FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS' ATTITUDE TOWARDS PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is a common fact among university students of all ages and specialties in Malaysia. Nowadays, the widespread use of the Internet has made it easier for students to reach and transmit information in a dishonest way. Indeed, plagiarism has been classified as a multi-layer phenomenon of dishonesty; several research papers have identified a host of factors as reasons driving plagiarism. This study employs survey in measuring factors that affect student' attitude towards plagiarism. The purposive sample of 45 students from UTM Perdana center of science, technology and innovation policy (n=45) was requested to answer the questionnaire on the eleven (11) factors that are most considered causes affecting students' attitudes toward plagiarism. The finding suggests that lack of efficacy in research and report writing is the most reason and the primary factor for plagiarism. This result enhances our understanding of students' problems and guides researchers to provide effective training and classes that enhance students' skills in research and report writing.