What does the cumulative effect help prevent?

The cumulative effect is a concept primarily associated with copyright law, specifically in the context of educational use of materials. The principle states that certain uses of copyrighted works can be permissible without permission under specific conditions, particularly when multiple copies of small portions of a work are used over time for educational purposes.

The correct choice, regarding the copying of an entire publication, aligns with the purpose of the cumulative effect. It helps prevent the unauthorized reproduction of entire works by allowing only limited, repeated use of small segments. This approach emphasizes that while educational institutions can use portions of copyrighted material, the duplication of entire publications is not acceptable under this provision. Thus, the cumulative effect is designed to strike a balance, enabling educational activities while protecting the rights of copyright holders.