Factors Leading Students to Academic Dishonesty on the University Level in Pakistan

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the reasons behind academic dishonesty among postgraduate students at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Pakistan. A total of 105 students were randomly selected from the Faculty of Social Sciences for this study. Data was collected using a reliable and validated questionnaire, and the analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study revealed several factors contributing to learning difficulties, which in turn led to academic dishonesty. These factors included the fear of failure, lack of interest in studies, lower retention ability, difficulty speaking and writing English, fear of teachers, and language barriers. Personal factors like time management, daydreaming, laziness, parental pressure, low motivation from family, financial problems, and lower work morale had impacts on students. Behavioural factors such as deviation from targets, habits of sadness, careless behaviour, unethical behaviour, excessive anger, abuse and addiction, considering work or study as a burden and irrelevant teaching methodologies contributed to academic dishonesty. Teaching and social factors such as lack of teaching skills, communication barriers, overloading students with subject matter, sense of competition, social rejection and social injustice were also influential. This study suggested implementing strict and corrective measures, including raising awareness among teachers, students, and institutions to address and overcome academic dishonesty.