Study of academic plagiarism through multidimensional scaling and network analysis

Abstract

This article presents a study conducted through the application of analytical techniques of multidimensional scaling (MDS) and social network analysis (SNA) on the results obtained in a research on plagiarism in academic work. In it, the collection of data was done through the attribution questionnaire for the detection of coincidences in academic works called CUDECO, created and validated to evaluate the relevance that students give to the fact of quoting correctly and determine the causes that lead them to plagiarize. The objectives of the work that we present are three: to study the dimensional model of CUDECO; demonstrate the suitability of analysis triangulation to do so; build a graphic 

representation of the plagiarism model of the University of Vigo students that enables a general and comprehensive perception of it. The conceptual basis of the study is elaborated from the concepts of plagiarism and triangulation, more specifically analytical triangulation, and its possibilities in the Social Sciences. This permit us to make an introduction to the use of multivariate analytical techniques as an adequate means to validate a survey study. Within them, two applicable procedures are exposed that can be completed with the analysis of social networks in the situation described (context). To respond to the objectives of the study, two multidimensional scaling procedures are applied: PROXimity SCALing (PROXSCAL) and Scaling by MAyorizing a COmplicated Function (SMACOF). Both procedures are completed with the Analysis of Social Networks (ARS). As the main conclusion, it is established that the suitability of the procedures used to carry out a study of the dimensionality underlying the responses to the items that make up a questionnaire has been demonstrated, in this case, the CUDECO and a better understanding of the causes of academic plagiarism.

Keywords: higher education; analytical triangulation; multidimensional scaling; academic plagiarism