Case Study - Lost in Translation

Case Study Lost in Translation

Catherine Melissa Harrison

 Psychology Capstone Project

Ethical Assignment

Capella University

February 26, 2017

Abstract

This paper explores the case of lost in translation case study. This paper will examine and provide analysis of plagiarism and justice- versus- mercy decision.

                                    Case Study Lost in Translation

         Many international students that has non-English students speaking skill sometimes has problems understanding the cultural differences and language competencies (Gardner 1985; O’Malley and Chamot 1990; Ellis 1995; Canagarajah 2002). In the Western Universities it is known that problems with teaching and learning usually identify with students from non-Anglo Celtic background. In this case study the individual is an International student that could be limited language skills and prior experience of a different education culture that cause challenges in unintentional plagiarism Ryan 2000, Handa, 2004, and Briggs, 2003).  

Plagiarism

        Students that study in the Western academic settings, plagiarism is known to just borrowing the words and ideas of others and using their words in one’s writing or using the information or words in other essays/worked without using the resource in which the information was retrieved.  According to the Kuther, T. (2016), plagiarism is a critical offense that zero in on wrongdoers as unethical. There are ways to avoid plagiarism and one is to look up the institution definitions and policies about plagiarism and what is the penalty if found participating in plagiarism.   In the case study Brian McNally has identified plagiarism and confronts the international student what offense she has committed and the consequences that this offense could carry. Based from the student response, the acknowledge and understanding of the offense did not related to her due to her culture or academic settings that plagiarism was not an offense. The instructor understood that she/he didn’t realize what she/he had done.  Base from this the instructor knows this will hinder the student and must make a decision whether the student fails or find another solution to the problem that will not cause the student to be penalize for the mistake that he/ she made.

McNally decision should be based on the criteria of the school or institution,

even though the student didn’t realize of the offense in she/he has done, but in the research Western academic intuitions still has a policy that plagiarism was still an offense. Giving the student a chance to correct the information that he/she has plagiarized but some other type of penalty should be justified without him/her record showing the offense of the misunderstanding of the language.  In this case it will be justice versus mercy decision without the student having to not receive the education in which he/she is working towards.    

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