Lack of ethics or lack of knowledge? European upper secondary students’ doubts and misconceptions about integrity issues

Abstract Plagiarism and other transgressions of the norms academic integrity appear to be a persistent problem among upper secondary students. Numerous surveys have revealed high levels infringement what clearly stated rules. Less attention has been given students’ understanding integrity, potential misconceptions false beliefs that may make it difficult for them comply with existing rules handle complex real-life situations. In this paper we report findings from survey European views on issues relating integrity. We relate these training about self-reported level questionable behavior country study. A total 1654 students at 51 institutions located in 6 countries participated The participants generally believed they had good applying knew how behave compliance results indicate, however, often, practice, belief was mistaken. Many an inadequate core elements They were uncertain act, struggled handling situations require context-sensitive judgement. While some differences between identified, modest exhibited no clear pattern. Our also suggest reducing uncertainty and, lesser degree, improving their knowledge could lead engage less certain types behaviours. Surprisingly, effect is ambiguous. study confirms perception peer behaviour strongest association student engagement Thus, cannot explained simply terms individual ethics or knowledge.