Preventing Plagiarism in Academic Literature, Lessons Learned from European ::::::union:::::: Member States

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Plagiarism is the most prevalent type of scientific misconduct, and various rules and strategies have been proposed to combat it in different countries. A review of other countrieschr('39') experiences in this area contributes to good policymaking. The present study was conducted to introduce preventive interventions of plagiarism in the leading countries. Methods: The present study was a qualitative review study of applied practices. In this study, preventive interventions of scientific plagiarism in the 27 European ::::::::union:::::::: countries were studied due to the appropriate coherence and structural similarity at national, organizational, and individual levels. The national-level interventions were analyzed using the content analysis method in mentioned countries. Results: The results of analyzing the national-level interventions were categorized into eight main themes, including reaching a national agreement on examples of scientific plagiarism and misconduct; policy development; monitoring and supervision; financial support development; development of databanks and software; compiling educational programs for faculty members and students; dissemination and use of successful experiences; and eventually establishment of laws related to scientific misconduct, plagiarism, and punishments activities. Conclusion: Using preventive interventions at a national level proves the commitment and determination of policymakers to control and prevent plagiarism. Proper use of preventive interventions at a national level strengthens the controlling and preventive infrastructures of this issue at the organizational level, and enhances moral commitment and professional skills among the countrychr('39')s researchers.

Keywords

• plagiarism
• scientific misconduct
• national interventions
• preventive interventions