Why Students Cheat

Students resort to academic misconduct for various reasons. To help prevent this behavior, it’s essential to understand the motivations behind these choices. Some circumstances under which a student might cheat include the following:

• Being unsure about or unaware of what constitutes academic misconduct (e.g., what counts as plagiarism, a proper citation, collaboration, or an allowable resource).
• An assessment is too “high-stakes” to risk a wrong answer or feeling overwhelmed momentarily and making a poor decision.
• Believing that the assessment is unfair (e.g., the questions seem worded in a way that is meant to trick students).
• Perceived or actual pressure to be academically successful.
• A desire to receive a higher grade, fear of failure, or need to pass the class (such as a prerequisite class).
• They believe that other students are cheating.
• Personal barriers that may impact students’ well-being and academic success.