The utility generates a similarity score, representing text that matches their database. Each agency or journal, sets their score threshold for what they consider questionable similarity; if the threshold is reached, the proposal or manuscript undergoes alleged plagiarism review, may be outright rejected, and/or penalties assessed. The process is far from perfect, but given the rapid adoption of this and other plagiarism detection practices, this screening is one to which academics must adapt.
Procedure
To aid scholars/researchers and ensure compliance with research integrity, UMKC faculty, staff or students may submit their manuscript or proposal to the UMKC Pre Award Office (ORS@umkc.edu) at any time to receive a similarity iThenticate-generated report; and/or UMKC Pre Award will, as part of their process for all proposal submissions, upload the proposal and provide the report to the investigator within 1-week of their proposal submission. If the proposal contains greater than 30% matched text, the Pre Award administrator will highlight this to the investigator when sending the report by email, and offer a consultation to address whether to withdraw or continue the submission.
To request your own iThenticate login please fill out the form below.
Timeline and Responsibility
While manuscripts or proposals may be submitted for iThenticate review at any time, the Office of Research Services will not introduce mandatory proposal review until a later date. Should a proposal be flagged by the 30% threshold, the responsibility and decision to retain the submission will ultimately rest with the investigator.
Please contact the Pre Award office (ORS@umkc.edu) with any questions regarding the iThenticate process.
