Graduate Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Academic Dishonesty in the Selected Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

Abel, Joseph (2021) Graduate Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Academic Dishonesty in the Selected Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania. Doctoral thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study investigated the graduate students’ perceptions and experiences of academic dishonesty in the selected higher learning institutions in Tanzania. The study was guided by four research tasks. Firstly, to assess the graduate students’ knowledge on academic dishonesty in higher learning institutions. Secondly, to determine factors influencing graduate students’ academic dishonesty in higher learning institutions. Thirdly, to investigate the effects of graduate students’ academic dishonesty in higher learning institutions. Fourth, to find out measures to curb academic dishonesty in higher learning institutions. The study used qualitative research approach and case study design. The study had a sample of 96 participants who were obtained through purposive and snow ball sampling procedures. Data collection was done through interviews, focus group discussions and documentary reviews and data were analysed thematically. The findings indicated that graduate students had little knowledge on academic dishonesty compared to university lecturers and quality assurance officers. Moreover, student-oriented factors, faculty-oriented factors, cultural oriented factors, environment-oriented factors and economic factors contributed to academic dishonesty. Also, individual, institutional and societal effects resulted from academic dishonesty in the higher learning institutions. In order to curb graduate students’ academic dishonesty, the study established institutional approach and individual graduate approaches. In the light of the findings, the study recommends holistic approach to education stakeholders to maintain academic integrity in the higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Keywords: Academic dishonesty, motive, graduate students, higher institutions.

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