1. Cheating: This refers to any deliberate attempt to gain an unfair advantage during an examination by using unauthorized materials or engaging in dishonest practices. It includes copying from others, using cheat sheets, obtaining unauthorized notes or electronic devices, or communicating with external sources for assistance.
2. Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs when someone uses or presents the ideas, words, or research of others as their own without proper attribution. It can take various forms, such as directly copying text, paraphrasing without proper citation, or submitting work that is largely derived from external sources without acknowledging them.
3. Collusion: Collusion involves collaborating with other individuals to complete an examination or assessment task, when such collaboration is not permitted or authorized by the examination rules. It can range from sharing answers or information during the examination to pre-arranged cooperation in preparing responses or completing assignments.
4. Impersonation: Impersonation occurs when someone falsely represents themselves as another individual to sit for an examination or assessment. It can involve submitting work under a different name, having someone else take the test on their behalf, or using fraudulent identification documents to gain access to an examination.
5. Fabrication of Data: This refers to creating or altering data, results, or information to support or improve one's performance in an examination or assessment. It includes manipulating experimental data, fabricating sources or references, or falsely reporting outcomes to gain a better grade.
6. Bribery or Corruption: Bribery involves offering or accepting any type of reward, benefit, or incentive to influence the outcome of an examination or assessment. This could include paying for higher grades, bribing examiners, or engaging in other forms of corruption to obtain an unfair advantage.
7. Sabotage: Sabotage refers to intentionally disrupting, damaging, or interfering with an examination or assessment process to gain an advantage or disadvantage someone else. It can include destroying examination materials, disrupting computer systems, or interfering with the work of other students or examiners.
Examination malpractice can have severe consequences for individuals and the integrity of the academic system. Institutions and examination boards typically implement strict policies and penalties to deter such dishonest practices, ranging from failing grades and disqualification to expulsion from educational programs or even legal action in severe cases.