Prevalence and Underlying Factors Influencing Academic Dishonesty in Mathematics among Students at a State University in the Philippines

Mathematics is often considered a complex subject, which may cause students to engage in academic dishonesty (AD) to improve their grades.AD in mathematics may take forms such as copying answers during exams, using unauthorized aids like calculators or formula sheets, and sharing solutions to homework problems without attempting the work independently.This also emerged as a widespread issue within the academic community, challenging teaching quality and academic integrity.Thus, this study generally examined the prevalence rates of AD in Mathematics and the influence of demographic factors among 105 tertiary education mathematics students (32 males and 73 females) at one higher education institution in Leyte.Participants were selected using purposive and convenience sampling.The study employed a concurrent nested mixed methods design, with qualitative data nested within the quantitative component, to explore possible explanations for AD.Quantitative data were collected using a 17-item Likert-type scale survey on AD, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews.Results revealed that students admitted to engaging in AD, with cheating on assignments being the most prevalent, followed by cheating on tests.Demographic factors such as gender and mathematics performance did not significantly influence AD, except for year levels.This suggests that both males and females engage in AD at similar rates, regardless of the specific type of cheating behavior.Further, other underlying factors, such as difficulties in understanding mathematical concepts, struggle with self-regulation and emotional well-being, and external influences and expectations were found to be more common justifications for engaging in AD.Mathematics educators are encouraged to incorporate solution-based quizzes, tests, and supervised activities to create controlled environments and respond promptly to instances of dishonesty in Mathematics.