Awareness, Attitude, and Perception of Postgraduate Students towards Plagiarism

Abstract

Objective. To examine the level of awareness, attitude, and perception towards Plagiarism amongst postgraduate students of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind- Haryana. Method. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to 150 postgraduate university students. The sample of students was mixed irrespective of disciplines including science, humanities, and social sciences. Results. The present study results show a lack of awareness among postgraduate students about plagiarism and its consequences in India. As of now, it is a cognizable offence and the study results reveal the general attitude prevailing among the Indian postgraduate students about plagiarism. Conclusions. In the present study, we have addressed many important issues. The University Grants Commission, the apex authority of higher education in India, and the individual universities have to come together to develop a mechanism to create awareness among postgraduate students about plagiarism, its consequences, and remedies. This awareness drive has to be periodic in nature and success can be achieved by delivering awareness among the postgraduate students in particular and students of higher education in general.