Plagiarism in computer science courses

ABSTRACT

Plagiarism of computer programs has long been a problem in higher education. Ease of electronic copying, vague understanding by students as to what constitutes plagiarism, increasing acceptance of plagiarism by students, lack of enforcement by instructors and school adminstrators, and a whole host of other factors contribute to plagiarism. The first step in curbing plagiarism is prevention, the second (and much less preferable) is detection. History files and software metrics can be used as a tool to aid in detecting possible plagiarism. This paper gives advice concerning how to deal with plagiarism and with using software monitors to detect plagiarism.

REFERENCES

• 1: White, Edward M. Too Many Campuses Want to Sweep Student Plagiarism Under the Rug. Th___#_e Chronicle of Higher Education, v39,n25 (Feb. 24, 1993), pA44(1).
• 2: Mooney, Carolyn J. Critics Question Higher Education's Commitment and Effectiveness in Dealing with Plagiarism. The Chronicle of Higher Education. v38,n23 (Feb. 12, 1992) pAl3(2).
• 3: Sterling, Gary Plagiarism and the Worms of Accountability. Education Digest v57, n9 (May 1992) p54(3).
• 4: Magner, Denise K. Historian Who Was Accused of Plagiarism Faces New Complaint. Th___&e Chronicle of Hi#her Education v39, n32 (Apr. 14, 1993) pAl9(2).
• 5: Forbes, Malcolm S. No One is Safe. Forbes v151,n12 (June 7, 1993) p26(1).
• 6: Magner, Denise K. History Association to Probe Accusations of Plagiarism Against Stephen Oates. The Chronicle of Higher Education v39,n39 (June 2, 1993) pA12(3).
• 7: Eng, Paul M. Bits and Bytes. Business Week n3197 (Jan 28, 1991), p70.
• 8: Anderson, Christopher Robocops- Stewart and Feder's mechanized misconduct search. Nature v350 n6318 (Apr. 11, 1991) p454(2).
• 9: Wheeler, David L. Computer Networks Are Said to Offer New Opportunities for Plagiarists; but Scientists and Journal Editors Say Technology Offers Opportunities For Catching Them Too. The Chronicle of Higher Education v39 n43 (June 30, 1993) pA17(2).

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.m Miscellaneous
          Subjects: Ethics**

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education
  K.5 LEGAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTING

General Terms:
Human Factors, Security