Cheating Strategies and Motivations in the Academic Environment: A Focus Group Study

Academic cheating is an increasingly frequent issue, facilitated by continuous technological advancements. The aim of this study was to thoroughly explore the cheating habits of students at the Alba Regia Technical Faculty of Obuda University. Through a review of the literature, we identified potential factors underlying cheating and then presented the results of our own research. Our research focused on group discussions, which provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of students' attitudes and behaviors related to cheating. A total of eighteen students participated in three groups, and the discussions shed light on their attitudes toward cheating, motivations, and the methods they use. The results indicate that cheating is often driven by a lack of time, and students frequently employ methods that are difficult to detect. This study offers valuable insights into academic cheating and can contribute to the development of measures aimed at reducing its occurrence.