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Predictors of Plagiarism Research Misconduct: A Study of Postgraduate Pharmacy Students in Jordan

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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate Jordanian pharmacy postgraduate students’ knowledge, behavior and perception about plagiarism and why do they commit such research misconduct.

This is a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Jordan during the period between June-July 2019. The study targeted postgraduate pharmacy students from all Jordanian universities. Recruited students were asked to fill out the study questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, behavior, and perception about plagiarism.

A total of 103 postgraduate students participated in this survey, most of them (n = 93, 90.3%) were enrolled in masters programs. Most of them (n = 72, 69.9%) reported that they have committed plagiarism during their studies, but this work was unintended for about 76.4% (n = 55) of the plagiarist.

Students were asked about 12 items that represented plagiarism actions and most of postgraduate students were able to identify most of the actions as plagiarism (> 60% for most items). Overall, the mean knowledge score for students about plagiarism was 8.6 ± 2.6 (out of 12).

Regarding students’ perceptions towards plagiarism, many students (n = 99, 96.1%) believed that plagiarizing is as bad as to steal from someone and 92.2% (n = 95) reported that plagiarism is considered against their ethical values.

This study found a high rate of plagiarism among postgraduate pharmacy students in Jordan despite their awareness and understanding of the concept and its different forms. Academic institutions must establish formal policies to raise awareness about plagiarism, enforce and implement penalties for those who commit plagiarism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, 11931, Amman, Jordan

    Rana Abu Farha

  2. Department Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

    Tareq Mukattash

  3. Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, San Diego, USA

    Wael Al-Delaimy

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  1. Rana Abu Farha
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  2. Tareq Mukattash
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  3. Wael Al-Delaimy
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Correspondence to Rana Abu Farha.

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Abu Farha, R., Mukattash, T. & Al-Delaimy, W. Predictors of Plagiarism Research Misconduct: A Study of Postgraduate Pharmacy Students in Jordan. J Acad Ethics 19, 541–553 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-020-09386-x

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