5 Ideas for Using zyBooks’ Assessment Tool

Academic Integrity Quiz Question Pool for Intro to Programming

Section 1: Code Collaboration & Boundaries

Question 1
Your study group worked through a problem together on a whiteboard during office hours. What’s the appropriate way to proceed?

1. Take a photo of the whiteboard solution and use it directly in your submission
2. Copy the solution exactly but add your own comments to show understanding
3. Go home, work through the problem independently from memory, and document your study group collaboration in your README file
4. Split up the whiteboard solution among group members so each person submits different parts

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: High-level design discussions are permitted, but you must implement the solution independently. Best practices require documenting collaboration in README files, not in source code comments.

Question 2
A classmate shows you their working code to help you debug yours. You identify your bug by comparing the two approaches. What should you do?

1. Nothing – looking at code for debugging purposes doesn’t require citation
2. Add a comment in your code thanking your classmate
3. Document your classmate’s debugging assistance with their name in your README file
4. Rewrite your entire solution to avoid any similarity to their code

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Debugging help from peers must be documented/cited, even though it’s permitted. The citation belongs in the README file, not code comments.

Question 3
During a tutoring session, the tutor writes example code on the board to demonstrate a concept related to your assignment. Can you use this code?

1. Yes, without any citation since tutors are course staff
2. Yes, but you must cite the tutor’s contribution in your README
3. No, you must recreate the logic entirely on your own
4. Yes, but only if you significantly modify the variable names first

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Help from course staff (instructors, TAs, tutors) can typically be used freely without citation requirements.

Question 4
In a team project, one member wrote 80% of the code. How should this be handled for grading?

1. All team members receive equal credit regardless of contribution
2. Individual contributions should be documented and each member graded accordingly
3. The primary coder should submit separately and others should cite their work
4. Team members should redistribute the code equally before submission

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Team projects emphasize joint responsibility, but most require documentation of individual contributions, especially when contribution is uneven.

Section 2: Online Resources & Citation

Question 5
You found a function on Stack Overflow that solves exactly what you need for your assignment. What’s the appropriate approach?

1. Copy it directly – Stack Overflow is a public learning resource
2. Copy it, change variable names, and add it to your code
3. Use it if you cite the Stack Overflow source with the URL in your README or code comments
4. Never use any code from Stack Overflow under any circumstances

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Many courses allow using code from external sources if cited properly. You must credit the source (URL) and identify it as external code, similar to citing a reference in a research paper.

Question 6
You’re following a YouTube tutorial step-by-step that walks through solving a problem very similar to your assignment. Is your resulting code your own work?

1. Yes, because you typed it yourself while learning
2. Yes, as long as you understand how it works
3. No, this is copying even though you’re learning – you must cite the tutorial or rework the solution independently
4. Yes, but only if the tutorial is more than one year old

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Following step-by-step tutorials that produce code for your assignment is similar to copying. Code should be “designed and developed solely by the students.” You must either cite the tutorial extensively or use it only for learning and implement your own solution.

Question 7
The official Python documentation includes example code that solves part of your assignment. Can you use it?

1. Yes, without citation since it’s official documentation
2. Yes, with citation noting it came from Python docs
3. No, all code must be originally written by you
4. Yes, but only if you modify it significantly first

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Using library documentation and built-in functions with proper citation is typically permitted. While course textbooks often don’t require citation, external documentation (even official) should be cited to show it wasn’t your original design.

Question 8
You used GitHub Copilot to generate a function, then modified it to fit your needs. What’s required?

1. Nothing – AI coding assistants are just advanced autocomplete
2. Document that AI assistance was used and describe what you modified
3. You cannot use any AI-generated code under any circumstances
4. It’s acceptable as long as you can explain how the code works

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Most institutions now require disclosure of AI tool usage. You must be able to explain your code and document AI assistance according to your course policy.

Section 3: Past Solutions & Reuse

Question 9
You found solutions from when your roommate took the course last semester. What’s the policy?

1. It’s acceptable since your roommate completed the work honestly
2. It’s acceptable to reference them but you must cite your roommate
3. This violates academic integrity – you cannot use solutions from previous semesters
4. It’s acceptable if the assignment has been modified since last semester

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Academic integrity policies explicitly prohibit using solutions from previous semesters. This is one of the most common violations, with many institutions checking submissions across multiple semesters.

Question 10
You wrote similar code for a previous assignment in the same course. Can you reuse it for this assignment?

1. No, this is self-plagiarism
2. Yes, you are the original author of the code
3. Only if you cite your previous assignment
4. Only with explicit instructor permission

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You can generally use code you authored. However, some courses may require disclosure when retaking a class, so when in doubt, ask or document it.

Question 11
A friend offers to send you their completed code “just to look at” when you’re running late on an assignment. What should you do?

1. Look at it briefly for ideas but don’t copy anything
2. Accept it but only look at their overall approach, not specific code
3. Decline – viewing others’ code is not permitted even if you don’t copy it
4. Accept it and cite them in your README for providing reference material

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most academic integrity policies explicitly state you should not be “reading anyone else’s code whether on screen or written by hand.” Even viewing without copying is typically prohibited.

Question 12
You’re retaking CS 101. Can you resubmit the code you wrote when you took it last year?

1. Yes, it’s your original work
2. Yes, but you must disclose you’re reusing your previous work
3. No, this violates self-plagiarism policies
4. Only if you substantially improve or expand the code

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Many courses allow reusing your own work from previous attempts IF it was your original independent creation, you had no honor code issues with it, AND you disclose the reuse to the instructor.

Section 4: Sharing & Helping Others

Question 13
A struggling classmate asks if they can look at your completed code. How should you respond?

1. Yes, but tell them not to copy it directly
2. Yes, helping classmates is encouraged in collaborative learning
3. Offer to help them debug or explain concepts, but don’t share your code
4. Share only the parts they’re struggling with, not the complete solution

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Academic integrity policies hold both the person sharing AND the person receiving code accountable. You can help explain concepts or debugging strategies without showing code. All parties in inappropriate collaboration are typically “held equally liable.”

Question 14
Students in your class are sharing test cases with each other on a Discord server to help with debugging. Is this acceptable?

1. Yes, test case sharing promotes collaborative learning
2. It depends – you can share general testing strategies but not specific test case inputs/outputs
3. Yes, as long as you write your own code to handle the test cases
4. No, any sharing of assignment materials violates academic integrity

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Many courses allow students to “exchange general strategies for testing” but state “no specific test cases should be shared.” The test cases you write must be your own original work.

Question 15
After submitting your assignment, can you post your code to a public GitHub repository to build your portfolio?

1. Yes, it’s your work and demonstrates your skills
2. Yes, but only after the semester ends
3. Yes, but only in a private repository
4. You should use controlled access (private repos, direct communication) to avoid enabling others to copy it

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Best practice is to share via “direct communication, privately maintained repositories, restricted access” but not “make your code freely accessible on the web” where it becomes a temptation for future students.

Section 5: Detection & Consequences

Question 16
The instructor uses plagiarism detection software to check for code similarity. You changed variable names and reordered some functions. Will this avoid detection?

1. Yes, detection software only catches exact copies
2. Yes, cosmetic changes are enough to make code appear different
3. No, detection software can identify similarity despite variable renaming, comment changes, and reordering
4. It depends on how many changes you made

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Modern plagiarism detection software differentiates between “cosmetic differences (names, order)” and “significant structural” similarity. These tools are very difficult to fool and require drastic rewrites to avoid detection.

Question 17
You accidentally left your code visible in a shared workspace and another student copied it without your knowledge. Who is responsible?

1. Only the student who copied is responsible
2. Only you are responsible for failing to secure your work
3. Both students may be held equally responsible
4. Neither, since the copying was unintentional

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Academic integrity policies often state: “In groups that collaborate inappropriately, it may be impossible to determine who offered work vs. received it. In such cases, all will be held equally liable.” Students have a responsibility to secure their work (logging out, file permissions).

Question 18
What is typically the penalty for a first-time academic integrity violation on a programming assignment?

1. A warning with no grade penalty
2. Zero on the assignment only
3. Zero on the assignment plus potential reduction in final course grade
4. Automatic F in the course

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Common first-time penalties include zero on the assignment plus up to one letter grade reduction in the final course grade. Some courses assign negative scores. Most institutions escalate to F for second offenses. First-time penalties are significant but usually not automatic course failure.

Question 19
A documented academic integrity violation in a CS course typically results in:

1. A note in your academic file visible on your transcript
2. A letter filed with the registrar that doesn’t appear on transcripts but can be disclosed if employers/grad schools ask
3. No permanent record if it’s your first offense
4. Automatic dismissal from the university

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Violations often result in a letter filed with the registrar that is “not part of your transcript” but “any employer or graduate school can ask the institution if a letter was ever submitted, and the institution is required to answer if they ask.”

Question 20
If you’re accused of an academic integrity violation, what’s the best course of action?

1. Deny any wrongdoing and demand they prove it
2. Reach out to the instructor immediately, acknowledge any mistakes, and discuss options like retracting work or amending citations
3. Wait to see if the accusation proceeds before responding
4. Consult with other students first to coordinate your response

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Instructors are often “willing to work constructively with a forthright student who owns their behavior.” Early requests to retract work or amend citations can “rectify the misrepresentation” and possibly avoid formal charges. Cooperation is viewed favorably in the review process.

Section 6: Permitted Assistance & Resources

Question 21
Your assignment requires implementing a sorting algorithm. Python has a built-in sort() function. What’s appropriate?

1. Use the built-in sort() since it’s part of the language
2. Implement your own sorting algorithm as assigned
3. Use built-in sort() but cite that you used it
4. Use built-in sort() only after implementing your own version first

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When an assignment explicitly asks you to implement an algorithm, using a built-in function defeats the learning objective. You can use libraries for non-core assignment goals, but if the assignment is “meant to build understanding” of that specific concept, you must implement it yourself.

Question 22
You can discuss assignment concepts with other students at what level?

1. Only general course concepts, never specific assignments
2. High-level approaches and strategies, but not specific implementation details
3. Specific implementation details as long as you don’t share actual code
4. Any level of detail as long as you cite the discussion

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Most policies state “discuss the meaning of assignments and general approaches and strategies” is always acceptable. “Cooperation beyond that point, including shared pseudocode or flowcharts” requires permission/citation.

Question 23
Code from your course textbook that’s relevant to your assignment:

1. Cannot be used at all – it’s published material
2. Can be used freely without citation since it’s an official course resource
3. Can be used with citation to the textbook
4. Can be used only if significantly modified

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: “The resources for any course, such as the textbook, the instructor’s slides or notes, lab solutions, are there to aid you…you are supposed to read the assigned material, hence it would be unreasonable to expect you to ‘forget’ what was in there.”

Question 24
During an exam, you’re struggling with a problem and notice you can see your neighbor’s screen. What should you do?

1. Glance quickly to check your approach but don’t copy directly
2. Look away and continue working on your own
3. Look away, notify the proctor about the situation
4. Use what you see but balance it with your own work

Correct Answer: B or C (either is acceptable)
Explanation: Looking at others’ work during exams is universally prohibited as a standard form of cheating. The best response is to avoid looking and either continue on your own or notify the proctor about the compromising situation.

Question 25
You can receive help from which of the following without any citation requirement?

1. Your roommate who took the course last year
2. Course instructor, TAs, and official tutors
3. Current classmates in your study group
4. Online forums like Stack Overflow

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Academic integrity policies explicitly state that help from “course staff” (instructors, TAs, official tutors) can be freely used without citation. All other sources require either citation or fall into prohibited categories.

Section 7: Special Situations

Question 26
You’re building a dataset by scraping public tweets for a data analysis project. Is this acceptable?

1. Yes, public data can always be freely used
2. Yes, but you must respect website rate limits and identify your data source with dates/parameters
3. No, scraping data is always a violation of terms of service
4. Yes, but only if you don’t use more than 100 data points

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Web scraping public data is generally allowed BUT you must “heed policies” about not overloading systems (timing requests apart) and must “identify your datasource” with specifics like date range and search parameters.

Question 27
If you suspect what you’re about to do might be a violation, what should you do?

1. Proceed carefully and cite everything to be safe
2. Do it anyway – asking forgiveness is easier than asking permission
3. Ask a faculty member first rather than risk your academic career
4. Ask other students if they think it’s acceptable

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Academic integrity guidelines advise: “If you suspect that what you are about to do is a violation, play it safe and ask a faculty member first rather than take risks with your academic career.”

Question 28
You’re sick the night before the deadline and can’t finish the assignment. What’s the best course of action?

1. Submit code that a friend helped you complete – getting something in is better than nothing
2. Copy a solution online and modify it – you’ll understand it later
3. Contact the instructor about your situation, possibly take a late day, or submit incomplete work
4. Have your friend submit for you using their code with your name

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Academic integrity policies address this directly: “You can ask for more help, take a late day, submit a program known to be imperfect, or not submit at all. Even the most drastic options have consequences that are small potatoes compared to compromising your character.”

Question 29
If you must explain how your code works but cannot do so clearly, what does this suggest?

1. You need to add more comments to your code
2. The code is too complex and should be simplified
3. You may have used code you don’t fully understand, which is a violation concern
4. You should study the concepts more before the exam

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Academic integrity policies state instructors “may suspect a student of cheating if the student cannot explain both the details of their solution and the techniques or principles used to generate that solution.” Inability to explain suggests the work isn’t your own.

Question 30
Your development environment auto-suggests code completions (like GitHub Copilot or IDE autocomplete). Is this acceptable?

1. Yes, autocomplete tools are part of normal development
2. Only if you disable AI-powered suggestions
3. Check your course policy – some permit with disclosure, others may restrict AI tools
4. Yes, as long as you understand what the autocomplete suggests

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Policies on AI-powered autocomplete are evolving and vary by course. Some instructors permit them with disclosure, others restrict them entirely. Students should check specific course policies and disclose AI tool usage when required.

CS 101: Introduction to Programming – Syllabus Quiz

Instructions: Answer all questions based on the course syllabus. This quiz is worth 10 points and helps ensure you understand course policies.

1. What is the late submission policy for programming assignments?

• A) No late work accepted
• B) 10% deduction per day, up to 3 days late
• C) One free 48-hour extension per semester
• D) Late work accepted with instructor approval only

2. How much of your final grade comes from the final project?

• A) 15%
• B) 20%
• C) 25%
• D) 30%

3. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable reason to miss an exam?

• A) Medical emergency with documentation
• B) University-sanctioned event with prior approval
• C) Oversleeping or scheduling conflict
• D) Family emergency

4. What percentage of classes can you miss before it affects your grade?

• A) Attendance is not tracked
• B) 2 absences allowed, then grade deduction
• C) 3 absences allowed, then grade deduction
• D) Any absence affects your grade

5. What is the policy on collaboration for programming assignments?

• A) All work must be completed independently
• B) You may discuss concepts but code must be your own
• C) Pair programming is allowed with permission
• D) Study groups are encouraged for all assignments

6. Where should you submit your programming assignments?

• A) Email to instructor
• B) Canvas/LMS submission portal
• C) GitHub classroom repository
• D) Print and bring to class

7. What are the instructor’s office hours?

• A) Monday and Wednesday, 2-4 PM
• B) Tuesday and Thursday, 3-5 PM
• C) By appointment only
• D) Walk-in hours daily

8. True or False: You may use AI tools like ChatGPT to write your code for assignments.

• A) True – AI tools are encouraged
• B) False – AI tools are prohibited
• C) True – but must be cited and explained
• D) False – except for debugging assistance

9. When are the midterm exams scheduled?

• A) Week 6 and Week 12
• B) Week 7 and Week 14
• C) Week 8 only
• D) Dates TBA

10. What should you do if you need accommodations for a documented disability?

• A) Email the instructor on the first day of class
• B) Contact the Office of Accessibility Services
• C) Request accommodations before each exam
• D) No accommodations are available

Answer Key: (Instructors should customize based on actual syllabus)

B 2. C 3. C 4. C 5. B 6. C 7. B 8. D 9. A 10. B