EXPLORING PLAGIARISM AWARENESS AMONG SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCHERS: EVIDENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

This study explored the awareness of plagiarism among social sciences research scholars at the University of Peshawar. The target population consisted of research scholars from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Peshawar. A stratified proportionate non-random sampling technique was used, and the strata were qualification-based. A structured questionnaire was designed based on insights from an extensive review of the literature. The questionnaires were distributed to the selected sample of 245 social sciences research scholars. Out of that 180 questionnaires were returned, but only 145 complete and correctly filled questionnaires were considered for analysis. The finding revealed the level of awareness (LOA) regarding plagiarism among 145 respondents. The results indicated that participants generally established a high level of awareness on most forms of plagiarism. The highest mean was observed for the statement “Summarizing the words of somebody different without citing the basis” (M = 4.67, SD = 0.577), reflecting strong agreement that this practice constitutes plagiarism. Other statements with high awareness included “Cut, copy, and paste of text from a source deprived of proper citation” (M = 4.33, SD = 1.155), ‘ Outsourcing research tasks to someone else and presenting the work as one’s own’’ (M = 4.33, SD = 0.577), “Using internet-based information without referencing its origin” (M = 4.33, SD = 0.577), “Using an idea or theory without acknowledging the source” (M = 4.33, SD = 0.577), and “Collusion involves assisting another person in committing plagiarism” (M = 4.33, SD = 1.155), indicating consistent recognition of these as clear forms of plagiarism. The findings revealed varied attitudes, with some reflecting strong ethical stances and others indicating rationalizations or pressures that may lead to plagiarism. The highest mean was recorded for the statement “Obligating plagiarism is against my educational morals” (M = 4.33, SD = 0.577), suggesting a strong ethical awareness among respondents. Moderate agreement was noted for “Fear of not fulfilling publication requirements during the research process” (M = 4.00, SD = 1.000) and “Relaxed obtainability of content on the web leads to obligatory plagiarism” (M = 3.67, SD = 0.577), indicating acknowledgment of external pressures and temptations. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends conducting regular plagiarism awareness workshops across university departments, focusing on both common and less recognized forms of plagiarism, including self-plagiarism. Moreover, it suggests incorporating academic writing and ethics into undergraduate and graduate programs to build a sound foundation in academic integrity from the outset.

Key Words: Plagiarism awareness; Academic Integrity; Social Science Scholars; Self-Plagiarism