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Is there such a thing as ‘a little cheating’ in American schools? Let our expert explain.

Dec 10, 2021

2 min


Cheating … it’s a universal tactic that seems to be a part of every academic institution regardless of subject, program or geography. Recently, Inside Higher Ed took a look at how students view cheating – and how their perspective of just what constitutes cheating is viewed. UMW’s David Rettinger provided his expert take on just what is going on in American schools.



How acceptable is it to use study websites, or Google, to find answers to test or homework questions? What about using unapproved technology or tools to assist in an online exam? And would it be OK to give credit to another team member on a group project even if that person did not participate?

These are a few ways the latest Student Voice survey, conducted in mid- to late October by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse with support from Kaplan, explored the nuances of academic integrity and what students view as unethical…

When David Rettinger, president emeritus of the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), looked over the Student Voice data, he was drawn to the numbers that showed how much students realize certain actions would be considered cheating. “Some of [the unacceptable responses] are a little lighter for sure, but students generally would describe these behaviors as unacceptable,” says Rettinger, a professor of psychological science and director of academic integrity programs at the University of Mary Washington. “Their institutions talk about these things, and students know what they’re supposed to do, yet students cheat a fair bit.”

He can imagine a stressed-out student saying, “I know it’s unacceptable, mostly I don’t do it, but in this situation, I’m going to do something I generally don’t believe in.”

“That poses a problem for us as administrators,” he adds. December 07 – Inside Higher Ed




Professor of Psychological Science David Rettinger oversees Academic Integrity Programs at the University of Mary Washington. He is available to provide expert insight into this study and the concept of students who cheat while attending at American colleges and universities. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.


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