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Determinants of Unlawful File Sharing: A Scoping Review

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Steven Watson, Professor Daniel ZizzoORCiD

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Abstract

We employ a scoping review methodology to consider and assess the existing evidence on the determinants of unlawful file sharing (UFS) transparently and systematically. Based on the evidence, we build a simple conceptual framework to model the psychological decision to engage in UFS, purchase legally or do nothing. We identify social, moral, experiential, technical, legal and financial utility sources of the decision to purchase or to file share. They interact in complex ways. We consider the strength of evidence within these areas and note patterns of results. There is good evidence for influences on UFS within each of the identified determinants, particularly for self-reported measures, with more behavioral research needed. There are also indications that the reasons for UFS differ across media; more studies exploring media other than music are required.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Watson SJ, Zizzo DJ, Fleming P

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: PLoS One

Year: 2015

Volume: 10

Issue: 2

Online publication date: 01/06/2015

Acceptance date: 20/04/2015

Date deposited: 02/07/2015

Publisher: Public Library of Science

URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0127921

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127921

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