In what ways can academic integrity be compromised?

Academic integrity is a fundamental principle in educational settings that emphasizes honesty and ethical behavior in scholarly work. Compromise of academic integrity occurs when individuals engage in actions that undermine the trustworthiness of their academic efforts.

Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration represent significant violations of this principle. Cheating may involve using prohibited resources during examinations or assignments, while plagiarism involves presenting someone else’s work or ideas as one’s own without proper attribution. Unauthorized collaboration occurs when students work together on tasks or projects when it is against the rules or expectations set by instructors. Such actions not only deceive educational institutions but also detract from the individual's learning experience.

In contrast, attending lectures regularly, note-sharing during group study, and participating in peer reviews typically support academic integrity. Regular attendance fosters deeper understanding and engagement with course material, while sharing notes can enhance collective learning among peers. Peer reviews offer constructive feedback mechanisms that encourage the development of critical thinking and writing skills, contributing positively to academic development.