Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Academic integrity research has focused heavily on undergraduate students and indicates that students around the globe are unsure about the concept of academic integrity and the dishonest behaviors that can lead to penalization (Gullifer & Tyson, 2014; Ramzan et al., 2012). The limited literature focused on graduate students indicates they desire additional training on academic integrity to understand and meet institutional expectations (Asim et al., 2015; Atkinson et al., 2016; Bretag et al., 2014; Di Pierro, 2011; East & Donnelly, 2012; Leonard et al., 2015; Thompson et al., 2017). This qualitative phenomenological study examined graduate student perspectives of academic integrity at two large public R-1 institutions in the Midwestern U.S. The study focused on 15 masters and doctoral level participants that were interviewed via Zoom during Spring and Summer 2022. The study was framed by Kohlbergs (1973) theory of moral development, Perrys (1998) theory of intellectual and moral development, and Mannings (2018) organizational development theory. Results of the study were categorized into six themes: perceptions of academic dishonesty, perceptions of academically dishonest students, perceptions of fairness, perceptions of cultural differences, preparedness to meet expectations, and strategies to prevent academic dishonesty. Specifically, the data illustrated that graduate students typically have a strong understanding of the concept of academic integrity and institutional expectations but would prefer additional guidance and reminders for clarity. Institutions should review academic integrity policies and modify or create interactive methods to educate graduate students on academic integrity. Additionally, institutions should consider employing additional staff to work with students, faculty, and other staff specifically on academic integrity and encourage a culture of ethical academic behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Haney, Jamie Lynn, "Academic Integrity At The Graduate Degree Level: Graduate Student Perspectives On Academic Integrity And Institutional Policies" (2022). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1837.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1837