Is Using Test Banks Cheating?

Academic dishonesty is common in online classes, and efforts by educators to lessen its consequences have yielded inconsistent results. An excellent example is when it comes to the use of test banks.

Test banks are a collection of test questions from a tutor’s past classes. The professors input the exam questions into a repository for themselves and participants of the same course to utilize in the future. Note that the test banks provide a wide range of questions and can contain commentary on a particular answer provided by students themselves. Precise page numbers frequently back these answers from the textbook for reference.

Many learners make and use test banks to prepare for examinations. However, there is an argument over the morality of using test banks and whether or not educational institutions should view this activity as cheating. So, is using test banks cheating? Keep reading to answer this question and more on this topic.

Is Using Test Banks Cheating?

Utilizing a test bank is equivalent to academic dishonesty because it involves acquiring exam solutions from a forbidden resource. However, using test banks for studying and preparation before an examination is not considered cheating. Therefore, whether or not you are dishonest depends on your time and how you utilize it.

Some of the instances where using test banks is considered cheating includes the following:

• Finding solutions for exams

Since they know the kind of questions the professors might ask in tests, students identify references that they utilize to respond to specific exam questions. However, you will cheat by looking up answers from a test bank during examinations.

Also see: Can pearson detect cheating?

• Uploading your professor’s test questions

Test banks are accessible via the system designated by the learning institution. Once students have access to them, they can submit questions about them in the various online forums such as Course Hero, Chegg, Quora, or Reddit and look for answers.

These platforms are inventive in providing the appropriate response to the stated question. Furthermore, those responses are easy to master, and one can eventually use them to prepare for the big test. Fortunately, one has an edge if some of the exam’s questions are on the list.

That is unethical; it is cheating.

Can You Get Caught Using a Test Bank?

Your teacher can catch you when you use test banks to cheat on an assignment or examination. Professors and educational institutions, including test banks, have numerous techniques to detect cheating from online sources. Some of these strategies include:

• The use of similarity-checking software

Nowadays, almost all educational institutions employ plagiarism detection software to catch cheaters. This applies to both face-to-face and online learning. Some of the most popular plagiarism checkers teachers and academic institutions use include SafeAssign and Turnitin.

These platforms compare student essays with information from electronic databases like Google, ProQuest, and their internal archives to look for trends of similarities. Professors then analyze the similarity reports to establish whether the learners could have engaged in plagiarism. Therefore, you will undoubtedly be caught if you use online test banks to cheat.

• Online Proctoring

Most institutions use online proctoring software to invigilate virtual exams. If you try to access a test bank during such a test, the software will undoubtedly detect the activity and inform the live proctor.

Understanding that anyone who distributes these “test banks” risks being charged with copyright infringement and made accountable for civil penalties and legal costs is vital. The seller may be held responsible for up to $150,000 for each text bank piece sold if the offense is intentional.

For each test bank work sold, the seller may be liable for fines ranging from $750 to $30,000, even if the infringement was not deliberate. Additionally, the seller will be responsible for paying the attorneys’ expenses, which can run into tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Are Test Banks a Good Way to Study?

Test banks are an excellent tool for studying when you use them properly. Below is a list of practical ways test banks can benefit and elevate your studies.

• They are helpful for Inspiration

Test banks can help you get insight into questions and, therefore, can be an excellent tool for inspiration. You will be given a preview of the questions the professor might ask on the test. You can also utilize a test bank to get ideas and concepts when writing. They can help you cite a guidebook and compile pertinent information for your essays.

• Test banks are time savers

Students are often unable to adequately prepare for assessments and examinations due to limited time. Remember, most of them engage in other co-curricular activities such as sports. If you are such a student, using test banks could come to your rescue by reducing the time you spend preparing for exams. You will find questions that cover all chapters under one roof.

• They help you track your progress

Utilizing a test bank can help you gauge where you stand by responding to rehearse questions; you can keep practicing until you are accustomed to the content. Furthermore, they can help you keep track of your progress throughout the year to help you learn concepts more effectively.

How to Use Test Banks Safely

Understanding that test banks can be an excellent resource for learning when used safely is vital. Therefore, avoid using them to get the most out of them for dubious reasons. Below are some of the ways you can utilize test banks safely:

• Use test banks to acquire new information rather than just testing yourself

It’s a wonderful change of pace from reading or memorization, and you can do it with colleagues. It’s actually an enjoyable approach to learning. Use the test banks for shorter informational passages, especially ones that don’t require in-depth comprehension; it works well.

• Complete as many tests and questions as you can

You can find a strategy that suits your studying by answering as many tests and questions as possible. Make notes of your revisions while completing this, and avoid obsessing over your scores or using them as a justification to avoid answering questions.

Keep in mind that there is a limited amount of knowledge you can be tested on, and test banks contain questions that have been altered and paraphrased to fit various formats.

• Save questions

This entails holding questions until nearer the examination to understand better how you’re doing. You save the questions and only do them when you’re confident you will receive a solid score. However, remember that the key to answering questions correctly is practice, which will allow you to perfect your method and become used to encountering the same material presented in different ways.

You will get it right when you use these strategies when using test banks as a study tool. You will benefit from the tool and never be accused of cheating.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, there is a debate on the morality around the use of test banks. Some stakeholders believe that using test banks benefits students, while others believe it is cheating. Nevertheless, is using test banks cheating?

As a student, use the information explained in this article to help you utilize test banks correctly and avoid cheating. Remember, the consequences you would face if found cheating are severe, and it would be in your best interest to prevent it.