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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic dishonesty
• school
• religion
• cheating

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Deanship of Research, Jordan University of Science and Technology (Grant # 857-2018).

Notes on contributors

Sawsan Abuhammad

Sawsan Abuhammad, associate Professor at/department of maternal and child health at the faculty of nursing at Jordan University of Science and technology. Graduated from a PhD program at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee . Her area of research and interest include: women health, health promotion, COVID-19, maternal and child health.

Ahlam Al- Natour

Ahlam Al- Natour, Associate Professor at/department of community and mental health at the faculty of nursing at Jordan University of Science and technology. Graduated from PhD program at the University of Cincinnati/Ohio. Her area of research and interest include: women health, health promotion, Violence against women, workplace violence, Bullying, and qualitative research.

Shaher Hamaideh

Shaher Hamaideh, A professor at/department of community and mental health at the faculty of nursing at The Hashemite University. Graduated from a PhD program at the University of Cincinnati/ Ohio. His area of research and interest include: mental health, COVID-19, community health.