Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Essay mills and other contract cheating services: to buy or not to buy and the consequences of students changing their minds

Draper, M., Lancaster, T., Dann, S., Crockett, R. and Glendinning, I. (2021) Essay mills and other contract cheating services: to buy or not to buy and the consequences of students changing their minds. International Journal for Educational Integrity. 17(1) 1833-2595.

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Abstract:
Abstract: Very few parts of the world have legislation that prohibits the operation or the promotion of contract cheating services. This means that commercial companies providing such services can formally register and operate in most countries. If a student enters into an agreement with a contract cheating provider, what rights do they have to change their mind and what are the risks if they choose to do so? This paper examines the question through legal, institutional and societal lenses, showing that although a student has the consumer rights to withdraw from a contract with an essay mill, they may also be putting their future at risk by doing so. Contract cheating providers are now embedded within many institutions, using sharp practices to connect with vulnerable customers, but are also perfectly placed to blackmail students or threaten to report them to their institution if they ask to cancel their order. The paper argues that, while not condoning the practice of contract cheating, supportive processes need to be in place to help students at risk as part of standard institutional duty of care. This must be backed up by institutional policy that considers academic integrity as a core value for all.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Original Article, Contract cheating, Contract formation, Consumer rights, Student behaviour, Educational institutional policies
Creators:
Draper, M., Lancaster, T., Dann, S., Crockett, R. and Glendinning, I.
Date:
26 May 2021
Date Type:
Acceptance
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal for Educational Integrity
Volume:
17
Number:
1
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1007/s40979-021-00081-x
ISSN:
1833-2595
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
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