Examining Self-Efficacy and Personality Traits as Predictors of Academic Dishonesty among
1Examining Self-Efficacy and Personality Traits as Predictors of Academic Dishonesty among Undergraduate Students
Layman Abstract: Academic dishonesty is a major issue in universities worldwide, affecting not just students but also lecturers and staff. This study focused on Ghanaian undergraduate students, exploring how personality traits and self-confidence influence cheating. Researchers surveyed 453 students using different measures and found that even students with high self-confidence and responsibility still engaged in academic dishonesty. Personality traits like openness and responsibility played a role in predicting cheating behavior.
The study highlights that students who cheat may continue these unethical habits in their careers, which can harm both their reputations and that of their institutions. Academic dishonesty weakens the credibility of education and can negatively impact an entire nation. Therefore, it is crucial for educators to understand why students cheat and find ways to prevent it. The paper discusses various strategies to reduce cheating and promote integrity in education.
Original Abstract: Universities worldwide face a significant challenge: academic dishonesty. This problem extends beyond students, ensnaring even high-ranking personnel like lecturers, department heads, and university/college staff. Various terms describe academic dishonesty, including academic fraud, cheating, and misrepresentation. This paper investigated the forms and prevalence of academic dishonesty among Ghanaian undergraduate students. It also examined how self-efficacy and personality type predict academic fraud within on-campus settings. The study employed a cross-sectional design, surveying 453 students and employed three scales to measure key variables. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequencies, standard deviations) were used to answer the research questions, while standard linear regression tested the hypothesis. The results indicated high levels of self-efficacy and conscientiousness among students, yet academic dishonesty was still present. Conscientiousness, openness, and self-efficacy were found to predict academic fraud. One key implication is that such students may carry the negative habits into their future careers. Academic dishonesty poses a significant threat, not just to individual students but to entire nations. It tarnishes the reputations of both the cheater and the institution, potentially leading to lasting disgrace if exposed. Educators must prioritize understanding the root causes of this academic dishonesty and work to stop it. The paper concluded by examining some strategies for mitigating academic dishonesty within the educational context.
View Book:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cpassr/v10/4248
#AcademicIntegrity #UniversityEthics #CheatingInCollege #StudentLife #HigherEducation #EducationMatters #EthicalLearning #HonestAcademics #StudyEthics #AcademicFraud