EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HARPER, MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA
William V.S Tubman University, Liberia
Ugorji I. Ogbonnaya LO
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Ibrahim Massaquoi
Indonesia International Islamic University
Abstract
This study investigated examination malpractice behaviour among secondary school students in Harper, Maryland County, Liberia. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 50 students and teachers at public and private schools using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including correlation analysis and t-tests, were used to analyse the collected data. The study found that the most common forms of examination malpractice among the students are using impersonators to write exams for them at ‘special centres’ known for their involvement in examination malpractice, and invigilators giving them unreasonable extra time to write examinations. The reasons students cheat in examinations include fear of failure, inadequate preparation, lack of self-confidence, as well as a desire to fulfil their parents' and community's expectations. The study found that cheating motives differed between male and female students, but their cheating methods remained identical. Furthermore, the study found that Liberian students engaged in examination malpractice due to multiple factors, which included personal elements, institutional aspects, and social influences. The research established that implementing better examination oversight, specific academic support programs, and strong policies that promote academic honesty is necessary to curb malpractice. The research added new evidence to the scarce academic dishonesty studies in Liberia while offering valuable information for educational leaders on how to curb examination malpractice.
Keywords
Academic dishonesty, educational integrity, examination malpractice, Liberia, secondary education
