KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF UNDERSTANDING PLAGIARISM BY STUDENTS FROM BAQAI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Background: Plagiarism is the theft of intellectual property with lack of source acknowledgment. The objective of this study was to determine the information regarding Baqai Medical University student's exposure about knowledge, attitude and practices and their awareness of the repercussions and the policies, systems and procedures of the BMU regarding plagiarized matter. Methods: A study for duration of 6 months was conducted in Baqai Medical University where volunteers answered questionnaires anonymously. There were following four sections in the questionnaire: (a) demographic data, such as gender, level of education; (b) five questions regarding knowledge; (c) five questions regarding practice; and (d) five questions regarding policies, awareness and outcomes. Results: The sample size of the study was 150 participants, among which 61 were males and 89 females, with 70 BDS students, 50 MBBS students and 30 House officers. Overall, 90% of the participants were aware of the meaning of plagiarism. Approximately 20% of the participants were not aware of the standard referencing criteria. 88% of the correspondents considered continuous assessments to improve their writing skills. When asked on how the students believed to improve their skills and avoid plagiarism. Majority of the participants (75.3%) considered time ample enough to work with almost equal correspondence among males and females. 81.3% of the students reported lack plagiarism workshop. 82.7% of the respondents agreed to the consequences of plagiarism. Nevertheless, both males (72.1%) and females (73%)) equally shared their work with friends before submission. Even though 68% of them were aware of the college / university policies, systems and procedures for involving plagiarism, men exhibited an increased awareness ratio (70.5%) as compared to females (66.3%). Conclusion: With the help of this questionnaire, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the BMU students was determined regarding plagiarism. In the end, recommendations for such type of studies in the future were also provided.