The Anatomy of Academic Dishonesty: Cognitive Development, Self-Concept, Neutralization Techniques, and Attitudes Toward Cheating

This study explored the relationship between cheating among university students and their cognitive developmental levels, use of neutralization techniques, self-concept as a multifaceted cognitive construct, and attitude toward cheating. The purposes of this study were to investigate: (1) The relationships between academic dishonesty and each of the following overall independent variables: cognitive development, use of neutralization techniques, self-concept as a multifaceted cognitive construct, and attitude toward cheating, and (2) the reasons behind college student academic cheating behaviors. The study used data from anonymous, self-report surveys administered to undergraduate students in-class and at supplemental sessions. Student participation was voluntary. The study was correlational. The five hypotheses were: (1) Self-concept is significantly and negatively related to academic dishonesty; (2) Cognitive development is significantly and negatively related to academic dishonesty; (3) Attitude toward cheating is significantly and negatively related to academic dishonesty; (4) The use of neutralization techniques is significantly and positively related to academic dishonesty; (5) Cognitive development, self-concept, and attitude toward cheating will make significant contributions to the regression model for the dependent variables of academic dishonesty. The data supported the first, third, and fourth hypotheses. However, the second and fifth hypotheses were supported under certain conditions. The roles of cognitive development and self-concept in academic dishonesty represent major findings.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2004

Author dc:creator

• Arvidson, Cody Jean

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lumsden, D. Barry
• Petrie, Trent A.
• Bush, V. Barbara

• College students -- Conduct of life.
• Cheating (Education)
• College students -- Attitudes.
• academic dishonesty
• neutralization
• self-concept
• attitudes toward cheating
• higher education

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Arvidson, Cody Jean
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 56715499
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4641/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4641

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4641