A1 Journal article (refereed)
Plagiarism Defined? : A multiple case study analysis of institutional definitions (2020)
Ronai, K. (2020). Plagiarism Defined? : A multiple case study analysis of institutional definitions. Apples : Journal of Applied Language Studies, 14(1), 25-46. https://doi.org/10.17011/apples/urn.202003282558
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Ronai, Kara
Journal or series: Apples : Journal of Applied Language Studies
eISSN: 1457-9863
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 14
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 25-46
Publisher: Centre for Applied Language Studies, University of Jyväskylä
Publication country: Finland
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17011/apples/urn.202003282558
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68463
Abstract
This multiple case study examines seven institutional documents from universities in four countries (Australia, China, Finland and Germany) with the aim of determining how plagiarism is defined in these institutional contexts. This research expands on previous analyses of university plagiarism policies in the Anglosphere (e.g., Kaktiņš, 2014; Sutherland-Smith, 2011), and particularly the notion that institutional definitions of plagiarism contain “six elements” (Pecorari, 2002). Using the six elements model of plagiarism as a theoretical basis, the documents in this study were analysed using deductive content analysis. The findings of this analysis revealed that the definitions of plagiarism were consistent across the contexts, with all policies containing five of the six elements in their definitions. At two institutions, however, the element of intentionality was not addressed in the definition of plagiarism. Furthermore, the extent of discussion of certain elements of plagiarism (e.g., the need for source acknowledgement), and an emphasis on “good academic practice” across the documents revealed the need for ongoing research that considers how institutions construct official definitions of plagiarism.
Keywords: plagiarism; academic writing; tertiary education
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 1