Why do people plagiarize?

Plagiarism, either intentional or inadvertent can occur in varying degrees for quite a few reasons:

  • Some don't know they are or don't understand how to properly cite a source to give credit

  • Laziness--don't want to do the work

  • Poor planning--ran out of time

  • Writers block
  • Competition--they think others are and don't want them to have the advantage

  • Too busy to do the work

  • Just want the grade

  • Didn't think they could get caught

Thinking about why someone might plagiarize, may help you avoid the circumstances that lead to cheating.
Can you add to this list?