Design, Results, and Analysis of a Plagiarism Test for Advanced ELI Writing Classes

Abstract

This study reports on the development of criterion-referenced test (CRT) for students’ awareness on plagiarism and examines learners’ ability to properly cite the sources. Based on plagiarism module created by Mark Messer (2004b), students enrolled in advanced writing classes were tested about their knowledge on plagiarism. The pilot results indicated that tests showed consistent results for both undergraduate and graduate levels, indicating that the test seemed reliable and useful in measuring advanced ESL learners’ knowledge in plagiarism. However, detailed item analysis revealed some limitations for some items. Nevertheless, this study offers pedagogical implications in terms of the needs to be developed as part of learners’ knowledge on plagiarism.