Similarity and AI scores: what do they tell you?
These indicators answer different questions. A percentage alone cannot tell you whether a paper meets the requirements.
Similarity Report
Shows text that matches sources in the database. Quotations, references and previous drafts can affect the results. Review the matched sources and how they are cited.
AI Writing Report
Assesses whether qualifying text may have been generated by AI or modified using related tools. It is independent of the similarity score and can produce false positives.
Turnitin explains that there is no universal acceptable similarity score for every institution or assignment. Its AI indicator should not be the sole basis for adverse action against a student. Review the text, writing process and institutional requirements together.
Sources:Turnitin: understanding similarity ↗ / Turnitin: the AI Writing Report ↗
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