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. 2006 Jun 15;70(3):50.
doi: 10.5688/aj700350.

Influence of attitudes toward curriculum on dishonest academic behavior

Zubin Austin  1 , David Collins, Alfred Remillard, Sheila Kelcher, Stephanie Chui
Affiliations

Influence of attitudes toward curriculum on dishonest academic behavior

Zubin Austin et al. Am J Pharm Educ. .

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine possible associations between students' self-reported behaviors and opinions towards academic dishonesty, and their attitudes towards curriculum, assessment, and teaching within the pharmacy program.

Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to undergraduate (pre-licensure) students at 4 schools of pharmacy in Canada, including students enrolled in the international pharmacy graduate program.

Results: More than 80% of respondents indicated they had participated in one or more of the act of academic dishonesty described in the questionnaire. A weak to moderate correlation was found between students' attitudes towards pharmacy education and their self-reported behaviors related to academic dishonesty.

Conclusions: This study confirmed previous findings suggesting widespread academic dishonesty as well as a hierarchy of values with respect to students' perceptions regarding severity and importance of academic dishonesty. Despite methodological limitations inherent in examining academic dishonesty, there is a definite need to continue to examine this important issue. While this study indicated only a moderate correlation between attitudes towards curriculum and dishonest behaviors, the problem of academic misconduct is multifactorial and will require ongoing study.

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