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Academic Integrity for Students

What is Fabrication?

In Assiniboine's policy A25, fabrication is defined as “the intentional misrepresentation of any information in an academic exercise” (Assiniboine College, 2013). 

Fabrication compromises the authenticity of:

  • data,
  • research,
  • and references

in student assignments. The accurate representation of work and knowledge is crucial for instructors to be able to assess and evaluate student performance.

Fabrication Examples

Fabrication includes various intentional acts, but can also include the results of students misusing sources or research tools. 

  • Inventing or exaggerating data or information
  • Falsifying research
  • Listing incorrect or fictitious references. For example, citing a quote in a book review and indicating that the citation actually came from the book itself is a fabrication.

Students must ensure that all information and data submitted in assignments is authentic. This means:

  • listing references for sources which you have accessed, read, understood, and applied in your own work
  • being aware that sources generated by the misuse of generative artificial intelligence tools may not exist, and that including them in an assignment will be viewed as fabrication.

Even citing secondary or indirect sources without accessing the original may be considered fabrication. Instructors and/or Library staff may check for irregularities, and you are always responsible for the work you submit as an Assiniboine student.

Fabrication Prevention

To prevent fabrication, students should take proactive steps:

  • Discuss fabrication and academic integrity with your instructor
  • Ask your instructor for clear guidelines on data and research findings
  • Ask your instructor for examples on presenting data and research
  • Use academic integrity checklist
  • Use research checklist
  • Keep careful research notes 
  • Use only sources personally accessed, read, understood, and intentionally applied in your work
  • Learn proper usage of generative artificial intelligence tools
  • Seek assistance from Assiniboine support staff, including Student Success Advisors and the Library

References

 

References

Assiniboine College. (2023). Policy A25. https://assiniboine.net/sites/default/files/documents/2019-08/a25.pdf