By Action:
* Copying from another student: This is a common form, ranging from discreet glances to overt collaboration.
* Using unauthorized materials: This includes bringing in cheat sheets, notes, mobile phones with stored information, or even using smartwatches with hidden communication capabilities.
* Impersonation: A different student takes the exam on behalf of the registered student.
* Collusion: Students work together to share answers or information during the exam.
* Submitting plagiarized work: In take-home or online exams, students may copy work from the internet or other sources without attribution.
* Falsifying documents: This could involve altering examination papers, creating fake ID cards, or forging signatures.
* Paying for assistance: Students may pay others to complete assignments or exams for them, or to provide answers during the examination.
* Disturbing other candidates: This could involve distracting others to gain an advantage or creating a disruptive environment.
* Possessing unauthorized devices: This goes beyond just using the devices; simply having them can be considered a breach.
* Bribing invigilators/examiners: Students may attempt to bribe invigilators or examiners to gain unfair advantages.
By Level of Involvement:
* Active Participation: Directly engaging in the malpractice activity.
* Passive Participation: Knowing about the malpractice and not reporting it, or allowing others to copy from their work.
* Complicity: Actively helping or facilitating another student's malpractice.
By Intent:
* Desperate attempt to pass: Students who are struggling academically might resort to malpractice out of fear of failure.
* Enhancement of grades: Students aiming for higher grades may engage in malpractice to improve their academic standing.
* Pressure from parents/teachers: External pressure to perform well can lead students to engage in malpractice.
* Systemic issues: Sometimes, a culture of malpractice within a school or institution normalizes dishonest behavior.
Understanding the scope of student involvement necessitates recognizing the diverse motivations, methods, and levels of participation. Addressing examination malpractice requires a multifaceted approach that targets not just the students involved but also the underlying causes and systemic vulnerabilities that contribute to its prevalence.