Investigating the Issue of plagiarism: Between theory and practice.

Abstract

Plagiarism is a major concern in the educational and academic field since long. It is not always possible to understand the word plagiarism because is a complex issue that dominate our universities, specially, with the flourish of internet nowadays. It has become easier and more accessible for learners to steal ideas or work of someone without source and submit it for grading as their original work. The effect of plagiarism on students has resulted negative consequences and effect in the academic field, and university teachers are now facing problems that are more challenging. Algerian universities now facing this phenomenon and are also suffering from this complicated issue which threats their reputation among international universities. This research study aims to investigate the effect of plagiarism on higher education and the increase of this phenomenon in an Algerian context, more precisely at IbnKhaldoun University- Tiaret. This proceeded in parallel with the rational of examining the students ‗awareness about plagiarism and the reasons that push students to plagiarize .The data collection was achieved through the use of two research tools: a questionnaire addressed to students and an interview held with teachers. The findings show that the students see plagiarism as a key of success without making any effort, although they know that they steal words or ideas of other authors without giving proper credit.