Differences between women and men regarding decisions to commit test cheating

Few studies investigating student cheating have reported statistical tests of difference regarding the effects of variables across gender. Using scenario-based survey data from 598 university students, this study examined differences between women and men in mean levels and effects of explanatory variables on intentions to cheat on a college exam. Findings showed significant gender differences in mean scores on measures of low self-control, shame, perceived external sanctions, grades, and cheating intentions. Regression analyses showed that the effects of morals and grades were more pronounced in predicting women's cheating intentions, whereas men were more affected by prior cheating and perceived pleasure of cheating. Analyses further showed that higher levels of anticipated shame among women and less self-control among men accounted for most of the variation in cheating intentions between women and men.