Cultural Perceptions of Plagiarism

Abstract: More professors and institutions want to move from a detect-and-punish to an educate-and-prevent model for dealing with plagiarism. Understanding the causes of plagiarism, especially among international students, can aid in efforts to educate students and prevent plagiarism. Research points to a confluence of causal factors, such as time pressure, language differences, and unclear rules. Though not the primary factor, ethical differences between cultures are also germane. Overall, the plight of international students summons institutions to examine their ethical norms of attribution. Plagiarism has a cultural history tied to concepts of individual creativity, but its future may look quite different in an era with increased communal sharing of ideas and images.

Developing a better understanding of the needs of students from diverse cultural backgrounds relating to issues of plagiarism. From Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.

Interactive tutorial by Vaughn Memorial Library on good researching skills, when and how to quote and paraphrase, and how to cite properly. Takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Interactive tutorial by Clark College Libraries on how to avoid plagiarism, and how to give proper citations. This takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

Tutorial from University of Texas Libraries about how to avoid plagiarism, citations, paraphrasing, and how to incorporate sources. Takes about 15 minutes to complete.