Abstract

Purpose - Adult learners are easily exposed to the risk of plagiarizing others' writings when writing papers or reports. Therefore, this study investigates the research ethics of adult learners and suggests alternatives for research ethics standards in online lifelong education system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of violation of research ethics and preventive measures (education program) for adult learners. Research design, data, methodology - Before establishing a research ethics education plan, it is confirmed through the empirical investigation of adult learners in undergraduate. In this study, 30 questionnaires of 5-point Likert scale were used to examine the level of consciousness of adult learners related to research ethics. Results - First, the experience of participating in ethics education and the presence of prior knowledge did not affect the prevention of research ethics violation. Second, adult learners did not learn about research ethics in the pre-college education environment and they frequently engaged in research ethics violation without guilt or consciousness. Third, the students who experienced the research ethics violation (plagiarism) were more willing to know and use the plagiarism search program. Fourth, Opinions differed according to age as to the need to enforce research ethics compliance. Conclusions - Universities should clearly and easily announce and monitor plagiarism criteria or guidelines. When adult learners are relieved of the anxiety about the possibility of violation of research ethics, a developmental and original research atmosphere will be created.