Athukorala Wathsala

Awareness of plagiarism among university teachers in Sri Lankan universities

Section: Library affair and science. Foreign experience

Abstract: The purpose of the article is to assess the level of awareness of plagiarism among university lecturers in Sri Lanka, to explore their overall awareness and differences depending on their background and affiliation and to consider plagiarism detection tools used across university faculties. Research methods. Data was collected through an online survey of academics in Sri Lankan universities from July to December 2023. The total sample size was 104 university teachers. The questionnaire was designed to ensure accuracy and relevance based on existing literature and researchers’ expertise. Scientific novelty. The study used statistical methods to examine variable relationships in a sample of university teachers. The sample comprised 54,8 % male and 45,2 % female teachers, with 29,8 % Senior Lecturers and 21,2 % Lecturers (Probationary). Notably, while Senior Professors and Professors constitute smaller percentages at 1,9 % and 18,3 %, respectively, their inclusion enriches the sample with a range of seniority levels. The researchers analyzed responses with the chi-square test to examine the role of demographic factors in plagiarism awareness. No significant association was found between gender, field of study, and academic position with plagiarism awareness among Sri Lankan university academics. Conclusions. All teachers had a comparable understanding of plagiarism results, which could improve the academic integrity and effectiveness of plagiaris meducation programs in universities. Research has shown that plagiarism awareness programs are more commonly offered to aesthetics, commerce, and management faculties. Applied sciences faculties receive the second-highest amount of training in plagiarism awareness, while engineering and medical faculties receive the least. Technology faculties are found to have the least availability of plagiarism awareness programs. The research highlights the positive step taken by most universities in Sri Lanka, as they have adopted plagiarism detection software to ensure academic integrity. The findings of this research have the potential to inform policy decisions and contribute to the existing body of literature on combating academic misconduct, underscoring the importance of addressing plagiarism in academic settings.

Keywords: plagiarism, awareness, academic integrity, university teachers, detection software.

  Full-text PDF    https://doi.org/10.15407/bv2025.04.146     Citation

• Athukorala Wathsala (University of Colombo (Sri Lanka), [email protected]) ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1740-2096

Cite:
Athukorala Wathsala (2025). Awareness of plagiarism among university teachers in Sri Lankan universities. Bibliotechnyi visnyk, (4) 146-163. doi: https://doi.org/10.15407/bv2025.04.146

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