BARRIERS TO FACULTY ADOPTION OF PLAGIARISM DETECTION SOFTWARE AT A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Current literature reveals that university students plagiarize, but many instructors do not use plagiarism detection software (PDS). A mixed methods case (MMCSR) study design explored barriers to the use of PDS reported by faculty at a Canadian university. While there are policies and procedures regarding plagiarism, an anonymous online survey with in-depth interviews reported that lack of training and resources; policy procedures that dissuade reporting; and legal and ethical concerns regarding student privacy, copyright, and intellectual ownership, are barriers. Plagiarism examples include errors in attribution, ghostwriting, use of paper mills and course aggregators. Faculty often ignored or issued minimal or no penalties or approached plagiarism as teaching or learning opportunities. Negative experiences included lack of compensation for additional time required for documentation and meetings, student appeals, and finding that reports are dismissed. While the university provides PDS for faculty, barriers to PDS use and student plagiarism, remain.