Protection Motivation Theory in Information System Adoption: A Case of Anti-Plagiarism System

A sharp increase of internet plagiarism has become a major concern for educators. Despite the fact that an anti-plagiarism system has been reported as an effective and efficient tool for detection, deterrence, and education, its adoption rate has been found to be relatively low. The objective of this study is to investigate the facilitators and inhibitors affecting the adoption of an anti-plagiarism system by faculty. Based on an extended protection motivation theory, this study first examines the persuasion effect of information vividness on threat and coping appraisal. In addition, the influence of threat appraisal (i.e., perceived severity and vulnerability, and rewards) and coping appraisal (i.e. response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost) on the system adoption is investigated. A quasi-experimental field survey is employed to predict adoption. The potential theoretical and practical implications are discussed.