Turnitin’s algorithms look deeply at a document for any inconsistencies that would set it apart from a normal submission. If we notice something strange, we Flag it for you to review.
For example, content mills and users looking to prevent similarity matching abuse text manipulation techniques by trying to pass off plagiarized content as genuine. These techniques, outlined below, are commonly found on YouTube and social media platforms as ways of bypassing similarity checks.
A flag is not necessarily an indicator of a problem. However, we recommend you focus your attention there for further review.
In this guide:
The Insight panel
In the Insight panel, you'll find a quick overview of any integrity insights we've found in a document. Depending on your Turnitin license, it can include Similarity, Flags for Review, and Document Details. Viewing more information is as easy as selecting the one you're interested in learning more about.
An overview of any Flags that have been found in a document are shown in the Flags section of the Insight Panel. Simply select the Flag to view more information about it.
Replaced Characters
Some characters in different alphabets can look similar enough that to the naked eye, it is difficult, if not impossible, to tell them apart.
Turnitin automatically swaps these characters out when scanning a submission so they will not affect the Similarity Report. However, by replacing characters, the intent is to try and interrupt a similarity match.
Hidden text
Essay mills and authors looking to hinder similarity matching abuse text manipulation techniques by trying to pass plagiarized content off as genuine. These techniques are commonly found on YouTube and social media platforms as ways of ‘cheating Turnitin’.
For example, hidden quotation marks could influence the amount of quoted material recognized in a document. When an instructor excludes well-referenced matches using the Exclude Quotes functionality, in a manipulated document this would also hide plagiarized content.
Using the new, enhanced Similarity Report? Find guidance in Integrity flags in the new, enhanced Similarity Report.