Exploring Web-Based University Policy Statements on Plagiarism by Research-Intensive Higher Education Institutions

• In Event: 61.087 - Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: 61.087-6 - Division J Poster Session: Organization, Leadership, and Management

Abstract

Plagiarism may plague universities in the US, but there is little agreement as to exactly what constitutes plagiarism. While there is ample research on plagiarism, there is scant literature on the content of university policies regarding it. Using a systematic random sample, we qualitatively analyzed 20 Carnegie-classified universities that are “Very High in Research,” including 15 public state universities, and five high-profile private universities. We uncovered highly varied and even contradictory policies at these institutions. Notable policy variations existed for verbatim plagiarism, intentional plagiarism and unauthorized student collaboration at the studied institutions.

Authors

• Ewa McGrail, Georgia State University

• John Patrick McGrail, Jacksonville State University