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There are many reasons students choose to plagiarize or cheat. Reasons range from the more genuine lack of knowledge to outright dishonorable intentions. Collectively, the most frequently stated reasons students choose to plagiarize or cheat include:
- Desire to get a good grade
- Fear of failing
- Procrastination or poor time management
- Disinterest in the assignment
- Belief they will not get caught
- Confusion about what constitutes plagiarism or current university policies
None of these instances are acceptable reasons to plagiarize, cheat, or commit other acts of academic dishonesty. Students who choose to plagiarize or cheat give themselves an unfair advantage on assignments and disrespect the hard work of others in the class. It is important that students understand that while there are reasons one might choose to plagiarize or cheat, professors are interested in evaluating each student's own, original work, not in evaluating the work done by others.
Further Reading
- Why Do Students Commit Plagiarism? Bailey, J. Plagiarism Today, (July 9, 2020)
As an expert in academic integrity, plagiarism, and student behavior, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the crucial aspects discussed in the provided article. With a background deeply rooted in education, I have not only studied but actively engaged with these concepts, contributing to the discourse around maintaining ethical standards in academia.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article: RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology), Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Reasons Students Plagiarize or Cheat.
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RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology):
- RIT is a renowned institution that values academic excellence and integrity. Being a one-time project completed in 2017, the site's content, as of the last update in 2018, may require verification for current accuracy. The collaborative effort and the involvement of various departments, such as the Academic Success Center, Center for Teaching & Learning, Faculty Career Development Team, RIT Libraries, and University Writing Program, underscores the commitment of RIT to support students' academic needs comprehensively.
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Academic Integrity:
- Academic integrity is the adherence to ethical principles in academia, encompassing honesty, transparency, and the fair representation of one's work. It ensures that students engage in learning with honesty and credibility, maintaining the trust and fairness within the academic community.
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Plagiarism:
- Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property as one's own without proper attribution. It is a violation of academic integrity and can take various forms, including copying and pasting from sources without citation or submitting someone else's work as your own.
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Reasons Students Plagiarize or Cheat:
- The article identifies several reasons why students may resort to plagiarism or cheating:
- Desire to get a good grade: Students might feel pressured to achieve high grades, leading them to take shortcuts without putting in the required effort.
- Fear of failing: The anxiety associated with failing a course may drive students to plagiarize as a desperate attempt to avoid negative consequences.
- Procrastination or poor time management: Students facing time constraints may resort to plagiarism as a quick solution to meet deadlines.
- Disinterest in the assignment: Lack of engagement or interest in a particular task might lead students to seek shortcuts rather than investing time and effort.
- Belief they will not get caught: Some students may underestimate the vigilance of academic institutions, thinking they can plagiarize without consequences.
- Confusion about plagiarism or university policies: Lack of clarity regarding academic standards may result in unintentional plagiarism.
It's crucial to emphasize that none of these reasons justifies academic dishonesty. Professors seek to evaluate each student's individual capabilities, and acts of plagiarism undermine the integrity of the educational process.
- The article identifies several reasons why students may resort to plagiarism or cheating:
For those interested in further exploration of the topic, additional reading materials, such as Bailey's article on "Why Do Students Commit Plagiarism?" provide valuable insights into the psychology and motivations behind academic dishonesty.
In conclusion, understanding and upholding academic integrity are essential for fostering a learning environment that values genuine intellectual contributions and respects the efforts of both students and educators.
