University Plagiarism in the Age of AI

Academic integrity is becoming increasingly complex to navigate in the developing age of artificial intelligence, and with it, are growing concerns as to how students can utilise developing technologies without compromising the quality and integrity of their work.

Academic misconduct encompasses various offences whereby a student obtains an unfair advantage in coursework, examinations, or their academic progress. A common form of academic misconduct, plagiarism, is when someone else’s work, ideas, or expressions (other than the student themselves) is used without providing proper credit where it is due.

There is a misconception that students deliberately take the “easy way out” of their research and are more likely to do so given the increasing accessibility of AI. However, plagiarism is very often unintentional, though the repercussions can be severe, regardless of intent.

It is more difficult for students to be clear as to what constitutes academic misconduct in the development of AI, but many instances of academic misconduct can be prevented through clear guidance and support for students.

Universities have a responsibility to educate students about plagiarism and uphold academic integrity in light of new technologies. This includes providing resources such as workshops, online tutorials, and access to updated plagiarism detection software that can effectively analyse AI-generated content. Clear communication about policies and expectations regarding plagiarism is essential in fostering an environment of honesty and accountability.

Challenges Posed by AI

It goes without saying that universities take academic integrity very seriously. The rise of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has transformed the landscape of academic integrity. While these tools can enhance learning and streamline the writing process, they also pose new challenges:

• Facilitation of Plagiarism: AI can generate text that may appear original but lacks proper attribution, making it easier for students to submit work that isn’t their own.
• Misunderstanding AI Output: Some students may not fully grasp that using AI-generated content without citation constitutes plagiarism.
• Detection Challenges: Traditional plagiarism detection tools may struggle to identify AI-generated text, creating a loophole that may be exploited.
• Ethical Considerations: The use of AI raises ethical questions about authorship and originality, complicating the definition of plagiarism in the digital age.

How to Avoid Plagiarism in the Age of AI

Preventing plagiarism requires diligence and a strong understanding of academic integrity, especially in light of AI’s role. Here are some practical tips for students to navigate this ever-changing landscape:

• Understand Citation Styles: Familiarise yourself with the required citation style for your field of study. Each style has specific rules for citing sources.
• Use Plagiarism Detection Tools: Utilise online tools to check your work for potential plagiarism before submission. This can help identify both unintentional issues and AI-generated content.
• Engage with AI Responsibly: If using AI tools for assistance, ensure that you revise and integrate the output into your own voice, providing proper attribution where applicable. Be mindful that AI is not feasible to use in all areas of study, and institutions may not be able to recognise how AI-related misconduct manifests itself differently in practical fields.
• Keep Track of Sources: While researching, maintain thorough notes that include source details. This will make it easier to cite them correctly later.
• Seek Help When Needed: If unsure about whether something constitutes plagiarism, consult your professors or academic advisors for guidance.

Conclusion

Plagiarism is a serious offense in academia, and the emergence of AI tools complicates this arena. By recognising what constitutes plagiarism and adhering to academic integrity, students can safeguard their education more carefully.

If you find yourself facing accusations of plagiarism, know that you have rights and resources available to you. Our team is well-equipped to support students facing allegations of academic misconduct. If you need assistance navigating a matter of academic misconduct, don’t hesitate to contact us: your education and future are worth protecting.

Get in touch for help with academic plagiarism

The information given here is intended for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.

For specific legal advice on plagiarism and how to arrange an initial fixed fee education law consultation, please contact our education law legal administrators, Kinjal or Rachael on 01895 207 961, or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.