Question

Imagine the following scenario: You are taking the evidence-based practice course and one of your classmates shares an EBP project draft with you. You notice that some of the research has not been cited correctly or even at all. When you approach your classmate, the response is that "no one will notice and it is not a big deal anyway." What are your next steps in speaking with your classmate? Consider how this could reflect on the credibility and integrity of the individuals involved, the University, and the profession.

Answer 1

I would inform the student that academic honesty and integrity is an important concept to maintain while pursuing their degree. The student would want the project to hold integrity and credibility which would require the correct use of citations. The authors and sources of the citations also deserve and need credit for their work. We as students are the reflection of the university and are expected to uphold the reputation of the university. The university's credibility is reflected in the students who graduate with a degree and it will gain a bad reputation for its graduates. All graduates and their instructors will have reduced credibility. Graduating students looking for jobs or entrance into graduate school could be prevented from achieving their goals; faculty members applying for research grants or submitting research for publication may not be successful. This lack of credibility then follows you into the workforce and can impact your professional goals. As nurses we hold evidence- based practices to high standards, and we must give them the respect they deserve.