Can I Reuse Text or Data?

Maria Noll — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:06:01 +0000

Without a new, original, research question, a scientific paper is not considered a new work. However, as topics are frequently too extensive to be covered satisfactorily in a term paper, it is usually not a problem to simply develop new research questions on the same topic for another term paper or thesis.

Using text blocks

Even if you have two different papers with two different research questions, some information may appear in both texts, such as the description of an institution or the presentation of background information. However, since each submitted text can only be evaluated once as an examination achievement, you may not simply reuse text blocks.

You cannot cite them either, as student papers are not considered citable.

Using original sources

Even when your writing is based to a certain extent on a previous paper, always refer to the original sources and ensure that your statements based on previous texts relate to the new research question.

This often changes the focus of the text, and accordingly, different wording and/or a new text structure may be necessary.

When presenting facts and definitions or describing institutions, formulations may be similar in both texts. This is usually not a problem, as they deal with the same subject.

Using your own data

You can reuse self-generated data as the basis for a new scientific paper with a new research question, such as interviews or survey results. It may be useful to mention the context in which the data were generated in your new text.

Whether you need to include the original data in the appendix depends e.g. on their importance in the paper. It is best to clarify this with your supervisor.

Frequently asked questions

What rules should I observe if I deal with a topic more than once?

Each submitted text may only be evaluated once as an examination achievement, so you cannot simply reuse text blocks. You also cannot cite them, as student papers are not considered citable. Always use the original source.

Can I reuse self-generated data in new papers?

You can reuse e.g. interviews or survey results as the basis for a new scientific paper with a new research question. Since the context in which your data were generated also depends on the importance of the content, it is best to clarify your approach with your supervisors.

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