Ethical Behaviour and Use of Online Information Resources by Undergraduates in Two Selected Universities in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated ethical behavior and use of online information resources (OIR) among undergraduates of University of Ibadan and Lead City University, Nigeria. Descriptive correlational survey research design was employed. The population of the study was 18,464 undergraduates, from which a sample of 292 students was taken using a two-stage random sampling technique representing four percent of undergraduates randomly selected from each faculty in both universities. Data were collected using questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using descriptive (frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential (Pearson Product Moment Correlation) statistics. The findings revealed that OIR were highly used for both academic and non-academic purposes among undergraduates, with Google (x? = 3.72), and online journals (x? = 3.56) ranking highest. High ethical practices among the undergraduates include providing proper credit to the original authors (x? = 3.55), respecting copyright policies (x? = 3.47), and verifying correctness of information (x? = 3.24). Ethical behavior was positively correlated with the employment of OIR. Top challenges highlighted are expensive internet services and inadequate infrastructure. Universities are encouraged to provide relevant trainings on digital research ethics to facilitate effective utilisation of OIR.