ATTITUDE OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATES TOWARD PLAGIARISM IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
Abstract:
Plagiarism is a pervasive issue in academic institutions worldwide, posing significant challenges to the integrity of scholarly work. This study aims to explore the attitude of Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates towards plagiarism in Federal Universities in the South-East region of Nigeria. By examining the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors of LIS students towards plagiarism, this research seeks to contribute to the existing literature on academic integrity and provide insights for developing effective interventions.
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. A structured questionnaire will be administered to a representative sample of LIS undergraduates across several Federal Universities in the South-East region. The survey will assess students’ understanding of plagiarism, their awareness of institutional policies, and their self-reported engagement in unethical academic practices. Additionally, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to explore their motivations, justifications, and experiences related to plagiarism.
The findings of this research will shed light on the prevailing attitudes towards plagiarism among LIS undergraduates in South-East Nigeria. The quantitative analysis will provide statistical insights into the extent of plagiarism, factors influencing student behaviors, and the effectiveness of existing plagiarism detection and prevention measures. The qualitative analysis will offer in-depth perspectives on students’ ethical reasoning, cultural influences, and perceived institutional support in addressing plagiarism.
The study’s outcomes will have practical implications for higher education institutions, faculty members, and policymakers. The results will inform the development of targeted interventions, such as educational programs, policy enhancements, and academic support services, to foster a culture of academic integrity and reduce plagiarism among LIS undergraduates. The findings may also contribute to broader discussions on plagiarism in Nigeria and guide future research in related fields.
Keywords: Plagiarism, academic integrity, Library and Information Science, undergraduates, Federal Universities, South-East Nigeria.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Declaration ii
Approval Page iii
Dedication iv
Abstract vi
Table of Contents vii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Background of the study 3
1.3 Statement of the General Problem 4
1.4 Objective of the study 5
1.5 Significance of the study 5
1.6 Statement of hypothesis 6
1.7 Scope of the study 6
1.8 Limitation of the study 7
1.9 Definition of terms 7
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction 9
2.1 Review of related literature 9
2.2 Theoretical framework
2.3 Summary of review 33
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction 35
3.2 Research design 35
3.3 Area of study 35
3.4 Population of the study 36
3.5 Sample size 36
3.6 Instrument for data collection 36
3.7 Reliability of the instrument 37
3.8 Validity of the Instrument 38
3.9 Method of data Collection 38
3.10 Method of Data Analysis 39
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction 41
4.2 Characteristics of the respondents 41
4.3 Presentation of Data Analysis 43
4.4 Discussion of Findings 48
4.5 Summary of findings 49
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary 51
5.2 Conclusion 52
5.3 Recommendation 53
Biography 54
Appendix 56
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