Academic Integrity
Today, the interest in issues connected with academic integrity and plagiarism, in particular, is rapidly growing (Ford & Hughes, 2012). The extent of these problems is increasing with the number of educational institutions (Macfarlane, Zhang, & Pun, 2014). By the definition of Jiang, Emmerton, and McKauge, plagiarism is “stealing the words or ideas of someone else and passing them off as one’s own without crediting the source” (2013, para. 1). Academic dishonesty is an unacceptable measure that violates ethical behaviors and may lead to serious implications for both the audience and the cheaters.
Case Study #1
Since Jenny has realized that she was having trouble with understanding long before the test, she had time to change it studying harder and asking other students or the professor for extra help. Jenny’s actions are the clear constitution of academic dishonesty. The “F” grade on the test is an acceptable sanction in this instance. To avoid such situations in the future, Jenny must manage her time according to the current circumstances.
Case Study#2
Simply turning in the same paper without any changes for the second time is dishonest of Ben. Perhaps, Ben should talk to the professor, explaining that he had already written that paper, and ask him for suggestions on how to develop the ideas to keep the paper appropriate for the current assignment. It would be good for Ben to take the opportunity and make his paper even better. Even though Ben’s writing is not plagiarism, it is unacceptable for him to turn it in without changes.
Case Study#3
Every member of the group must know the whole content of the assignment, not only their part. It can be understood that there is a friendship between Mike, Todd, and Chris, but they should not cheat. It is both Mike’s and Todd’s fault—Mike’s is that he does not know the content and asks Todd to show the answers, Todd’s is that he agrees. Moreover, Chris is put into conditions when he has to choose between their friendship and rules.
Case Study#4
Jennifer is wrong. She is plagiarizing. It is not important whether her opinion is the same or different, Jennifer is presenting someone else’s thoughts as her own. The author’s words must be cited. Jennifer should paraphrase or directly quote all the content she had plagiarized, and give credit to the author.
Case Study#5
Citing the “Internet” as a source is insufficient because the Internet is not a verified source, and it contains a lot of false and plagiarized information. Though it is not plagiarism because the sources were cited, they were cited incorrectly. Lee should not use the material which is not verified because it may have serious consequences, especially when it comes to healthcare-related researches. His actions may be viewed as an example of unconscionable work.
Conclusion
Academic dishonesty is an unacceptable measure that violates ethical behaviors and may lead to serious implications for both the audience and the cheaters. Growing along with the development of educational institutions, the issues connected with academic integrity, and plagiarism today is a concern of scholars all over the world. Some of the students are plagiarizing unintentionally, but there are a lot of those who do it purposely. Although it is universally recognized that plagiarism may lead to serious consequences, the students continue to neglect the rules of academic writing.
References
Ford, P. J., & Hughes, C. (2012). Academic integrity and plagiarism: Perceptions and experience of staff and students in a school of dentistry: A situational analysis of staff and student perspectives. European Journal of Dental Education, 16(1), 180-186.
Jiang, H., Emmerton, L., & McKauge, L. (2013). Academic integrity and plagiarism: A review of the influences and risk situations for health students. Higher Education Research & Development, 32(3), 369-380.
Macfarlane, B., Zhang, J., & Pun, A. (2014). Academic integrity: A review of the literature. Studies in Higher Education, 39(2), 339-358.