Student Honor Codes and Academic Fraud: When Beliefs and Behaviors Clash

• In Event: College Student Behavior, Engagement, and Outcomes

Abstract

Academic fraud was exacerbated by online study and reduced supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about its impact on students’ perceptions of university academic honor code. Using a descriptive correlational design, we explored perceived values of the student honor code and academic misconduct. Integrity was measured on a 10-point scale, and academic fraud tendency was measured on a 5-point scale. Results revealed that students’ tendencies to cheat and/or engage in general academic misconduct were moderately positively correlated with self-perceived beliefs of integrity. Although students value the academic honor code, they were not immune to engaging in academic misconduct. Educators should include ethical decision making, using real-world scenarios, to help students connect abstract concepts with life.

Authors

• Emmanuel Chisom Okolo, Texas A&M University

• Isaac Appiah, Texas A&M University

• Gary Wingenbach, Texas A&M University