Plagiarism Awareness and Prevention among Research Scholars of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari (Bihar)

A Study

Abstract

Plagiarism constitutes a significant concern within the realm of academia, adversely affecting the integrity of research and the reputational standing of scholars. This investigation examines the levels of awareness, prevailing attitudes, and preventative measures pertaining to plagiarism among research scholars at Mahatma Gandhi Central University, located in Motihari, Bihar. Employing a systematically designed questionnaire disseminated to a cohort of 200 research scholars from diverse academic disciplines, a total of 150 valid responses were garnered and subjected to analysis. The findings indicate that although a majority of participants demonstrate awareness of plagiarism and utilize detection tools such as Turnitin, there remain notable deficiencies in formal training and comprehension of specific categories of plagiarism. Institutional initiatives, encompassing compulsory checks and educational workshops, are vital yet necessitate broader implementation for effectiveness. The results underscore the imperative for comprehensive educational programs and more stringent policies to foster ethical research practices.