Religiosity, gender, and correlates of academic dishonesty among children: a Jordanian study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined the correlation between religiosity, gender, and academic dishonesty. A cross-sectional research design utilising surveys was used to collect data from 357 students in two public secondary schools in Irbid city, Jordan. Polding Academic Dishonesty survey was used to measure the degree of dishonesty, and Religiosity for Muslim Youth Instrument was used to measure degree of religiosity. Correlation test was used to examine the correlation between religiosity and academic dishonesty and a multiple regression test was used to determine the correlates of academic dishonesty. The results from the model showed that 41% of the variance in academic dishonesty p < .001 just from socio-demographic data. Particularly, the researcher found that girls held a more negative attitude towards academic dishonesty. The results of this study indicate that religiosity is a predictor of students’ perceptions towards academic dishonesty and cheating. Teachings should highlight that engaging in academic dishonesty is a violation of religious values and norms.