Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Information Science, Isfahan University of Medical Science,

2 Department of Library and Information Sciences, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Information Science, Isfahan University of Medical Science

Abstract

Introduction: Plagiarism is defined as intentional deceiving or lack of honesty, which deprives
others from both material and spiritual possessions. Ethics is considered as one of the most
important aspects of evaluating the quality of higher education. Moreover, scientific ethics should
be reflected from university values, as a specialized institution, rather than being a reflection of
the others cares. Therefore, the main aim of the present study is explore of expert experiences
about plagiarism in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This study
employed qualitative method with using in‑deep interview. The research participants consisted
of 21, who tend to this work. Semi structure interview were conducted and recorded. The
method of analyzing data was ‘thematic analysis’. The data were transcribed and saved on
computer after each interview. Themes and sub‑themes were extracted. Finally, relevant
sub‑themes were arranged in a category and suggested were presented. Result: Analyzing
data showed 600 primary codes, 40 sub‑themes and 6 themes. The main themes included
repeated works, non‑normative adoption, non‑normative adaptation, shares distribution, forging,
and profit‑seeking, each of which consisted of one or several subgroups. Conclusion: The
findings of this study show that since, there are numerous ways of cheating, the universities’
research committees must create institutions in order to educate the individuals how to avoid
plagiarism. In addition, providing information about different types of scientific violations, as
well as their following punishments might lead to the decrease of such misbehaviors.

Keywords

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