EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HARPER, MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA

Abstract

This study investigated examination malpractice behaviour among secondary school
students in Harper, Maryland County, Liberia. The study employed a cross-sectional
survey design to collect data from 50 students and teachers at public and private schools
using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including correlation
analysis and t-tests, were used to analyse the collected data. The study found that the
most common forms of examination malpractice among the students are using
impersonators to write exams for them at ‘special centres’ known for their involvement in
examination malpractice, and invigilators giving them unreasonable extra time to write
examinations. The reasons students cheat in examinations include fear of failure,
inadequate preparation, lack of self-confidence, as well as a desire to fulfil their parents'
and community's expectations. The study found that cheating motives differed between
male and female students, but their cheating methods remained identical. Furthermore,
the study found that Liberian students engaged in examination malpractice due to multiple
factors, which included personal elements, institutional aspects, and social influences.
The research established that implementing better examination oversight, specific
academic support programs, and strong policies that promote academic honesty is
necessary to curb malpractice. The research added new evidence to the scarce academic
dishonesty studies in Liberia while offering valuable information for educational leaders
on how to curb examination malpractice.

Keywords: Academic dishonesty, educational integrity, examination malpractice, Liberia,
secondary education