Impacts Of Cheating In University Examination In Kenya: A Case Study Of Maasai Mara University

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cheating in examination refers to illegal act of using unauthorized means to acquire undeserved marks or grade. It has posed a challenge in the world and many African countries. In Kenya education system has been under pressure because of cheating in examination. The major cause of concern was the increasing rate of cheating at all levels that is primary, secondary and university which have influenced evaluation, assessment and promotions to the next level. In this case as technology became more advanced with the use of computers and mobile phones, the level of cheating in examination has risen in the country. The purpose of the study was to determine the impacts of cheating in examination in Maasai Mara University. The secondary purpose was to involve all stakeholders such as students, lecturers and officials from the examination department with the aim of coming up the solution to the problem. The general objective of the study was to determine impacts of cheating in examination at Maasai Mara University. Specific objectives were to identify the factors leading to cheating in university examination, to assess the impact of cheating on students, on the university itself and to find out whether cheating could affect assessment of students pursuing different courses in the institution. The target population included students and lecturers from various schools in the institution and officials from examination department. The target population was selected using simple random sampling in the case of the students and purposive sampling for the lecturers and officials from examination departments. The study took place at Maasai Mara university main campus Narok. The study used case study research design to provide insight into particular issues of cheating in examination. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches. Research instruments used included the questionnaires, interviews and documents analysis to collect useful data per objectives. Tables were used to present data. The expectation of the study was to gather accurate information that would give insight to cheating in university examination with the aim of curbing the vice. The beneficiaries of the study included students, lecturers, the university itself, parents, ministry of education and Narok County.