"Don't Do This!" - Quiz on Academic Integrity
Answer Sheet
So that you don't cheat yourself out of the best possible education at
USC, you need to learn what constitutes academic dishonesty. Take the following
quiz to test your present knowledge.
Question 1:
You realize that another student is looking at your test paper...
Answer:
Yes. Even though you and the other student didn't work together, once you
became aware that the other student was looking at your paper, it was your
responsibility to take steps to make it difficult for him to cheat.
Recommended Sanction:
F for course for both students
Question 2:
The final exam in your class is a take-home test...
Answer:
Yes, it is called collusion. Studying together before the test would have
been all right, but once you had the test and knew the questions, the professor
expected you to do all the thinking about the answers by yourself.
Recommended Sanction:
F for course
Question 3:
You spent hours writing an excellent research paper...is it wise to turn
in the same paper?
Answer:
No, not without the permission of both professors. Our rules prohibit using
the same essay, term paper or project in more than one course without permission
of the instructors. Remember it is always scholastic dishonesty if your
acti on allows you to obtain an unfair academic advantage. For example,
you would have the assistance from your previous professor's comments and
instructions and also save all the time that your classmates are using
to write the paper. In addition, your pr ofessor assumes that you are writing
an original paper for this class.
Recommended Sanction:
F for course
Question 4:
You have been ill and have gotten behind in your classes...you have a doctor's
excuse from a previous illness...
Answer:
Not a good idea. Documentary falsification is dishonesty, whether or not
the falsification supports "the truth". Faculty have a tendency to check
on medical excuses, so apart from undermining your own integrity you stand
a good chan ce of being caught. Students often neglect the obvious in this
kind of case: talk to your professor. He or she may be able to offer suggestions
or alternatives for relieving your situation.
Recommended Sanction:
F for the course
Question 5:
As the professor hands back the results of the first test...you noticed
that you inadvertently left out one sentence which changed the meaning
of your answer...
Answer:
Yes. Unfortunately, the professor cannot grade your good intentions. Tests
submitted for regrading may not be altered in any way. By the way, professors
are encouraged to photocopy exams before returning them to the student
and the refore can clearly track any new markings on exams submitted for
regrading.
Recommended Sanction:
F for course and recommendation for further disciplinary action (possible
suspension)
Question 6:
You have been working on a major class project when you find solution related
material on a university computer network...
Answer:
Instructors expect individual, original work in response to assignments.
Copying from previous semester's assignments, solutions manuals or other
sources defeats the educational purpose of the assignment. It is unacceptable
for stud ents to obtain solutions, copy assignments or collaborate with
others without the knowledge and premission of the instructor.
Recommended Sanction:
F for the course.
Question 7:
It is late at night and your paper is due at 9:00 a.m. the next day...you
didn't quote anything and, therefore, you didn't include any footnotes...
Answer:
This is plagiarism. Submitting someone else's work for credit as if it
were your own is plagiarism. If you are unsure about when to use quotations
and footnotes, be sure to talk to your professor before submitting the
paper.
Recommended Sanction:
F for course
Question 8:
You have had a tough semester and are having trouble focusing on a term
paper you must write...You have acquired "research material" that will
get you started with information and organization...
Answer:
Don't! Faculty have an uncanny ability to spot papers that were not written
for their classes or which are not your work, and the consequences to you
are severe. In fact, don't acquire (borrow, download or purchase) a paper
for "res earch purposes". You almost certainly can come up with better
material yourself, and you avoid the temptation of doing the wrong thing
at the last minute. Researching term papers is an integral part of your
university education -- don't short-change you rself.
Recommended Sanction:
F for the course, suspension from the university
Question 9:
... because you are unprepared you are thinking of taking a few crib-notes
in the back of your bluebook....
Answer:
This is never a good idea. First, you cheat yourself out of important
knowledge you will need later. If the course is graded competitively, you
cheat others as well. And if you are caught (notes in a bluebook is a well-known
form o f cheating) you may defeat your purpose.
Recommended Sanction:
F for the course
This may be your first quiz at USC, and may be the only one you have
absolute control over passing -- by avoiding behavior that is academically
dishonest. As you can see, what comprises academic dishonesty is not always
obvious. If you are in doubt, ask your professor. The Office for Student
Conduct, Fig. 107, (213) 740-6666, has a complete list of student's rights
during academic integrity reviews; the official policies of the University
are in the SCampus. Remember, you can be the best...honestly !