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2 Introduction The article titled “ Deviant reactions to the college pressure cooker: A test of general strain theory on undergraduate students in the United States” by Smith et al. (2013) provides significant insights into deviant behaviors among students. This study provides a critical review of this article. The review focuses on various areas, including the theoretical framework, the nature of the study, its hypothesis, the target population, and whether the study goals were achieved. Furthermore, the study provides a criticism of what the authors found regarding human behaviors. Smith et al., 2019 have used an effective approach to conduct the study and provide insights into students’ deviant behaviors. Aspects of Human Behavior The study focused on deviant behaviors in society, with a specific focus on cheating and plagiarism among college students. The study aimed to examine whether academic stressors increased the risk of cheating among undergraduate students. Cheating is a significant issue of concern in institutions of higher learning (Smith et al., 2013). Students are expected to show integrity in their work and be truthful in all that they do in their coursework and exams. As a result, cheating is unacceptable behavior in schools across the United States and other parts of the world. The study creates insights into cheating behavior among students. Theoretical Framework The theoretical framework used in this study is Agnew’s general strain theory. The theory was used to form the basis of cheating behavior among learners. The researchers have used this theory effectively to explain the development of deviant behaviors such as cheating and plagiarism among undergraduate students. The theory identifies three strains that produce

3 deviant behaviors. The first strain is produced by the inability to achieve positive goals. The difference between an individual’s goals and expectations can result in stress. Personal inadequacies and blocked opportunities can both prevent an individual from achieving their goals. The second strain based on this theory is that produced by the removal of positive stimuli. Individuals can develop stress when they move to a new neighborhood, loss of a loved family member, or break up with a romantic partner. People react differently to these traumatic events. The third strain is caused by a negative stimulus (Smith et al., 2013). A significant amount of strain can occur when an individual faces a challenging situation. This strain causes people to react in different ways. The author applied this theory in an effective manner to create more understanding of the cause of deviant behaviors. Additionally, the theory provides insights into the existing knowledge of human behavior. As a result, its application in the learning environment can create new knowledge in the area of study. The focus of the Research The focus of the research in this study is quantitative in nature. The authors developed seven hypotheses to guide the study. Each of the three strains in Agnew’s general strain theory has two hypotheses that need to be proved in this study. The seventh hypothesis focuses on cumulative stress experienced by learners. Similarly, the study applies statistical and numerical analyses to create insights from the data collected. Additionally, the study incorporates measurable variables that are tested to prove the hypotheses developed. For instance, the dependent variables measured in this study include plagiarism and cheating in tests. Hypotheses or Research Questions

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4 This study is driven by seven hypotheses which also form the research questions. The seven hypotheses are based on the three dimensions of Agnew’s general strain theory, including positive stimuli, negative stimuli, and between an individual’s goals and expectations. The authors developed two hypotheses for each of the three strains described in theory. Finally, one hypothesis was developed, focusing on cumulative stress. The authors constructed the hypothesis in an effective manner and helped them achieve the study objectives (Smith et al., 2013). Additionally, the hypotheses state the relationships between the dependent and independent variables allowing the researchers to use various statistical measures to test them. The hypotheses are also strong because they are based on a theory. Target Population The target population for this study was undergraduate students pursuing different courses. Cheating and plagiarism are rampant in higher learning institutions. As a result, undergraduate students formed the best population for the study. The study involved 500 participants. However, only 461 provided all the required details in their responses. The questionnaires were administered to students in 24 undergraduate classes at a private college. The sample size was large enough to provide significant insights into the cause of deviant behaviors among students. As a result, the results of this study can be generalized and applied to a wider population. Generally, a larger study population makes it possible for the study findings to be applied to a larger population. Data Collection, Analyses, and Reporting The researchers used an anonymous self-report questionnaire to collect data from the study participants. The questionnaires were made anonymous to ensure the confidentiality of the

5 study participants, an important aspect of research ethics. It is essential for researchers to ensure the information provided by the participants is used for the purposes intended. The researchers identified two variables to measure stress in the study, including stress related to competition and personal shortcomings. A five-item Likert scale was used to measure the general strain variables. This tool was the most appropriate for the target population because it is easy to understand and easy to fill. A bivariate correlation analysis was used to analyze the data collected with regard to class standings and the probability of cheating. Similarly, the study used logistic regression to determine the differences between those who cheated in exams and those who did not. This approach is effective in providing the nature of a predictor and its direction. The data obtained from the study are tabulated in tables. The presentation of the data in tables makes it easier for the readers to understand the findings of the study and trends within the data. Similarly, the tables have titles and descriptions that make it easier for the reader to understand the data. Additionally, the authors have arranged the article in sections to help the readers understand the steps taken to conduct the study and the findings. Insights into Human Behavior The results in this study provided mixed results in support of the general strain theory. Only one hypothesis was supported in the analysis of exam cheating. Similarly, three hypotheses were not supported in the analysis for plagiarism. The results validated the fisty hypothesis that individual academic shortcomings predicted cheating in academic tests. Generally, frustrations associated with cumulative stress and blocked academic goals predicted exam cheating and plagiarism. On the other hand, the removal of positive stimuli and negative stimuli measures did not predict deviant behaviors. Perceived injustices were also found to reduce cheating frequency

6 among undergraduate students. These findings suggested that theoretical criminology can benefit research for academic integrity. Critique of the Research The authors met the study met the stated goals. Overall, the study aimed to examine whether academic stressors increased the risk of cheating among undergraduate students. They used an effective methodology to establish how the independent variable related to the dependent variable. Qualitative approaches allowed the researchers to use numerical values to establish relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Finally, based on the data obtained, they concluded that frustrations associated with cumulative stress and blocked academic goals predicted exam cheating and plagiarism. The study findings are essential as they can be used to develop various strategies to address dishonesty in higher learning institutions, such as cheating in exams and plagiarism. It also underscores the importance of theory in explaining the cause of certain behaviors in society. Conclusion In conclusion, the authors have used effective approaches in testing their hypothesis. The methodology allowed the researchers to evaluate each of their hypotheses to create new knowledge regarding human behavior. Similarly, the study was based on a human behavior theory, improving knowledge in the area. This article provides significant insights into human behavior. It suggests that certain behaviors are caused by stressors that people experience in their daily lives. Individuals can prevent deviant behaviors by developing strategies that aim to address the stressors that may cause unwanted behaviors. Society can benefit significantly from

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7 these behaviors. The findings from this study can be used to provide directions for future studies concerning human behavior.

8 References Smith, T. R., Langenbacher, M., Kudlac, C., & Fera, A. G. (2013). Deviant reactions to the college pressure cooker: A test of general strain theory on undergraduate students in the United States. International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences , 8 (2), 88.

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