Application of Plagiarism Detection Software to Enhance Research: a Case of University of Nairobi Post Graduate Students and Lecturers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the application of plagiarism detection Software to enhance research by postgraduate students and lecturers at the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Arts. The study objectives were to assess the level of Turnitin awareness amongst students and lecturers, to assess the level of usage of Turnitin anti-plagiarism software at the university, to examine the perception of students and lectures towards Turnitin plagiarism detection software, to identify the factors affecting the uptake of plagiarism detection software at the university and Propose appropriate measures to be undertaken to improve Turnitin up-take. The study adopted descriptive survey design because it provides an account of the characteristics, for example, behavior, abilities, beliefs, and knowledge of particular individuals. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was adopted as the theoretical framework supporting this study. The target population of this study was 453 people, who constituted postgraduate students and lecturers from the Faculty of Arts. Stratified and purposive sampling methods were used to select the sample and a sample size of 205 was determined using the Morgan table. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques by use of SPSS software as per the software requirements. Qualitative data was presented in the form of descriptive notes and quantitative data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. Major findings revealed that the awareness about plagiarism and Turnitin was high and its usage was notably low. From the data collected, the study concludes that the main reason for low usage is negative perception and limited Turnitin licenses. The study recommends that the University should purchase more licenses and initiate advocacy forums geared towards changing the existing mindset and perception of students and lecturers.