The A-Blast distributed 200 surveys on March 7 during Pride Time.
In the survey, students were asked to answer a series of questions relating to cheating. The results were surprising considering that more than half the students have cheated on a test before.
There are many reasons why a student may cheat on a test but the most common reason is because the test was important. In fact, 57% of students report to have cheated only when the test is important. Students cheat more often in cases like this because it seems like the ends justify the means.
Failing a midterm or a final exam could determine whether or not the student will be able to pass a class, graduate or be able to go to college.
The risk the student faces by cheating is the chance of being caught. In fact, according to the survey about 24% don’t feel guilty and believe that cheating is okay if they don’t get caught.
The survey also showed that more than 88% of students have never snitched on someone who cheated on the test. This is surprising considering that teachers usually tell us to be honest and have integrity.
“[The student] would not feel like they were cheated because somebody else was cheating,” Driver’s Ed teacher Pat Hughes said. “Students will often resent the kids who cheat on tests because they are taking the easy way out.”
31% of students agree with Mr. Hughes on the belief that it is wrong for them to cheat because other people are cheating.
It is hard not to harbor some negative feelings because if you receive a lower grade than someone who cheated on a test and they get a higher grade, you feel like you were at an unfair advantage.
Another issue that makes students feel as though they are at an unfair advantage is when they take a test and their friends ask them for the questions.
At one hand, the student feels as though he/she should help their friend but on the other hand, especially if the test was hard, the student feels as though it is unfair that his/her friend will be able to have a good score on the test.
However, that doesn’t mean that when the roles are reversed that the student doesn’t ask for the score.
In fact, 40% have reported to ask what was on the test when their friends take it before them.
It is very difficult to stay away from cheating, especially in an education system where the scores of a test are more important than the knowledge itself.
The next time you or someone asks for answers, it is important to make sure to ask yourself whether or not the consequence is worth the risk and to stay true to yourself morally.