Do biomedical researchers differ in their perceptions of plagiarism across Europe? Findings from an online survey among leading universities

Abstract

Background Existing research on perceptions of plagiarism and cultural influences mainly focuses on comparisons between the Western World and the Eastern World. However, possible differences within the Western World have hardly been assessed, especially among biomedical academics. The authors compared perceptions of plagiarism among European biomedical researchers who participated in an online survey. Methods The present work is based on the data collected in a previous online survey done in 2018 among biomedical researchers working in leading European and Chinese universities. Respondents based in Europe were grouped into three geographical regions (northern Europe, southern Europe and northwestern Europe) and their responses were analyzed using logistic regression analysis with adjustments for demographic factors. Results Data were available from 810 respondents (265 northern Europe, 101 southern Europe, 444 northwestern Europe). In addition to their generally similar responses, different perceptions of plagiarism were observed among respondents in the three European regions. In summary, among the three European regions, Nordic respondents identified the most types of practices as plagiarism. Compared to the southern respondents, Nordic and northwestern respondents were more likely to consider less evident practices as plagiarism, such as Rephrasing another person’s work without crediting the source [aORN|S 1.99 (95%CI 1.08;3.67), aORS|NW 0.50 (95%CI 0.28;0.91)] and With permission from the original author, using another’s text without crediting the source [aORN|S 3.16 (95%CI 1.90;5.25), aORS|NW 0.26 (95%CI 0.16;0.42)]. In contrast, the southern respondents were the most inclined to recognize recycling of one’s previously rejected research proposal as plagiarism. Conclusions In spite of a generally similar response pattern, the present study indicates different perceptions of plagiarism among European biomedical researchers. These intra-European differences should be considered when addressing plagiarism.

Misconduct in biomedical research: A meta-analysis and systematic review

“…As a result, many responders who serve as peer reviewers or journal editors may encounter plagiarism issues. [ 34 ] The findings are not entirely consistent with this later hypothesis’ prediction that nonself-reports should have increased with time. Plagiarism is a multifactorial issue, but it can be prevented by raising more awareness of the existence and frequency of plagiarism.…”

Frecuencia de comportamientos asociados con el plagio en una universidad pública en Puerto Rico

“…Dougherty (2020); Elliot at al. (2013); Hallak y Poisson (2010); Helgesson y Erikson (2015); Krokoscz (2021); Mallon (1989), Vera (2016) y Yi et al (2022 documentan percepciones e incidentes de plagio en estudios y publicaciones, así como de corrupción del personal docente, administrativo y de investigación. Esto, también, exige atención e investigación para ampliar el conocimiento acerca de los actos de plagio que ocurren en las universidades y encausar estrategias de prevención de manera apropiada, integrada y equitativa.…”