PSYCHO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES INFLUENCING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OYO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Examination malpractice has become a monster in the educational system, and its incidence has reached a frightening dimension in Nigeria. The study investigated psycho-demographic variables influencing examination malpractice among secondary school students in Oyo metropolis. A sample of two hundred and fifty senior secondary school students randomly selected participated in the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and three validated instruments were used in generating data for the study.  Six null hypotheses were set in piloting the study. Data were analyzed using multiple regression, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics. There is significant composite contribution of students’ religion, gender, academic self-efficacy and locus of control to examination malpractices (R=.427,R2=183, (F(5.243=10.83,p<.05). Academic self-efficacy significantly contributed to examination malpractices among the students (B=43,t=7.35,p<.05). Based on the findings, professional counsellors in schools should intensify efforts on how students could beef up their academic self-efficacy through enhanced self-esteem. Education stakeholders should collaborate in orientating students for independent work in the examination hall.    Keywords: Academic self-efficacy, examination malpractice, gender, locus of control, religion, self-efficacy