Plagiarism in students' master theses: Researching the phenomenon

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Published: Dec 13, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/dial.16446
Keywords:
graduate students plagiarism theses quality assurance
Θεόδωρος Καρασαλίδης
University of Ioannina
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5847-459X
Αναστάσιος Εμβαλωτής
University of Ioannina
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9568-7831
Abstract

Introduction: The engagement in plagiarism constitutes a theme with research interest worldwide. In this context students’ engagement in plagiarism and its forms have been examined (partly). However, studying the relevant bibliography it’s concluded that the particular theme has not been examined to a significant extent in Greek tertiary education while a lot of academic dishonest actions have been found. So, the current research is appropriate to fill the research gap.

Purpose of the study: The current research aims at exploring graduate students’ engagement in plagiarism and its forms.

Method: The sample consists of 155 theses and 8 graduate students of a graduate program in a Greek university. The software Turnitin was utilized for the examination of theses. Furthermore, semi structured interviews were conducted with graduate students.

Results: Graduate students have been found to engage in plagiarism. The particular forms are word to word copying, inadequate paraphrasing, errors in citations and bibliography and other subcategories of plagiarism.

Implications- Conclusions: The examination of the relevant theme (plagiarism in tertiary education) among students and academic staff needs to be continued. So, the recognition and addressing of these actions will secure quality in higher education. 

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Author Biographies
Θεόδωρος Καρασαλίδης, University of Ioannina

He has graduated from the Department of Primary School Education of University of Ioannina in Greece and has completed the postgraduate program in ‘Counselling-Psychology’ of the same Department. His research interests include academic integrity issues, educational assessmentand primary education.

Αναστάσιος Εμβαλωτής, University of Ioannina

Anastasios Emvalotis is Associate Professor in the cognitive field of “Methodology of Research in Educational Sciences” in the Department of Primary Education of University of Ioannina. His research interests focus on topics related to: development and application of methods and techniques for educational research, use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in educational research, micro-sociological approaches to everyday school life,  relationship between science, technology and society. He participates in international, european and national projects related in their majority to the analysis and management of the educational process. 

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