European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: In scientific research and publication, sometimes the research thoughts, work or ideas may resemble the previous work or the previous work may be quoted as a reference or someone else’s work may be depicted as one’s own, causing plagiarism.
Objective: To assess the level of perception of plagiarism amongst medical faculty and postgraduates.
Methodology: Perception of plagiarism was done using Attributes towards Plagiarism (ATP) questionnaire in 35 medical teachers and 7 postgraduates with a three point Likert scale [(agree coded as 3), (neutral coded as 2) and (disagree coded as 1)] and feedback was taken and analyzed as percentage. Participants’ information like age, designation, number of publications, years of experience in medical education, information regarding formal training in medical research and awareness regarding plagiarism in scientific writing was taken.
Results: Out of 35 medical teachers, 8 were Professors, 9 Associate Professors, 18 Assistant Professors and 7 were postgraduates. Minimum years of experience were 1 year and maximum was 21 years. Minimum research publication was 2 and maximum was 40. 26 participants were trained in research methodology and 16 were untrained. 34 participants were aware of Plagiarism and 8 absolutely unaware of it. The general attitudes of participants regarding plagiarism as assessed by ATP were, not approving plagiarism. 50% considered it as serious offence, 40% considered that plagiarism is not necessary, 52% could write scientific research paper without plagiarizing.
Conclusion: Training in medical writing and research ethics as part of faculty development and post-graduate medical curriculum is needed. Faculty should keep updated about the latest policies regarding plagiarism.