Your teacher assigns you a homework problem from the textbook. You do not know what to do, so you decide to search for more information on the topic. In the search results, you find that a teacher from another college has posted the solutions manual for the textbook, and you see that the solution for the homework problem is available. You do not copy the exact solution, but you use it to help set up your answer to the problem.

Is this an Honor Code violation?

Question

Your teacher assigns you a homework problem from the textbook. You do not know what to do, so you decide to search for more information on the topic. In the search results, you find that a teacher from another college has posted the solutions manual for the textbook, and you see that the solution for the homework problem is available. You do not copy the exact solution, but you use it to help set up your answer to the problem.

Is this an Honor Code violation?

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The scenario describes a student seeking information for a homework problem and finding a solutions manual posted by a teacher from another college. The key issue is whether using that solutions manual constitutes an Honor Code violation.
First, consider the premise: the student did not copy the solution verbatim, but used the manual to help set up their own answer. This implies reliance on an external, potentially unauthorized resource to inform work that is submitted as the student’s own.
Next, evaluate the typical intent of an Honor Code: it prohibits presenting someone else’s work as your own, or using unauthorized resources to complete assignments. Accessing and utilizing a solutions manual that is not provided or authorized by the course instructor or institution can be viewed as obtaining answers from an external source that undermines the expectation of independent work.
Regarding the option itself, if the measure of violation is whether the act falls under using unauthorized assistance, this example leans toward a violation because the resource was not officially permitted for use in completing the assignment. Even though the student did not copy the exact text, using an external solutions manual to guide problem setup can still be considered gaining an unfair advantage or bypassing the intended learning process.
Now, consider potential counterpoints: one might argue that consulting a solutions manual to understand concepts is a learning aid rather than copying. However, the Honor Code typically emphasizes the integrity of submitting one’s own work and the use of permitted resources. If the manual is not authorized for use in the course, relying on it would still fall outside those boundaries.
Additionally, note that some programs differentiate between generalized help and direct solution copying. In this case, the crucial factor is whether the resource was authorized for use with the assignment. If not, the act remains problematic under most Honor Code policies.
In summary, the reasoning supports labeling the described action as an Honor Code violation because it involves using an external, unauthorized resource to complete an assignment, which compromises the expectation of authentic work, even without copying the exact solution.

MATH_1225_17255_202501 Academic Honesty Quiz

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