Situational Factors as Correlates of Attitude Towards Plagiarism by Library and Information Science Undergraduates in Federal Universities in Southwestern Nigeria

Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates are expected to uphold academic integrity and ethical information practices. However, many undergraduates are predisposed to plagiarism, a tendency that may stem from situational factors outside their direct control. This study therefore examined the influence of situational factors on attitude towards plagiarism by LIS undergraduates in federal universities in southwestern Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey design of the correlational type. The population comprised 2,317 LIS undergraduates across seven federal universities offering LIS programmes in southwestern Nigeria. Proportionate quota sampling yielded a sample size of 696 respondents, representing 30% of the population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that LIS undergraduates generally held a positive attitude towards plagiarism, with an overall weighted mean of 2.86 exceeding the threshold of 2.5. Situational factors were prevalent among respondents, with an overall weighted mean of 2.98 and prior learning experience showing the strongest influence ( = 3.09). A significant positive relationship was also found between situational factors and attitude towards plagiarism (r = .495, n = 629, p < .05), showing that the situational factors significantly influenced attitude towards plagiarism by the LIS undergraduates. Hence, recommendations include integrating structured plagiarism education into curricula alongside counselling and support services to address situational pressures.