Can engagement in academic dishonesty be described as planned behaviour or lack of self-control?

Authors

  • Marcus Henning Senior Lecturer, Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, Private Bag 92019, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • Phillipa Malpas Senior, Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • Sanya Ram Senior Tutor, School of Pharmacy, Private Bag 92019, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • Iain Doherty Senior Lecturer, Learning Technology Unit, Private Bag 92019, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • Fiona Kelly Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, Private Bag 92019, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • Susan J. Hawken Senior, Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

Keywords:

Planned behavior, excuses, attitude, self-control, pharmacy and medical education, academic dishonesty

Abstract

Background: Students‟ engagement in dishonest behaviours is problematic and may influence future professional practice. Aims: To consider the antecedents predicting engagement in academic dishonesty.
Methods: A total of 433 pharmacy and medical students participated in a survey measuring engagement in academic dishonesty, self deception, justification, and acceptability. Hierarchical linear regression and path analysis methods were conducted.
Results: Engagement in academic dishonesty was predicted by later years of study, justification, responses to a case scenario and notions of acceptability (R2 = 34%). An appropriately fitted path model showed that each explanatory variable correlated with engagement in academic dishonesty separately rather than being mediated by notions of acceptability.
Conclusion: It is likely that students are establishing different ethical frames of references when engaging in dishonest behaviours such as rational self-interest or Machiavellianism. The prevention of academic dishonesty and its intervention needs to consider individualised, group-based and institutional processes.

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How to Cite

Henning, M., Malpas, P., Ram, S., Doherty, I., Kelly, F., & Hawken, S. J. (2015). Can engagement in academic dishonesty be described as planned behaviour or lack of self-control?. Pharmacy Education, 11. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/325

Issue

Vol. 11 (2011)

Section

Research Article

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