Why students cheat
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0017
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English
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Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by BarristerRain13710
Christiansen 1
Tiffany Christiansen
Professor Egitto
Developmental Writing 23 October 2023
Why Do Students Cheat “Cheating is a form of self-deception. We go to school to learn. We cheat ourselves when
we coast on the efforts and scholarship of someone else,” brilliantly quoted by the late politician,
James E. Faust. It is prevalent that students cheat, especially in a college setting. Students cheat due to fear of failure and because technological advances have made cheating easily accessible. In college, the fear of failure often pushes students towards cheating. The pressure to perform well academically and the desire to excel can create immense stress and this leads to academic dishonesty. Research by McCabe, Treviño, and Butterfield in 2001 highlights that the fear of not meeting expectations or facing consequences for mediocre performance significantly contributes to academic dishonesty. While cheating might offer temporary relief from this fear, the guilt and anxiety associated with dishonesty can intensify. This can trap students in a cycle of
fear-driven misconduct. To address this issue, colleges need to not only provide academic support but also adopt an environment where students feel comfortable seeking and discussing their challenges openly. By creating a nurturing atmosphere, it can help reduce the fear of failure that often drives students toward cheating (McCabe, Treviño, & Butterfield, p.219-232). With the rise of technology, cheating has become more accessible to students. Smartphones
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and the internet provide quick access to a wealth of information, making it tempting for students to resort to dishonest methods (McCabe, Treviño, Butterfield p 219-232). Online platforms and social media not only facilitate easy sharing of class materials but also enable students to find pre-written essays and solutions, making it effortless to cheat (Toleman, p.579-
584). Accessibility has created obstacles for educators who need to remain consistent in preventing academic dishonesty and promoting a fair learning environment. As college students, we must be aware of these challenges and uphold academic integrity by resisting the temptation to cheat and pursue the fear of failure ethically. On the other hand, students uphold academic honesty due to their personal values and moral beliefs. Studies indicate that individuals who prioritize honesty and ethical conduct are more likely to adhere to academic integrity (Stephens & Nicholson, p.319-335). In a supportive learning environment, where teachers stress the significance of integrity and provide clear guidelines on academic honesty, students are influenced positively (Lang,p 185). Furthermore, students who recognize the lasting advantages of honesty, such as establishing trust and credibility, are inclined to maintain academic integrity throughout their education. (Davis, p.1-12). Educational institutions play a pivotal role by fostering a culture of honesty and underscoring its importance; therefore, motivating students to sustain ethical behavior and uphold academic integrity. In conclusion, as first-year college students, we find ourselves facing the overwhelming pressures of academic integrity and the persistent fear of failure that can sometimes lead us to consider dishonesty by cheating. The research by McCabe, Treviño, and Butterfield underscores the link between our fear of not meeting expectations and the prevalence of academic dishonesty in our educational institutions. While cheating might seem like a quick fix, it often drags deeper into the spiral of guilt and anxiety. However, the availability of technology has also made
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cheating more tempting and accessible for us. The ease of finding pre-written materials online and sharing information through platforms like social media can be enticing, but we must maintain integrity. As we navigate our college journey, let us remember it is crucial to seek support when experiencing the fear of failure and easily accessible technology when the temptation of cheating arises.
Works Cited
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Davis, S. F. (2019). Academic Honesty: Students' Perceptions of Honesty in the Classroom. Journal of Academic Ethics, Volume 17. Number 1, p. 1-12. Faust. J.E. (1996, October). A moral compass. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/generalconference/1996/10/honest-a-moral-compass?lang=eng
Accessed 23 October 2023.
Lang, James M., Cheating Lessons: Learning From Academic Dishonesty. Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University Press, 2013.
McCabe, D.L., Treviño, L.K. & Butterfield, K.D. (2001.) Cheating in Academic Institutions; A Decade of Research. Ethics & Behavior, Vol 11 Number 3, p. 219-232
Stephens, J. M., & Nicholson, H. (2018). The Role of Moral Values in Instigating Academic Dishonesty. Journal of Academic Ethics, Volume 16. Number 4, 319-335.
Toleman, S (2017). Academic Dishonesty in Online Courses: Considerations for Graduate Prepatory Programs in High Education. College Student Journal. Vol 51. Number 4. p. 579-584. Winter 2017 issue.