There is a special satisfaction that comes with earning a reward for a job well done, whether the return is the approval and gratitude of family, a paycheck, or a high grade. But in some cases and environments, the pressure or desire to do well can override ethical concerns and lead to using dishonest methods to produce the desired outcome. Universities and colleges have honor codes that outline their expectations of academic honesty from students, but competitive grading systems commonly employed by many instructors may increase the likelihood that students will resort to cheating. A recent research project sought to address a question long argued by economists about the effect of competition on morality.

Research Project Analyzes Impact of Competition on Morality, Especially the Likelihood That It Leads to Cheating

In a recent meta-analysis project, researchers collated and analyzed the results of forty-five different inquiries with a total of more than 18,000 participants on the effect of competition on morality. This meta-analysis revealed that competition does have an overall, albeit very small, negative effect on morality.

Exploratory analysis of one of the studies, however, suggested a direction for further inquiry: Is being disadvantaged in a competitive process the corrupting factor rather than competition itself? In the study in question, losers in a number-guessing game were more likely to be dishonest in a subsequent individual game of honesty.

Pressure of Competition and Ease of Cheating Can Increase Likelihood of Violating the School Honor Code

The research project results add another point for consideration when examining the wisdom of educational policies, including grading systems, that feature or encourage competitiveness among students. For example, in the norm-referenced grading system commonly referred to as “grading on a curve,” the instructor puts the students in competition with each other by setting a percentage of students that will achieve each grade. For the best chance of achieving an A grade, the student must hand in work that is significantly better than any other student's rather than simply ensuring that it meets assignment criteria. And with new resources such as ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that can easily produce high-quality written content of any length on any topic, the ability for a student to hand in work that is not their own has never been cheaper, easier, or quicker.

Colleges and universities are updating academic honesty codes to address new opportunities to violate them, and it can be easy for a student to find themselves on the wrong side of the school's honor code and face disciplinary charges.

Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and His Student Defense Team Can Help

If you or your student have been caught up in accusations of violating a school's honor code, Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team can help. The cost of misconduct accusations is high, and the experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel you will get from the Lento Law Firm will provide your best chance of a positive outcome. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or contact us online to set up your consultation.