Can anything be done to deter cheating?
The answer to this question is "yes" and "no." On the "yes" side of the answer, announcing penalties at the beginning of a course may help reduce cheating. Among the effective penalties are:
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Expulsion from the college or university
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Fail the class
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See the Dean
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Receive a 0 on the test
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Public humiliation
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Likewise, the following test-time practices may reduce cheating:
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Separate students by a desk
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Walk up and down the rows during the test
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Use different forms of the test
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Use all-essay tests
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Unfortunately, the "no" part of the answer indicates penalties and deterrents are not effective with all students. More women report they are influenced by penalties and deterrents than do men. Non-cheaters and one-time cheaters are more influenced by penalties than repeat offenders. In fact, there may be no deterrents or penalties that are effective with habitual cheaters.
