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Students’ Academic Cheating in Chinese Universities: Prevalence, Influencing Factors, and Proposed Action

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Abstract

Quantitative research about academic cheating among Chinese college students is minimal. This paper discusses a large survey conducted in Chinese colleges and universities which examined the prevalence of different kinds of student cheating and explored factors that influence cheating behavior. A structural equation model was used to analyze the data. Results indicate that organizational deterrence and individual performance have a negative impact on cheating while individual perceived pressure, peers’ cheating, and extracurricular activities have a positive impact. Recommendations are proposed to reduce the level of academic cheating in China. Many of these are universal in nature and applicable outside of China as well.

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Correspondence to Donald L. McCabe.

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This paper is supported by Project 09YJA630123 from Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and Project D20091701 from Hubei Provincial Department of Education, China.

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Ma, Y., McCabe, D.L. & Liu, R. Students’ Academic Cheating in Chinese Universities: Prevalence, Influencing Factors, and Proposed Action. J Acad Ethics 11, 169–184 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-013-9186-7

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