Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Family Structure on Students’ Examination Malpractice Tendencies Among Undergraduate Students of Cross River State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Parental, Socioeconomic, Family, Structure, Examination, Malpractice, InfluenceAbstract
This study examined the influence of parental socioeconomic status (SES) and family structure on examination-malpractice tendencies among undergraduate students in Cross River State, Nigeria. The research covered a population of 5,898 students, with a purposive sample of 610 drawn from a selected tertiary institution in Calabar. A structured questionnaire (PSSFAEMTQ) was used for data collection; face-content validity and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability (SES = 0.75, family structure = 0.71, malpractice tendencies = 0.79) were established. Hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Results showed no significant relationship between parents’ SES and students’ malpractice tendencies, but family structure had a high significant influence. The study concludes that while SES does not directly predict cheating, family structure significantly shapes students’ involvement in examination malpractice through pressure to succeed, access to resources, and moral upbringing. Recommendations include mentoring by high-SES parents, guiding course choices, and increased supervision and monitoring by parents, especially in monogamous homes.Downloads
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