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    Gender, Internal Controls, and Academic Dishonesty: Investigating Mediating and Differential Effects


    Gibson, Chris, Khey, David and Schreck, Christopher (2008) Gender, Internal Controls, and Academic Dishonesty: Investigating Mediating and Differential Effects. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 19 (1). pp. 2-18. ISSN 1051-1253

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    Abstract

    While research has found that males tend to commit more academically dishonest acts than females, we know little about what accounts for the gender differential or whether the same factors can explain academic dishonesty for males and females. This study assesses how internal controls, i.e., self‐control, shame, embarrassment, and moral beliefs, account for the relationship between gender and cheating behavior. Using a sample of students from a southern university in the United States, this study explores three questions. First, do internal controls vary across males and females? Second, can internal controls account for gender differences in test cheating? Third, do internal controls differentially or similarly predict test cheating for males and females? Results show that (a) gender differences among several internal controls as well as cheating behavior, (b) internal controls reduce the gender gap but cannot completely explain why gender differences exist in cheating, and (c) two internal controls, self‐control and moral beliefs, differentially predict male and female test cheating. We discuss limitations of our findings and how research can expand the investigation of gender differences and explanations for engaging in academically dishonest acts.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Gender; Internal Controls; Academic Dishonesty; Investigating Mediating; Differential Effects;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Social Sciences > Law
    Item ID: 20350
    Identification Number: 10.1080/10511250801892714
    Depositing User: Christopher Schreck
    Date Deposited: 14 Aug 2025 14:09
    Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Criminal Justice Education
    Publisher: Taylor Francis online
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/20350
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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