The Influence of Parents’ Educational Status on Students’ Tendency to Cheat in Examination in Calabar South Local Government of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The influence of parents’ educational status on students’ tendency to cheat in examination was investigated in Secondary Schools in Calabar South Local Government. The objective was to determine whether parents’ educational qualification and current enrolment in higher institutions influence students’ tendency to cheat in examinations. A sample of 206 Secondary School students from 8 secondary schools in Calabar South Local Government area was randomly selected for the study using causal comparative design, with questionnaire to collect data from the students. Results show that there is a significant influence of mother’s educational qualification on students’ tendency to cheat in examination, with students whose mothers are holders of only First School Leaving Certificate having the highest tendency to cheat. There was also significant influence of parents’ current enrollment in school on students’ tendency to cheat. Students whose parents were currently pursuing higher education tended to cheat more than those students whose parents were not currently enrolled in school. It is recommended that women should not marry until they have at least Senior Secondary School Certificate which will equip them to properly assist their children to prepare adequately for examination. Parents should devote more time and resources to their children studies in order to curb to the menace of examination malpractice in the country.