Existing Cultural Norms which Contribute to Examination Malpractices among Undergraduate Students in Kenyan Universities

Abstract

Cultural norms are the attitudes and patterns of behaviour in a given group or society. Students at the universities develop cultures that direct them in their academic behaviour. Lack of normal social standards is the genesis to questionable character and nonconformity to simple rules that society prescribe as social norms that is required  in the society. The main purpose of the study was to explore existing cultural norms which contribute to examination malpractices among undergraduate students in Kenyan universities. The study was guided by the theory of Planned Behaviour. The sample size comprised of 450 participants; lecturers, dean of students (DoSs), heads of departments (HoDs), examination officers(EOs) and undergraduate students.. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select lecturers and students, simple random sampling for HoDs and further purposive sampling for DoSs and EOs. The study adopted a mixed methods design. The data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, focused group discussions and document analysis. A pilot study was carried out to check on reliability of the research instruments.  The reliability was tested using Pearson Correlation Coefficient and items which had a reliability of more than 0.70 were reliable for the study. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative statistics and results interpreted using frequencies, standard deviations, means and percentages. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was employed to determine relationships between the variables. The findings of the  study showed that cultural norms have a positive and significant effect on examination malpractices among undergraduate students (r =0.554; p<0.05).These cultural norms include; poor study habits, high parental expectations and engaging in non-academic activities. The study found that students have developed a culture of missing classes, some have joined bad companies which act as the main causes of examination malpractices while others take mobile phones to examination halls. In addition the study found that lecturers repeat questions from past papers and perceived laxity during examination invigilation. The study recommended that universities should train students on how to improve their study habits so that the students do not develop fear to face examination. Further, universities should enhance guidance and counselling to the students to emphasize on the need of honesty and integrity throughout their stay in the university. The study further recommended lecturers to avoid using discouraging words that instill fear in students but rather encourage them to work harder. In addition lecturers should set application themed questions to discourage the students from taking their notes into examination rooms in form of ‘mwakenyas’ or saved notes in their mobile phones.

Keywords: Examination Malpractices, Existing Cultural Norms, Curbing examination malpractices, Undergraduate Students, Kenyan universities