Violations of scientific integrity in the research activities of students: A forward-looking analytical study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify violations of scientific integrity and practices of plagiarism in the research performance of university students. It also aimed to foresee and investigate the mechanisms of prevention and intervention to address the phenomenon. Method: A sample of 202 students from the Special Education Department affiliated with the College of Basic Education in Kuwait participated in the study using a specially designed questionnaire to meet the first objective of the study. In addition, 18 academic professors participated in closed and open questionnaires over three rounds using the Delphi method for future planning and achieving the second objective of the study. Results: The study revealed a variety in forms of plagiarism, its practices, the reasons leading to it, as well as the solutions proposed by the students from their perspective. The study also presented suggestions to address the phenomenon, including the expected roles of university college administrations and course professors. It then proposed a solution that includes establishing a specialised centre aimed at improving the scientific output and research performance of students. This would cover its tasks in three successive stages, starting with guidance and counselling, then enrichment and reinforcement, ending with verification and investigation. Conclusion: The study presented a range of solutions and alternatives to deal with the practices of plagiarism and violations of scientific integrity. It also provided several recommendations for future research in this area.