THE CASUAL EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUAL BELIEF AND IDEOLOGY IN THE DETERMINANTS OF DISHONESTY AMONG STUDENTS OF ENUGU STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION(TECHNICAL), NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the role of self-concept and resilience on academic dishonesty
among undergraduates of Enugu State College of Education (Technical). One hundred
forty-nine participants (149) comprising of 78 males and 71 females were recruited in
the study with a mean age of 25.38 years and standard deviation (SD) of 6.51. To assess
variables of interest, three standardized instruments were used: 23-item Academic
Dishonesty Scale (ADS), the 4-item measure of resilience and 30-item scale self-concept.
The cross-sectional survey design utilized purposive sampling to recruit respondents.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions. Two (2)
hypotheses were proposed; and findings revealed that resilience was a contributing
variable to academic dishonesty while students with low self-concept was more prone to
academic dishonesty than students with high self-concept. In view of the findings,
discussions were made and conclusion reached, which yielded eclectic policy
implications, practical recommendations and robust suggestions for future studies.