The Plagiarism Problem: Are Students Entirely To Blame?

Abstract

Plagiarism is not a new phenomenon, but given the proliferation of easily accessible electronic resources in recent times, it has become so much easier for students to ‘cut and paste ’ slabs of text. This can sometimes lead to assignments being submitted that are inadequately referenced or, worse still, assignments being submitted that are largely (or entirely) the work of someone else. This paper critiques the various strategies currently being employed to stamp out plagiarism. These include the use of the various proprietary and freeware packages available for the electronic detection of plagiarism, and honour codes that incorporate punitive systems to discredit plagiarists. The paper concludes by arguing for an integrated approach founded upon a commitment, at an institutional level, to assessment regimes that reward critical analysis rather than content regurgitation. Importantly, ‘authentic assessment ’ that engages students is deemed far more likely to achieve the desired results. Electronic media, used effectively, can assist in this endeavour.

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