This quantitative quasi-experimental study explored the effectiveness of an in residence research skills plagiarism avoidance workshop. The problem is what effect a research skills plagiarism avoidance workshop would have on the improvement of plagiarism avoidance. Information literacy was discovered as the foundation of why students plagiarize. Effective and reflective thinking, critical thinking, complex analytical skills, and paraphrasing skills are recognized as important skills in avoiding plagiarism. The theoretical framework used in this study was two learning theories; constructivism and cognition. These two learning theories provided the construct used to develop the lesson plan implemented in the instructional workshop. Two models were created from these learning theories; learning circle and literacy circle. The learning circle illustrated the social interaction learning environment, which created the learning experience. The literacy circle illustrated student interaction with the learning environment creating the desire to know and inquire. This theoretical framework created the foundation of the instructional workshop. Quantitative quasi-experiment methodology and design was used in this study. An analysis of 43 workshop participants revealed a significant improvement in plagiarism avoidance. Teaching information literacy and research skills in a classroom environment was determined to be effective in reducing plagiarism incidences. This study provided educators with valuable information on the effects of teaching information literacy and how the social interaction of a classroom creates an effective learning environment. Again, this study illustrated how teaching research skills early in college can increase the quality of first year college students writing and avoidance of plagiarism incidences. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]