Dan Ariely's Truth about Dishonesty suggests some interesting reasons why copying text from the internet might be similar to downloading a song but very different from leaving a restaurant without paying.1
As a student, it is important to recognize that, despite how psychological distance might allow us to rationalize minor acts of misconduct, rationalizing academic dishonesty is never acceptable.
Acts of academic dishonesty, even minor ones, have negative consequences on learning and are detrimental to the scholarly community at large. The onus, therefore, is on every student to become fully aware of what constitutes academic integrity, what constitutes dishonesty, and how to avoid misconduct.
Upholding the highest standards of academic honesty contributes not only to the integrity of the individual but to their profession and the academic institution to which they belong as well.
After completing the learning activities associated with this module, you should be able to
1. Ariely, Dan. "RSA Animate: The Honest Truth About Dishonesty". 2012. YouTube Video. RSA: The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.