Plagiarism and Technology: A Tool for Coping With Plagiarism

In this study, the author evaluated an online plagiarism detection system to determine whether (a) it would be practical to use in an academic setting and (b) it would have an effect on student plagiarism. The author analyzed graduate student papers for plagiarism over the course of 5 semesters. Students in the last 3 semesters plagiarized significantly less than did students in the 1st semester, suggesting that students' awareness of the system and its use by the instructor may have acted as a deterrent to plagiarism. Results showed that the system was a viable means to detect and discourage plagiarism in an academic environment. The author provides conclusions, limitations, and recommendations for faculty use of a plagiarism detection system.