Abstract This paper states that academic dishonesty is not a new phenomenon, and suggests that the practice dates back thousands of years. The paper then points out that studies have shown that academic dishonesty is on the rise in academic institutions across the United States. To determine what might explain this increase, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to identify the potential causes, followed by a discussion of a suggested remedy. A summary of the research and important findings are provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
conclusion
From the Paper "Perhaps as no other time in history, cheating is easier than ever and examples of dishonesty extend throughout American society today. Scarcely a day goes by without headlines trumpeting yet another professional athlete gone bad, a major company caught in a scandal, or a university professor caught with his academic pants down as past instances of plagiarism are brought to light. According to Rakovski and Levy (2007), recent shenanigans at companies such as Enron, WorldCom and Adelphia have focused attention on the ethical behavior of business leaders and what part higher education should play in training future leaders. These authors caution, "If students exhibit unethical and dishonest behavior in college, they may carry those attitudes and behaviors into the workplace" (p. 466). Whitley and Keith-Spiegel (2002) attribute the prevalence of academic dishonesty among college students today to their "having been raised in an era of decline in public morality, [but] cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are not new problems. These behaviors have existed as long as there have been tests and will probably continue as long as students are evaluated" (p. 3). The role of the nation's colleges and universities in preventing this type of behavior is a common theme that emerges from the literature. In this regard, Huffman (2006) reports that, "Schools can't control the messages of the pop culture, but they do have a large measure of influence and some control over the culture of the school."
Abstract This paper examines how academic dishonesty has existed as long as organized schooling, whether in the form of glancing at a neighboring student's examination, copying a classmate's homework, or plagiarizing source material in written assignments. It looks at how academic dishonesty has increased dramatically over the last several years due to the Internet and recent technological advances in communication technology, which have enabled students to devise clever new strategies to facilitate cheating during in-class examinations.
From the Paper "Instructors have recently begun addressing the problem by availing themselves of Internet services such as Turnitin.com, a subscription service that compares submitted portions of student papers to Internet material and alerts to any suspected instances of inappropriate similarity (Slobogin). Professor Donald M. McCabe of Duke University is an expert on academic dishonesty who founded the Center for Academic Integrity, a consortium of two hundred colleges and universities dedicated to preserving academic integrity. According to McCabe, one of the most important tools in the fight against academic dishonesty (and plagiarism in particular) is well-informed instructors who are equally adept with the relatively new Internet medium as their students."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the element of dishonesty involved in the corporate-level fraud scandal at Enron. This writer discusses the Enron scandal and then draws parallels between his personal actions and those of Enron. The writer notes that although his ethical transgression was not on the same scale as that of Enron, it is simple for the writer to make a comparison between his personal actions and those of Enron. This essay includes a personal account, that is partially compared to the Enron scandal.
From the Paper "The Enron scandal is not over. Key figures like former CEO and Chairman of the Board Kenneth Lay wasn't put on trail until January of 2006. Defense attorneys attempt to portray their clients as innocent victims of a volatile market, and of being under pressure from federal prosecutors. Other top architects and participants in the scandal include Enron's Chief Auditor David Duncan, who famously shred countless documents in a flagrant attempt to avert justice. Sherron Watkins was the main whistleblower, who drew attention away from Lay and on to and Andrew Fastow and Jeffrey Skilling. The Enron scandal led to several changes in federal legislation regarding accounting practices and employee pension laws."
Abstract The paper considers the reasons why students cheat and then dispels the perception that the likelihood of cheating on online courses is higher than in regular courses. The paper discusses the value in universities and other institutes establishing their own integrity systems and also relates that feelings of teachers towards students have tended to lean towards the negative in regards to academic honesty. The paper posits that in order to combat academic dishonesty, it is important that cheating not be controlled and punished, but that ethics and integrity be taught and instilled into the minds of students.
Outline:
Introduction
The Motivation to Cheat
The Integrity of Online Courses
Promoting Honesty and Integrity
Teachers on Student Academic Honesty
Conclusion
From the Paper "The issue of academic dishonesty is one which has wide-spread implications for both the student and their institute of education. The main issues at hand are those of legitimacy and equity. The students' grades must have been legitimately earned in order for the student to be able to track their progress and truly learn, as to perform academic dishonesty is to deny oneself the true value of whatever academic assignment may have been completed through anything less than an honest and personal effort. The issue of equity comes into play in that students are graded upon their work, with their grades being of direct relevance to other students. For a true comparison between students to be present all students must have performed in an honest fashion, as to have done so otherwise throws off the entire system in place in regards to grading and ranking students based upon their personal achievement."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the policies and procedures of two institutions of higher learning on the issue of academic dishonesty, and more specifically, plagiarism. The academic dishonesty policies of the University of Delaware and West Virginia University are examined. The paper shows, through the analysis of the three most important points, clearly defined definitions of infractions, consistency of definitions, and a consequence system that includes a hierarchy of sanctions that are equal to the severity of infractions. The paper contends that the University of Delaware policies are more effective than those of West Virginia University.
From the Paper "The issue of academic dishonesty is one that is both controversial and important in the changing state of education and information. Technology has brought the modern world into a position of overwhelming information availability. The ability to work in a word processing program, alone has significantly reduced the amount of time needed to produce equivalent document as one written just 40 years ago. Automatically formatted footnotes and the ability to cut and paste passages from other documents into your own work significantly reduces the historically laborious task of research assimilation, and it has also given a tool to students that can advertently or inadvertently result in plagiarism."
Abstract The paper discusses the degree in which academic dishonesty has become relevant in the educational system and its various means of manifestation. The paper explores the distinction between cheating and plagiarism and contends that plagiarism should be treated with greater awareness and criticism. The paper explains that because it is a matter of personal choice whether to engage in such practices, a personal point of view is also included in the discussion over academic dishonesty.
From the Paper "There are various forms of academic dishonesty which tend to hinder the creation of a valuable, original academic work. Nonetheless, while some forms of cheating take place with the full awareness of the author, there are cases in which such acts are done without the knowledge of the person engaged in such an act. Still, in order to prevent these situations, it is important to take into account the principles of academic integrity and to respect them in order to allow respect for the works of academics and fellow study partners. This is why an essential issue is the actual consideration of what academic honesty and dishonesty means, and, in the end to respect such principles and to build an education practice based on these norms of conduct in the academic environment."
Abstract The paper explores the reasons for student dishonesty that include pressure from family members to get good grades, social acceptance, the need to keep up with students who are getting better grades and students' own future employment. The paper describes the harm caused by cheating and discusses how it can be curtailed.
From the Paper "Today, many college students face a dilemma: to cheat or not to cheat. Unfortunately, many studies show that more and more students in higher education are cheating. Additionally, studies are showing that students think that cheating is acceptable for a variety of reasons. These reasons include pressure from family members to get good grades, social acceptance, the need to keep up with students who are getting better grades by cheating and their own future employment. In today's competitive corporate environment, new graduates know that earning the highest grades will help them get the best paying jobs."
Abstract In this article, the writer reviews the movie 'Serpico' that shows police corruption or cops above the law. The writer addresses many scenes in the movie that depict this type of behavior from a pro-police perspective. The writer explains that 'Serpico' is based on a true story of a New York policeman newly graduated from the police academy who discovers dishonesty throughout the police department. The writer discusses that this movie tells about Frank Serpico dealing with crooked police officers in the early 1970s in New York City. The writer believes that this movie is very accurate of what was going on during that time when many police officers lost their jobs and were even prosecuted.
From the Paper "Serpico gets transferred to another precinct in Manhattan where he finds out that they are also taking money. Serpico and his new partner tell the Chief what is going on but the Chief wants to protect Commissioner Delaney. Serpico realizes that no one is going to do anything about corrupt police departments and decides to go to The New York Times. The mayor appoints an investigation commission of a five man committee headed by Whitman Knapp to review the city procedures for investigating police corruption.
"Serpico gets transferred to the narcotics division. He is on a stakeout with other officers and gets shot in the face. None of the other officers come to his aid but he does survive. Serpico appears at the Knapp commission and testifies about the police corruption."
Abstract This paper is a short personal commentary about how the student disagrees with students getting help on college entrance essays because of the inherent dishonesty involved. The paper talks about dishonesty involved by the student who can't write well vying for limited admission or scholarships from schools with students who can write well and express themselves. It also talks about the changing roles of professionals who now have to write well without secretaries to clean up and edit their work.
From the Paper "The level of competition for the limited number of college entrances available to good schools is terribly high. The number of graduate school admissions limits the number of new students per year even further. The number of scholarships available is even less. What they all have in common is the emphasis relied on the College Entrance Essay. The decision which school will accept you is based on your grades, transcript, college entrance exam scores, and finally, on which school subjectively likes your essay. Essays are not something that can be judged on the basis of a correct answer, like a math question. College entrance essays are a commentary of your life and your goals. How can anyone say your essay is right or wrong? "
This paper argues in favor of the statement "Any agency which works in secret can behave in a scandalous manner, and the CIA is no exception to this rule."
Abstract In this article, the writer analyzes the following statement on two grounds: "Any agency which works in secret can behave in a scandalous manner, and the CIA is no exception to this rule". The writer first discusses whether it is true that agencies which act in secret behave in a scandalous manner and then if so, whether the CIA is an exception or a demonstration of this rule. The writer then makes the argument that all agencies, throughout history and in whatever country, region or empire, that act in secret are inherently prone to dishonesty and unethical acts. Next, the writer maintains that the CIA must act, to some degree, in secret with some of its operations. Finally, the paper argues that the CIA will always be prone to dishonesty and unethical actions, which requires more regular oversight.
Outline:
Introduction
First Hypothesis: There has been an ethical agency in history
Second Hypothesis: The creeping moves toward professionalism have reduced ethical inhibitions
Ethics, the CIA and Recent History
Politics by Innuendo: Contributing to Unethical Conduct?
Conclusion: Is the CIA Inherently Untrustworthy?
From the Paper "All agencies throughout history and across nations are prone to act in a dishonest and unethical manner. The proof to this hypothesis is the null hypothesis: that is, if the author has been unable to find a government agency which acts in secret, which over time has not acted in an unethical manner. A second null hypothesis would be to find a spying operation which has operated in an ethical and honest manner over a long period of time, therefore disproving the above statement.
"One can argue that any government agency requires power in order to be effective. Power comes through the purse--ability to fund, through coercion--ability to force, or through persuasion--ability to convince. None of these methods is, in and of itself, inherently unethical. One can persuade, coerce or bankroll activities in an open and above-board way."
This paper examines some of the virtues of giving officials free reign with their power as well as some of the drawbacks that can result from an abuse of that power, with reference to three Chinese plays from the Yuan Dynasty.
1,055 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 37.95
Abstract This paper compares three plays: "Rain on the Hsiao-hsiang" by Yang Hsien-chih, "The Mo-Ho-Lo Doll" by Meng Han-ch'ing and "The Lute" by Kao Ming. It explores the advantages of allowing officials to freely exercise their power. The writer asserts that the most important way in which this freedom can benefit the citizens is the ability to make judicial decisions based on the specific situation.
From the Paper "The power of officials to overcome the corrupt officialdom of others is shown in The Mo-Ho-Lo Doll. Chang Ting is able to use his influence with the Prefect to overturn the unjust ruling of the 1st judge. He was able to uncover the truth that had been obscured by the poor job of investigation that the 1st judge had done to discover the killer of Li Te-Ch?ang. In the Prefect's opening introduction he says: ?Now this area of Honan Fu is suffering under corrupt officialdom which has been snaring and harming citizens in every fashion. His Sage Presence appointed me Special Prefect here. I am to root out all evil and sustain justice; armed with the "sword of authority and the seal of power"?. By exercising this symbolic "sword of authority and the seal of power", the Prefect was able to correct the injustice done by the previous judge."
Reviews the films "Liar, Liar" and "Trial and Error" focusing on how they treat the issues of honesty and the legal system, specifically the propensity for dishonesty among lawyers.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 71.95
From the Paper "Two recent comedy films explore the same essential theme--the importance of telling the truth--though they do so in very different ways. As it happens, both films also feature characters who are lawyers. "Liar Liar"'s main character is a lawyer who embodies the stereotype of the lawyer who is unable to tell the truth and who can lie with great facility because he has been trained to do just that. He is on the verge of achieving great success and becoming a partner in his firm precisely because he is able to lie with such abandon. One of the principle characters in Trial and Error is also a lawyer who in this case has just made partner in his firm, but he is a man with scruples far exceeding those of the head of that firm, leaving the viewer to wonder how he did make partner without compromising himself. He is now faced with a situation which forces him to lie..."
Abstract F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby", characterizes society in America in the 1920's by looking at the lives of key residents of suburban New York and how they relate to one another. The paper shows that Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, is an important character in the book, since the reader sees everyone else through his biased eye, but he is not a man of great means or any particularly special quality. In this paper, the author looks at issues related to the gender roles in the novel, and how they reflect the patriarchal society set forth in the novel. The paper also focuses on issues of narrator reliability as they relate to gender and the patriarchy.
From the Paper "The "single girls" in this scene are wild and uninhibited. They are the type of women who entertain the men at the party; however, women are also portrayed as small and insignificant. Later at the same party, two women, described as "highly indignant", are carried off by their husbands, kicking the whole way (Fitzgerald 56). This type of treatment shows that despite the allowances women are given to act independently at the party, they are still under men's control when all is said and done."
Tags:dishonesty, feminist, sexism, structure, Daisy, Jordan, Tom, Buchanan, Myrtle
Abstract This paper details the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born in 1869 in Porbandar, India. It looks at how Mahatma Gandhi is known as one of strongest symbols of non-violence in the 20th Century due to his activist role and religious leadership. It examines how he greatly influenced the world in many ways by practicing and teaching throughout his life. Gandhi was a thinker, a philosopher, a wise statesman and a man of action and his teachings remain relevant to a new generation that has been typically been driven to cynicism and despair by the chaos and dishonesty of the politics of our times.
From the Paper "Gandhi was inspired by his religious mother. She belonged to a branch of Hinduism that taught non-violence and tolerance between religious groups was very important. Gandhi spent his life searching for truth and harmony with nature. He believed truth could be known only through tolerance and concern for others and that finding a truthful way to solutions required constant testing. He even titled his autobiography My Experiments with Truth. Gandhi overcame fear and taught others to master fear. His belief in nonviolence guided his teachings that to be truly nonviolent required courage. He lived a simple life and thought it was wrong to kill animals for food or for clothing. "Gandhi found materialism to be the main characteristic of modern civilization, in which spirituality seemed to be undervalued" (Ishii, 2001)."
Abstract This paper discusses the story of an ambitious young man, Duddy Kravitz, who is determined to become a success. The author points out that Duddy takes on his father for a role model, because, like his father, he engages in dishonesty as a tactic to rise to the top. The paper concludes that, because of this, his achievements become the ingredients of his self-destruction.
