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Testing the Predictors of College Students’ Attitudes Toward Plagiarism

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to college students’ attitudes towards plagiarism. This study tested a hypothesized model that students’ self-esteem, usage of eBooks, working hours, and understanding of plagiarism policy predicted their subjective norm to plagiarize (SNP), which in turn, ultimately predicted their positive (PAP) and negative attitudes towards plagiarism (NAP). The study also examined if students’ demographic characteristics influenced their attitude towards plagiarism. Data collected in an online survey from 90 college students were analyzed using path analysis in AMOS. Results suggested that students who do not understand university plagiarism policy and use eBooks are more likely to plagiarize. The path model achieved the best fit when the paths from eBook usage and understanding of plagiarism policy were indirectly specified to PAP through SNP. The current study contributes to the body of knowledge on the factors that affect students’ attitudes towards plagiarism. This study's findings would enable faculty, policymakers, and college administrators to understand the factors that affect students’ attitude towards plagiarism and formulate and implement appropriate strategies to deter students from plagiarizing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, USA

    Ademola Amida & Yusuf Adam Marafa

  2. Department of Social Studies Education, Presbyterian University College, Abetifi, Ghana

    Joseph Appianing

Authors
  1. Ademola Amida
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  2. Joseph Appianing
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  3. Yusuf Adam Marafa
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Correspondence to Ademola Amida.

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Appendix

Appendix

eBook Usage Scale

Please rate each of the following statements below (5-point scale rating) by checking the appropriate option that best describes you.

Question

Not at all like me

Not like me

Neutral

Like me

Just like me

I often use an eBook for my assignments and papers.

     

I am always tempted to plagiarize whenever I use eBook for my assignments and papers.

     

eBook helps me to copy and paste information into my paper easily.

     

I become frustrated when eBook does not allow me to copy & paste.

     

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Amida, A., Appianing, J. & Marafa, Y.A. Testing the Predictors of College Students’ Attitudes Toward Plagiarism. J Acad Ethics 20, 85–99 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-021-09401-9

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