Effects of performance goals and social norms on academic dishonesty in a test

• DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12310
• Publication Date: 2019-07-30T11:00:01Z
• Authors: Martin Daumiller; Stefan Janke
• Keywords: Academic Dishonesty; Dishonesty; Affect

Background Previous research has shown that achievement goals affect the frequency of academic dishonesty. However, mixed findings suggest especially effect performance might depend on contextual factors. Aims We wanted to investigate whether crucial aspects situation influence magnitude (here: focused appearance) Specifically, we propose social norms regarding acceptance dishonesty moderate positive Sample sampled 105 German university students. They were teacher trainees, mostly in their first year at and average 20.6 ( SD = 3.6) years old (72.4% female). Method conducted a 2 (induced appearance vs. no goal induction) × (cheating confederate observable cheating behaviour by this person) experiment. A manipulation check confirmed was successful. Cheating observed student subsequently classified two raters. Additionally, participants’ self‐presentation questions measured using deviations from baseline measures. Results The induction only led increased when norm suggested an acceptable way increase (i.e., condition). For deceiving, found main goals. Appearance mediated these effects Conclusions Taken together, our results highlight be due uninvestigated moderators such as norms. Future should build identify additional moderators.