New Study Reveals Alarming Trends in Academic Integrity: 40% of Students Witness Cheating Using AI Tools, 26% More Prone to Consider Cheating
TORONTO, Aug. 17, 2023 /CNW/ - Studioisty Canada released the second chapter of their annual Canadian Student Wellbeing Study. This chapter covering artificial intelligence, academic integrity, & cheating showed critical insights into students and their interactions between artificial intelligence (AI), academic integrity, and cheating in colleges and universities. The study, commissioned by Studiosity with research carried out by Angus Reid, offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving higher education landscape.
As the use of AI, including ChatGPT, continues to grow, students are experiencing a significant change in their study methods across various programs of study. The research report reveals a shift in academic behavior, with over 40% of students acknowledging that they have personally witnessed instances of cheating facilitated by AI tools within the past year.
Another concerning revelation from the study is the willingness among students to consider cheating. Approximately 26% of respondents indicated that they are more likely to consider cheating tools like essay mills and AI writing software that have become more widespread and accessible. This trend highlights the relationship between technological advancements and ethical decision-making within education.
Of particular concern is the observation that graduate students, a demographic widely regarded for their commitment to academic rigor, are significantly impacted by these trends. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of graduate students reported witnessing cheating behaviors. It is possible that graduate students report witnessing more cheating as some fulfill the role of Tutorial Lead and Teaching Assistants for undergraduate classes.
The study also shows the tension surrounding AI. Balancing the impact of new learning technologies' ability to help students flourish with the potential to facilitate cheating is not new, the release of ChatGPT has brought this tension into focus and given post-secondary institutions a lot to consider as they head into the 2023-2024 academic year.
The research report offers a call to action for educators and policymakers to address the growing complexities surrounding AI, academic integrity, and cheating in higher education. It serves as a catalyst for ongoing discussions that seek to strike a balance between technological progress and preserving the fundamental tenets of education.
Studiosity produced the questions for this survey and Angus Reid Forum gathered the responses from current Canadian postsecondary students via an online survey. The survey ran from March 6 to March 17, 2023 and gained a total of 1,010 responses. The sample frame was balanced to ensure representation of men and women in proportion to their overall share of the Canadian postsecondary student population (56% female, 43% male), as well as to ensure statistically significant representation from regions across the country. The sample consisted of 80% full-time students and 20% part-time students, and was conducted in English and French.
Studiosity partners with universities to provide online study support, anytime, anywhere to over 1.6 million students in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Studiosity's service connects students with Subject Specialists to chat and work through questions, providing formative feedback through help, not answers. The company currently partners with over 250 institutions globally, delivering equitable academic support online in the moment students need it, increasing life chances for all.
To receive a copy of the research report please visit:
https://www.studiosity.com/2023studentwellbeing
SOURCE Studiosity
To request an interview with Studiosity please contact: Michael Poblete, Studiosity Canada, E: [email protected]
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