Academic Dishonesty Prevention and Detection

Adapted from:

Geist, N. K. (Spring 1993). “Confronting Cases of Academic Dishonesty: Where Policy and Practice Meet.” Synthesis: Law and Policy in Higher Education.

Kibler, W. L., Nuss, E. M., Paterson, B. G., & Pavela, G. (1988). Academic Integrity and Student Development: Legal Issues, Policy Perspectives. Asheville, NC: College Administration Publications.

Type of Academic Dishonesty Preventative Measures Detection Techniques
Cheating in general Clarify policies regarding cheating and penalties for those who do cheat. Constant attention to details
Stress students’ ethical and moral responsibilities to avoid cheating and to help prevent others from cheating. Student assistance
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Test Preparation
Obtaining a copy of the test. Test should be secured in a safe place by instructor from formation to administration. Student’s responses seem beyond abilities.
When word processing is used in test preparation, avoid leaving the information on the computer. If possible, place the information on a disk which can be secured in a safe place. Pattern of wrong answers by students known to associate with each other.
Test should be original, not repetitions of exams given previous semesters.
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Test Taking
Copying or passing answers Instructors should walk around the room. Carefully proctor exams.
When giving multiple choice or short answer tests, alternate test forms should be used. Warn students prior to test. Do not allow Palm Pilots or other electronic equipment into the class.
Give essay rather than True/False and multiple choice tests when possible.
Do not permit any communication between students.
Test pick–up: have students leave their test package on their desks. This will prevent switching papers and will allow detection of copying by neighbors by answer patterns.
Crib sheets or other means of having answers in classroom. All books, papers, and personal belongings should be stored under the student’s seat or, preferably, in the front of the classroom. Carefully proctor exams.
Paper should be provided for any test answers and any scratch work.
Make the any re–used tests are not marked by previous students.
Be sure that all answer forms and blue books are gathered up.
Check desks before and after testing for written notes.
“Ringer” taking the test for another student Have each student display their photo ID on the desk. Proctor can go around and check for substitutions. Carefully proctor exams.
Have each student hand in each test personally and present his/her ID. The instructor, having inspected the ID, checks his/her roster, the name on the test, and initials the test. Check student IDs
Have each student sign his/her answer sheet. Signatures can be compared if a question arises over who actually took the exam.
“Stooge” who sits in on the exam and leaves. Number all tests before distribution. If one is missing, be sure it does not show up later. Be vigilant: try to have a proctor watch each exit.
If a student needs to leave the room during a test, have him/her hand in the exam until he/she returns.
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Take–Home Tests
Take–home test done by “expert.” Avoid giving take–home tests. Solution done in a way not covered by instructor.
Require oral presentations.
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Testing in a Computer Lab
Crib notes stored on computer, copy of test saved to student locker, crib notes snuck in on data storage device, answers shared by chat, instant messages, and other forms of email. Be sure to have a computer technician establish the security of the lab. Have one proctor walking around the room and the other electronically monitoring activity at the various monitors.
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Following the test
Turning in a lifted exam as test taken in class. Do not leave exams or grade book on the desk or open unattended. Keep in a locked safe place. Close observation
If a test is discovered missing at the end of exam, be sure it does not reappear as completed test.
Changing grades on exams. Mark grades in grade book prior to returning tests. Photocopy the tests of those suspected before handing them back.
Warn students that some exams will be photocopied before returning to detect changes.
If grades are placed on a computer, insure security is of the highest level. Place grades on a disk, if possible, so that the disk can be safely locked up.
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Homework/Reports
Copy solutions from instructor’s manual. Switch to a book with no manual. Compare solutions with manual
Copy solutions from fellow students Count homework as only a small percentage of final grade. Careful grading look for similarities.
Clearly articulate to students guidelines for group work.
Copy from old sets from previous semesters Give different homework assignments each semester. Check against assignments from previous semesters.
Get report done by “expert.” Ask for oral presentation Solution done in a way not covered by instructor.
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Plagiarism
Place limits on topic selection. Looks “professional.”
Avoid topics that are too general; this decreases the likelihood of using a “paper mill.” Look for significant fluctuations in writing style.
Require a tentative bibliography early in the term. Require library location numbers. Compare with in–class writing assignments.
Change topic lists frequently. Look for work that appears to clearly be beyond the student’s ability.
Establish precise format for paper and stick to it.
Require an advance outline of the paper.
Do not permit late topic changes.
Give pop test on basic knowledge.
Require notes and rough drafts.
Use in class writing assignments.
Keep papers on file for five years.
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