Plagiarism Statistics: An Insight into Issue
Most universities and colleges have written codes of practice that distinguish plagiarism as one of the most undesired cheating forms. Despite this fact, modern students hold rather different plagiarism perceptions. Although many understand potential damages that it can cause, particularly with respect to their academic careers, they still refer to this harmful practice as a means to succeed academically or remain competitive.
Recent plagiarism statistics illustrate the need to get a deeper insight into this issue in modern educational institutions. One should understand all threats that it brings and keep away from this unethical practice, using other more ethically sound methods to bring forward their educational success.
Schools and Plagiarism
What happens when you plagiarize? In the United States, students discover a lot about negative consequences already at school. Early enough in their academic careers, they find out that infringement discriminates their good names, puts them out of ethical competition, and makes them go through very unpleasant situations that often involve parents and school representatives. Once caught cheating, students will have to deal with a special attitude, which is often unpleasant, because teachers will likely suspect them again. As for cheating in school statistics show, despite knowing that plag as practice brings numerous problems, many school students still rely on it. In order to better understand this issue, it is sound to review some recent findings.
The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) is a reliable statistical data provider when it comes to infringement of copyright. In its largest survey that had been conducted throughout 12 years across 24 schools in the US, as Unicheck reports, researchers provide statistics:
- 95% among surveyed students cheated on tests or homework, or plagiarized at least once;
- 17% of 17,000 graduates cheated on tests;
- 40% among 17,000 graduates cheated for written assignments;
- 43% of 17,000 graduates admitted written or test cheating;
- 39% among 71,300 undergraduates cheated on tests;
- 62% of 71,300 undergraduates cheated on written assignments;
- 68% of 71,300 undergraduates admitted cheating during test or writing.
Many other studies, including anonymous surveys and polls, provide comparable results regarding plagiarism facts and general attitudes to this practice in American schools. For example, a study conducted by Lindale High School revealed plagiarism statistics that among 205 students, 65.7% cheated at least once, and 85.9% saw other doing it. And one study conducted by Professor Eric M. Anderman found that, among 400 questioned students, the majority agreed that it’s particularly permissible to cheat in those classes that students don’t like. Obviously, while at school, students do not ask a question, “Is plagiarism against the law?” As a result, they tend to copy when it is particularly convenient for them and when it is little likely to be caught and deal with consequences.
Plagiarism in Colleges
As for cheating in college statistics, findings suggest that plag prevails on this academic level as well. College students are often better informed regarding infringement of copyright and its consequences than they were at school. Those who wonder what does plagiarism mean can easily access this information on their college websites. Still, many consider it acceptable to cheat despite serious risks for their future careers. For instance, as Cleveland.com reports, a recent study conducted by Kessler revealed the following plagiarism statistics:
- 86% cheated while studying;
- 54% said cheating was OK and some said it was necessary to stay competitive;
- 97% among questioned cheaters have never been caught on cheating;
- 76% copied assignments done by other people word-for-word;
- 72% said they used their phone, tablet, or computer for cheating;
- 12% said they would never cheat for ethical reasons.
Prevalence of plagiarism as a practice in the US unis and colleges sometimes causes scandals that draw public attention. For instance, as The New York Times reported, one of such scandals happened in Harvard, when dozens of students had been disciplined for cheating. No matter how hard you try to avoid consequences, if they plagiarize, there is always a chance to be caught and punished.
Global Trends and Facts About Plagiarism Statistics
Interestingly, international facts about plagiarism largely support US tendencies. For instance, Canadian researchers also report increasing cases in Canadian schools, colleges, and universities. As Western Gazette reports, over the past four years, academic offenses increased among both graduate and post-doctoral students. Probably, as a practice, it is quite widespread worldwide because of the lack of a universal approach to its very concept. Thus, some practice that is considered plagiarism in one country may be acceptable in some other country.
Overall, the reviewed academic cheating statistics suggest that students prefer to complete homework on their own. This tendency is very disturbing. On the one hand, it develops students’ creativity in some respect. For instance, As USA Today reports, they become rather sophisticated in the way they use technology as well as modern devices like smartwatches. On the other hand, by stealing other people’s ideas, students basically receive no proper education. Original works not only contribute to students’ critical thinking skills but also enrich the overall body of knowledge, promoting social development and progress.
How to Avoid Plagiarism?
Evidently, students who write their papers alone, may still accidentally become a victim of plag. They will not copy the work of another person word-for-word, instead of struggling to produce their own piece no matter how challenging their assignment is. However, the threat of unintentional plagiarism still remains, at least as plagiarism stats suggest. For instance, you may lack knowledge on how to correctly cite sources or effectively paraphrase information from a published source.
They may incorrectly use their own previously written papers or present false citations by mistake without any actual intention to cheat. Despite good intentions, these are still examples of plagiarism that can undermine a student’s good name, putting his or her reputation under threat. To stay away from negative consequences as well as plagiarism itself, students should utilize an effective plagiarism finder. Modern checkers are easy to use; furthermore, some of them are really effective in detecting copied text.
It is Better Not to Copy
Although academic dishonesty statistics show that plagiarism prevails in both schools and colleges, students should avoid this practice, because it harms not only their own reputation but also the value of education in general. Whether you want to avoid plag just as a means to protect yourself from consequences or because ethics matters to you, consider using an up-to-date online checker.
This simple tool can quickly scan your papers, finding all passages that require further elaboration. Even though plagiarism is widespread, it is still cheating and it is unethical. Therefore, it is better to go the extra mile but remain true to yourself and to your personal ethical standards.
