Exploring university students' perceptions of plagiarism: a focus group study

Abstract

Plagiarism is perceived to be a growing problem and universities are being required to devote increasing time and resources to combating it. Theory and research in psychology show that a thorough understanding of an individual's view of an issue or problem is an essential requirement for successful change of that person's attitudes and behaviour. This pilot study explores students' perceptions of a number of issues relating to plagiarism in an Australian university. In the pilot study, focus groups were held with students across discipline areas, year and mode of study. A thematic analysis revealed six themes of perceptions of plagiarism: confusion, fear, perceived sanctions, perceived seriousness, academic consequences and resentment.

Keywords:

• academic integrity
• college students
• plagiarism
• student ethics
• university student

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible through a Scholarship in Teaching Fund awarded through Centre for Enhancing Learning and Teaching (CELT), Charles Sturt University, Australia. The authors thank Kate Seymour and Jennifer Greig for their valued assistance.