Academic integrity and the non-traditional student: Demographics, rationales, and the role of religious beliefs

Abstract

This dissertation examined academic integrity among nontraditional college students attending nontraditional educational degree programs. Conducted at a midsized regionally accredited theological school, only nontraditional students were included. The primary focus was to provide data on the demographics of cheating, to determine the rationales for academic behavior, and to measure the influence of religious beliefs.

Descriptive demographics such as age, gender, GPA, employment, and marital status were reviewed to search for correlations or demographic trends. Students were asked to identify the rationales and motivational influences impacting their behavior. Lastly, the strength of student's religious convictions were determined by measuring the level of religious activity and the self reported intensity of religious beliefs.

The study revealed an academic honesty rate of 84% (16% cheating). Moral convictions had the greatest impact on their decision to avoid cheating, while lack of preparation was their primary reason for cheating. Students with strong religious convictions did appear to cheat less. Further study with nontraditional students is needed.

Keywords . Nontraditional students, Academic integrity, Cheating, Religious beliefs, Academic dishonesty, Rationales