Honesty tests in academia and business: A comparative study

Abstract

This study was designed to extend our understanding of trustworthiness and attitude measures as they relate to academia and business. The basic research question was whether students modify their responses to such inventories based on the purpose of the test. Students were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: respond as honestly and openly as possible or respond as if applying to graduate school or as if applying for a job. Results indicate that students modified their responses to an honor system survey if the results would be used as part of the admission criteria to graduate school; students did not modify their responses to an employment trustworthiness survey when the results would be used as part of the hiring decision. Implications for schools and businesses are discussed.