How do I properly paraphrase complex data from a journal article for my thesis to make sure I don't accidentally plagiarize?

Paraphrasing technical material is less about changing a few words and more about re‑thinking the information so it fits naturally into the flow of your own argument. Start by reading the passage until you can explain the main finding or trend without looking at the source. Then close the article and write a sentence or two that captures the essence—what the numbers show, what relationship was tested, or what conclusion the authors drew—using the terminology that already appears in your thesis. This forces you to internalize the meaning and reduces the risk of reproducing the original phrasing too closely. When you re‑express the data, keep two things in mind: accuracy and attribution. Accuracy means preserving the quantitative details—values, percentages, sample sizes—exactly as reported, because any alteration could mislead the reader. Attribution means placing an in‑text citation right after the paraphrase, even if you have integrated the information into a larger discussion. In APA 7th edition, the citation can be parenthetical or narrative, but it must appear wherever the idea is introduced. If a particular phrase is so specific that re‑wording would either distort its meaning or sound forced, quoting that short segment and citing it is acceptable; however, rely on direct quotes sparingly, reserving them for definitions or particularly striking wording. Deciding between a full‑paragraph summary and a more granular approach depends on how central the data are to your argument. If the entire paragraph provides background that you only need to reference briefly, a concise summary with a single citation is efficient. If the paragraph contains several distinct points—say, a statistical result followed by an interpretation—consider breaking it into two paraphrases, each with its own citation, to make clear which part of the source supports each claim. This also helps the plagiarism detector differentiate your prose from the original. Finally, after you’ve drafted the paraphrase, compare it side‑by‑side with the source. Ask yourself whether the sentence structure, order of ideas, and choice of words feel genuinely yours. If you notice any lingering phrases that mirror the original, rework them until the expression is distinct. By internalizing the meaning, citing precisely, and double‑checking for similarity, you’ll minimize the chance of inadvertent plagiarism while presenting the complex data clearly.