Collaborative Behavior or Collusion? Investigating Unpermitted Collaboration on Homework Among College Students

Abstract

Although postsecondary students’ rate of academic dishonesty has been consistent over the last 50 years, the most significant increase in cheating has been in unpermitted collaboration. Given the changing learning environments necessitated by COVID-19, this study investigates how 12 college students at a highly selective Research 1 institution view collaboration, specifically unpermitted collaboration on homework, and how their attitudes are shaped by faculty guidance or lack thereof. We conclude by discussing how both student and faculty perceptions of collaboration may be affected by the impact of COVID-19 and how academic integrity may be influenced by this impact.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lori McNabb

a

Lori McNabb ([email protected]) is an adjunct professor at St. Edward’s University and also works in the educational technology industry. Her research focus is on academic integrity in higher education.

Patricia Somers

b

Patricia Somers was an associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. She was also affiliated with the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies and the Long Lozano Institute for Latin American Studies at the university.

Zach Taylor

c

Z. W. Taylor ([email protected]) is an assistant professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. His research focuses on linguistics and technology in higher education broadly.