Factors associated with cheating among college students: A review

A review was conducted of the results of 107 studies of the prevalence and correlates of cheating among college students published between 1970 and 1996. The studies found cheating to be more common in the 1969-75 and 1986-96 time periods than between 1976 and 1985. Among the strongest correlates of cheating were having moderate expectations of success, having cheated in the past, studying under poor conditions, holding positive attitudes toward cheating, perceiving that social norms support cheating, and anticipating a large reward for success. However, an important limitation on the conclusions drawn from this research is that many variables were included in only one or a few studies. A model of the antecedents of cheating is proposed and the implications of this model for the identification of students at risk for cheating and controlling cheating are discussed.