The Uniqueness indicator on Packback is a valuable tool to help you assess the originality of student writing, but it's important to remember it's just one piece of the puzzle. This indicator represents the percentage of a student's work that is not matched to other sources. A higher percentage generally means more of the work is unique.

How it Works:

Packback scans a student’s text and compares it against a vast database of external sources (websites, articles, open-source journal articles, etc.) and internal sources (past Packback submissions).

Interpreting the Uniqueness Score:

Think of the Uniqueness score as a signal, not a verdict.

• Lower Score: A lower score signals that a portion of the student's submission matches existing sources. This warrants further investigation, but does not automatically equate to plagiarism.
• Higher Score: A higher score suggests the work is likely original, but it's still important to review the submission itself.

Many factors can influence a student's Uniqueness score, including:

• Proper citation: Packback's scan doesn't currently differentiate between properly cited quotes and uncited copying.
• Common phrases or concepts: Assignments on similar topics may naturally have some overlapping language.
• Paraphrasing: Even well-paraphrased content can sometimes trigger matches.

Always take the time to:

1. Read the student's work: Consider the overall quality and coherence of the writing. Does it demonstrate original thought and analysis?
2. Examine the Uniqueness Report: This report provides detailed information about the sources matched, links to those sources, and comparison between the specific passages in question and the match sources.

No Magic Number:

It's important to understand that there is no universally "acceptable" Uniqueness percentage. In addition to the factors influencing the percentage, mentioned above, your perception may vary depending on:

• The nature of the assignment: Research papers may naturally have more matches than reflective essays.
• The student's level: Expectations for originality may differ between introductory and advanced courses.
• Your own academic policies: You may have certain policies for your course that influence how students should be citing other sources.

Remember: The Uniqueness indicator is designed to be a starting point for a conversation about academic integrity. It provides valuable information, but should always be used in conjunction with your own academic judgment and knowledge of your students. By combining these elements, you can foster a learning environment that values both originality and proper attribution.