Study on Frequency, Method of Academic Cheating and Causes among Student of Ilam University of Medical Sciences, 2015-2016

Introduction: academic misconduct in medical science faculties is a global concern which, in addition to a threat to the quality of education, can predict the incompetence professional and disregard to moral values. In this regard, this study was conducted to determine the frequency of cheating, identify the current practices of academic cheating and the leading factors to cheat among students in Ilam University of Medical Sciences. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was done among 400 students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences during the first semester of academic year 2015-2016. Samples were selected by stratified random sampling method. Data collection was done using a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: 361(90.2%) of the total 400 students enrolled completed questionnaire. 77.6% admitted using some method of cheating and 88.1% admitted engaging in cheating. The most common practice for cheating in exams is to look at other students' papers. The severity of the assignments was considered as the main cause of cheating (47.8%). There was a significant relationship between the amount of cheating and the average score p <(0.05.) Conclusion: According to the results, the frequency of academic misconduct among the students is high and there are a number of basic ways such as review of classroom practices, student-centered teaching practices, and holding the periodicity of ethical issues in education for students is an inevitable necessity.