Plagiarism, motivation and academic performance among students of third year Bachelors of Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of the different levels at which plagiarism occurs, the motivating factor behind and their effect to individual performance. Objectives of the study; to examine the effect of plagiarism on motivation, to find out the influence of plagiarism on academic performance and to examine the relationship between motivation and academic performance. The hypothesis stated that plagiarism and motivation are not significantly related. However, since according to table 4 r = .423 and p = .000 (˂ 0.01).The hypothesis stated that plagiarism and motivation are not significantly related. Results in table 5 on the previous page show that since r = .410 and p = .000 (˂ 0.01).The researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that plagiarism and motivation are significantly related. The hypothesis stated that motivation and performance are not significantly related. However, according to results in table 6 above, since r = .368 and p = .000 (˂ 0.01). The researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that motivation and academic performance are significantly related. The hypothesis stated that motivation and performance are not significantly related. However, according to results in table 6 above, since r = .368 and p = .000 (˂ 0.01) the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that motivation and academic performance are significantly related. The researcher concluded that Plagiarism is a vice among students that has to be overcome within its early stages. This is because it grants not only the student false confidence of learning but also the teacher, lecturer or the tutor false hope towards their information dissemination strategies. The recommendations were; Heads of institutions are encouraged to put up strict laws and penalties against any plagiarism, learners are also encouraged to take time and learn concepts as taught to them during the study time to prevent plagiarism and lastly tutors, lectures and teachers and called upon to keep giving continuous assessment.