Contribution of Ethical Integrity in Escalating Academic Integrity among University Students

Ethical and Academic Integrity

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the contribution value of ethical integrity in an escalation of academic integrity among university students. A total number of 302 students from public sector universities of Islamabad participated as a sample of the study. Mean, Standard deviation, Regression, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were applied for statistical analysis. Students were found to have moderate levels of both ethical and academic integrity. Ethical integrity had a significant positive contribution in escalating academic integrity. Ethical integrity contributed in decreasing the frequency and severity of various dishonest academic behaviors including plagiarism and cheating among students. There was no significant difference in the ethical integrity of male and female students. There was a substantial difference in the academic integrity of male and female students as the frequency of plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication was found higher in males; and female students had more awareness of academic unethical behaviors. Results also indicated that students who had GPA between 3.1-3.5 were more aware of the severity of various plagiaristic behaviors. It is recommended that students may be given more awareness about academic integrity through orientation, seminars, and workshops. The educational institutions may communicate the message of zero tolerance for academic dishonesty, and strictly implement policies for reducing academic misconduct among students.