Understanding the relationship between language ability and plagiarism in non-native English speaking business students

Perkins, Mike; Gezgin, Ulas Basar; Roe, Jasper

Abstract

Despite a continued focus exploring the factors related to plagiarism, the relationship between English language ability and plagiarism occurrences is not fully understood. Multiple studies involving student or faculty self-reporting of plagiarism have shown that students often claim English language ability is one of the main reasons why they commit plagiarism offences; however, little research has tested these claims in a rigorous, quantitative manner. This paper presents the findings of an analysis of data collected in a private, international university located in Vietnam, from non-native English speaking students studying business degrees. Analysis of the data builds on previous studies by showing that there are statistically significant differences in the English language abilities of students who have previously committed plagiarism offences, compared to students who have not, suggesting that programmes designed to improve the academic English skills of non-native English speaking students may help reduce incidences of plagiarism.

Citation

Perkins, M., Gezgin, U. B., & Roe, J. (2018). Understanding the relationship between language ability and plagiarism in non-native English speaking business students. Journal of Academic Ethics, 16, 317-328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-018-9311-8

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 28, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 2, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Deposit Date: Feb 4, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Academic Ethics
• Print ISSN: 1570-1727
• Electronic ISSN: 1572-8544
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Pages: 317-328
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-018-9311-8
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3355709