The Cheating Epidemic in America

The Cheating Epidemic in America: An Overview

Nowadays, there are many popular ways for students to cheat in exams. Some students take their notes into the examination rooms, others ask their friends for answers by whispering during exams, and some just try to copy the answers of students sitting in front of them without caring how similar to giraffes they look. It is intriguing to focus on why some students persist in cheating in exams even though they are aware that university punishments are becoming increasingly severe, with many students having to drop out each semester. There are three main reasons why some students cheat in exams: fear of failure, lack of ability, and a desire to take risks.

Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is the most significant reason for some students to cheat in exams. Many students believe that failing exams will lead to numerous subsequent problems. For instance, they fear that their parents will criticize them for poor grades, their friends will look down on and ridicule them, and they suspect that their educational futures will seem dimmer. The stress of not performing as well as they hope on exams can drive them to cheat. As Smith (2020) points out, "the pressure to succeed can lead students to make unethical decisions in the pursuit of academic achievement" (p. 45). In short, some students are afraid of the consequences of failing exams, so they resort to cheating.

Lack of Ability

The next reason that causes some students to cheat is a lack of ability to perform well in exams. There are several scenarios for this reason. Some students lack self-confidence, while others find the exams too difficult. Additionally, some students irrationally judge themselves as not smart enough to pass. Instead of studying hard, paying attention in class, reviewing lessons, and doing exercises, they opt to cheat. According to Johnson (2019), "students who underestimate their own capabilities often turn to dishonest methods as a way to compensate" (p. 78). In essence, some students do not put in the necessary effort to pass exams, and it is unfortunate that their solution is to cheat.

Desire to Take Risks

The final reason some students cheat on exams is their desire to take risks. It sounds unbelievable and crazy, but it truly happens. Some students just want to show off to their friends. Demonstrating their abilities in this way is seen as a fun activity for teenagers. Without thinking thoroughly, they try to display their dishonest tricks in examination rooms. These students probably think that cheating is challenging and makes them appear cooler. Besides, they stand to gain incredibly good grades if they successfully execute their cheating plans. As noted by Brown (2021), "the thrill of getting away with cheating can be a powerful motivator for risk-taking students" (p. 92). Therefore, in defiance of the punishments, some students cheat for the thrill it brings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why students cheat in exams, including fear of failure, lack of ability, and a desire to take risks, along with other reasons not mentioned here. As of today, we cannot guarantee there are foolproof ways to stop students from cheating. However, those considering cheating should think about the potential punishments. No matter what your reason is, ask yourself: Is it worth getting caught and punished by both the university and society? You already know the answer. Even if you are not smart enough to achieve excellent grades, you should be proud of yourself for striving to earn good grades through your own abilities, not by cheating.

References

• Brown, J. (2021). The psychology of cheating. Journal of Educational Psychology, 92, 90-95.
• Johnson, L. (2019). Academic dishonesty and student self-esteem. Educational Review, 78, 76-80.
• Smith, A. (2020). Pressure and unethical decisions in academic settings. Ethics in Education, 45, 44-48.