Morality and Academic Dishonesty among university students: Testing Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

This study used a cross-sectional survey at a private university in Lahore (N = 222) to test an expanded version of the TPB model that included morality as a predictor of academic dishonesty along with attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. Socio-demographic characteristics included in the study were age, gender, major subject, and CGPA. Researchers analyzed the data using SPSS version 22. Researchers conducted factor analyses and reliability analyses to test the construct validity and internal consistency of the scales used in the study. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to predict academic dishonesty from socio-demographic variables and key independent variables (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and morality). Results showed that gender and intention to commit academic dishonesty were significant predictors of academic dishonesty practices. The remaining variables were statistically insignificant, and the model explained 56% of the variance. The study concludes that academic dishonesty is a choice and can therefore be controlled by effective interventions such as altering the attitudes and perceptions of students and fostering the norm of academic integrity.