considered good practices:

(a) Good Practices for Making Quotations:

1. Use quotations sparingly, only for strong statements or definitions relevant to your argument. This keeps the text focused and avoids over-reliance on others’ words.

2. Keep quotations short (less than 40 words) to maintain readability and flow in your writing. Short quotes integrate more naturally without overwhelming the reader.

3. Ensure quotations fit grammatically into your sentences for coherence. This helps maintain a smooth and professional academic style.

4. Provide accurate citations with page numbers after each quotation, which strengthens credibility and acknowledges the original source.

5. Use ellipses to omit irrelevant parts cautiously without distorting the intended meaning, showing careful engagement with the source.

(b) Good Practices for Paraphrasing:

1. Read and fully understand the original text before rewriting, which ensures accurate representation of ideas.

2. Change sentence structure, not just words — for example, switch from active to passive voice or break down complex sentences — to avoid close copying and demonstrate comprehension.

3. Integrate paraphrased content seamlessly into your own writing style to maintain a consistent academic voice and argument flow.

4. Always cite the source of paraphrased ideas to uphold academic integrity and allow readers to verify information.

5. Balance paraphrasing with your own analysis or critical insight to contribute original thought rather than just restating existing knowledge.

These practices are good because they uphold academic integrity, enhance clarity and readability, and contribute to constructing a well-supported and original dissertation argument. They prevent plagiarism while showcasing the writer's understanding and engagement with the literature, which is essential in high-level academic research like MBA and Housing Studies dissertations."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.