Ethical question

[SlippingSloth]

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Is getting an old test from student that has previously taken the class considered cheating? Obviously you are giving yourself an advantage, but is it an unfair one? Assuming the professor changes the test questions so they arent exactly the same isnt it just another study tool?

 

[lorelei]

Were the students allowed to keep the test? If so, then no, it's not cheating. The professor is fully aware that old tests are out there, and should be writing new tests with this in mind.

If the previous student snuck the test out of class, or if the professor asked you not to consult old tests, that would be cheating.

You could always ask the professor for his or her opinion, if you feel like he or she might not have thought about it.

 

[2112_rush]

I agree with the above poster. I rely on old tests in med school and the great class ahead of us was kind enough to burn 7 years worth of old tests onto a cd for each member of my class.

 

[NeuroSync]

If you are truly worried about doing what is ethically correct, I would suggest telling the prof that tests are out there and being offered. I would suggest to the professor that old tests be made available to everyone, to even the playing field. That will also clue the prof in to the fact that the test needs to be different.

 

[virilep]

Is getting an old test from student that has previously taken the class considered cheating? Obviously you are giving yourself an advantage, but is it an unfair one? Assuming the professor changes the test questions so they arent exactly the same isnt it just another study tool?

ofcourse not. most med schools have test banks that they pass down from one class to another. It isn't considered cheating because you're learning the material. and in undergrad people do the same thing. definately not unethical. teachers know this happens.