Master's Theses

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Date of Award

Summer 1986

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Social Work

Advisor

Bill Daley

Abstract

The purpose of the researcher was to evaluate the effect that gender, classification, grade point average, and class attendance had upon reported cheating behaviors, and to evaluate an individuals attitude toward cheating. The subjects consisted of 38 freshman, 41 sophomores, 53 juniors, 78 seniors, and 31 graduate students who were enrolled at Fort Hays State University during the spring semester, 1986. The total sample consisted of 241 students. The instrument used to assess an individuals cheating behaviors and their attitudes toward cheating was a questionnaire constructed by the researcher. The design employed was a status survey with predetermined and post hoc groupings. A total of nine hypotheses were tested. Null hypotheses one through four were tested by using chi square. Each of these null hypothesis was tested under three arrangements. The arrangements were general education courses, courses in one’s major, and elective courses. Null hypotheses five through nine were tested using two-way analysis of variance. Of the 27 comparisons made in this study, 18 were statistically significant at the .05 level. The results of this study appear to support the following generalizations: 1. Males reported more incidence of cheating than females in elective courses and courses in one’s major. Males also have a more pro-attitude towards cheating than females. 2. Freshman reported more incidence of cheating then graduate students in courses in one’s major and elective courses. Freshman also have a more pro-attitude towards cheating then graduate students. 3. Students with grade point averages of 2.50-3.49 reported more incidence of cheating than students with a lower or higher grade point average for general education courses and courses in one’s major. Students with grade point average below 3.50 have a more pro-attitude towards cheating than students with grade point average above 3.50. 4. Students who attend class occasionally reported more incidence of cheating than students who attend regularly for general education courses and elective courses. Students who attend class occasionally also have a more pro-attitude towards cheating than students who attend regularly.

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Rights

© 1986 Paula Kay Biscanin

Off Campus FHSU Users Click Here

Share

COinS