Understanding the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Academic Cheating: A National Study of College Students

• In Event: 16.049 - Moral Development and Education: Knowledge to Action

Abstract

While there has been extensive research on factors associated with academic cheating, relatively few studies have been conducted to understand the possible causal linkage between self-efficacy and academic cheating. Informed by prior literature, we investigated a possible link using a propensity score matching technique and a sample of 2,484 college students. Analytical results suggested a stronger self-efficacy belief that cheating is necessary to keep up with peers leads to a higher level of self-reported academic cheating. In light of our research findings, we recommend colleges and universities devise specific interventions to address such belief.

Authors

• Hongwei Yu, The University of Texas - Austin

• Perry Glanzer, Baylor University

• Byron Johnson, Baylor University