Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify the educational aspirations of and the predictors of academic dishonesty practices among postgraduate master of philosophy students. This study adopts a positivist research paradigm employed a descriptive survey design with a quantitative approach to investigate the predictors of academic dishonesty among postgraduate MPhil students at UCC College of Education. Using a convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 105 respondents. The study revealed that University of Cape Coast master of philosophy students harbor elevated educational aspirations, associating higher studies with personal growth, financial upliftment, and societal contribution. A concerning trend of academic dishonesty was observed among these students. The study identified a modest but noteworthy positive relationship between the intensity of educational aspiration and tendencies of academic dishonesty. Gender had a significant influence on academic dishonesty although income did not predict academic dishonesty. The study recommended offering specialized courses, workshops, or mentorship programs to support students in their quest for advanced skills and knowledge. Programs or counseling services can be implemented to enlighten students about the potential benefits of continuous learning, even after securing a job. The data paves the way for exploring deeper nuances. Educational institutions should consider adopting more stringent measures that deter students from engaging in such activities.
