Impact of Digital Media on the Manifestation of Unethical Practice in Research among Graduate Students

Abstract

Background: Various factors affect the academic research of graduate students. Most studies on these factors, which hinder graduate students from carrying out research with integrity, have been conducted in developed countries. Thus, this study looked at the impact of digital media on the manifestation of unethical practices in research among graduate students in Nigeria.

Objective: The study examined the impact of digital media on the manifestation of unethical practices in research among graduate students.

Methodology: The study employed a survey research design and gathered data from 179 graduate students at Delta State University Abraka. The data for the study were analyzed using ANOVA and an independent t-test and results were presented in tables.   

Result: Research integrity among graduate students in Nigerian universities is significantly and jointly affected by the manifestation of unethical practices such as falsification, plagiarism, fabrication, time constraints, artificial intelligence, and institutional pressures.

Conclusion: Research misconduct among graduate students in Nigerian universities is positively and significantly impacted by artificial intelligence, time constraints, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, and institutional pressures.

Unique Contribution: The study has contributed to a better understanding of the manifestation of unethical practices in research among graduate students in Nigerian Universities.

Key Recommendation: Nigerian universities should establish a stand-alone division or committee dedicated to ethics and integrity in research. This will significantly improve research integrity among graduate students and research institutions in Nigeria.