Factors influencing plagiarism in higher education

What is it about?

A review of 166 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database investigated the common reasons for plagiarism in higher education across various disciplines. The meta-analysis focused on 19 studies that identified perceived reasons for academic dishonesty among students and researchers. Four of these studies shared similar factors contributing to plagiarism: a busy schedule, homework overload, laziness, easy access to electronic resources, inadequate research writing skills, improper citation knowledge, and lenient penalties. The combined average results indicate that the most significant perceived reasons are the ease of accessing electronic resources (Mean = 3.6, SD = 0.81), lack of awareness about rules (Mean = 3.0, SD = 0.89), and a busy schedule coupled with homework overload and laziness (Mean = 2.89, SD = 1.0). These insights could assist in developing effective anti-plagiarism strategies and policies that emphasize academic integrity while addressing academic misconduct.

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Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash

Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The study is crucial for academia as it sheds light on the underlying reasons for plagiarism, which is a significant concern in educational institutions. Understanding these reasons can guide the development of targeted interventions and robust anti-plagiarism policies. Such measures can enhance academic integrity and deter dishonest practices, thereby preserving the quality and credibility of scholarly work.

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