The perception of students towards plagiarism: a survey of selected educational institutions of Peshawar

Abstract

Introduction: This research aims to evaluate the perception of students regarding plagiarism in educational institutions across Peshawar. Despite widespread exposure to information on plagiarism through media and literature, many students still exhibit uncertainties regarding its boundaries within academic writing. Objectives: To gauge and define students' comprehension of plagiarism within academic contexts. Materials & Methods: The study, conducted from February 01, 2021, to June 01, 2021, at the Department of Psychiatry, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, employed a quantitative survey methodology by administering a questionnaire to a randomly sampled group of 60 students comprising 24 males and 36 females, aged between 19 to 44 years, studying at selected educational settings of Peshawar. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22 for descriptive statistics. Results: Analysis of the survey responses highlighted significant confusion among students regarding the definition of plagiarism as well as its practices, indicating the need for a clearer demarcation between academic writing and plagiarism.

Conclusion: Considerable misconceptions exist about the nature and practice of plagiarism in students of educational institutions of Peshawar thus necessitating the need for clear cut guidelines about plagiarism and their implementation in all academic settings.