AN INVESTIGATION OF SOME SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF CHEATING IN EXAMINATION AMONY STUDENTS OF KADUNA POLYTECHNIC

ABSTRACT

This study examined why students cheat in examination and the students cheating behaviours. The investigation was carried out using a questionnaire consisting of 39 items of cheating behaviour and 3 open-ended questions. A sample of 345 respondents was used and respondents were asked to indicate confidentially if they have engaged in the behaviours

Six hypotheses were formulated in related to difference in cheating behaviours between male and female students, students resident in and off campus, the married and the unmarried students, parental income (high and low) and age of students (young and old). Two different statistical techniques were used in analyzing the data. These are the descriptive method of data analysis and the t-test. The results showed that lack of confidence and low self concept constitute the major reasons why students cheats in examination. However the statistical analysis t-test showed not significant difference between cheating in examination and the gender, age of students, accommodation of students, marital status and field of study, (Science and Technology, Administrative and Business Studies and Engineering). The descriptive statistics showed that the male, the unmarried students and students resident in the campus cheat more than their counterparts.