Understanding of and attitudes to academic ethics among first‐year university students

  • AdeÌ€le Thomas Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg
  • André Van Zyl Academic Development Centre at the University of Johannesburg
Keywords: Academic dishonesty, millennial students, plagiarism, relative wealth, South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the understanding of and attitudes towards academic ethics of firstâ€year students at a South African University using a paperâ€based survey that yielded 3611 respondents. A degree of confusion and ambivalence regarding academic ethical issues exists. The relative wealth of respondents also appears to influence the understanding of and attitudes to academic ethics. Millennial students have a tendency to disregard ownership of knowledge. There is a need for instruction in academic ethics to instil an awareness of integrity in academic pursuit, coupled with an understanding of the world views of millennials. 

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Published
2014-07-17
Section
Articles