Honor Among Students: Academic Integrity and Honor Codes at State-Assisted Universities

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the relationship between institutional honor codes and student attitudes and behavior related to academic dishonesty. The primary data sources were students, faculty, and student affairs staff at three state-assisted universities. The results point to three conclusions: An academic honor code is only a mild deterrent to academic dishonesty; Faculty, student affairs staff and students differ in their views as to why students cheat; Students are more likely to cheat if they perceive that the campus culture tolerates cheating.