Academic dishonesty among undergraduates from private medical schools in India. Are we on the right track?

作者:Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun*; Joseph Noyal Mariya; Sharmila Vijayan
来源:Medical Teacher, 2011, 33(9): 759-761.
DOI:10.3109/0142159X.2011.576717

摘要

Background: Though doctors are considered to be respectful role models of professionalism and ethics, medical students are no strangers to academic dishonesty.
Aim: To assess the academic dishonesty practices among undergraduate students from private medical schools in India.
Methods: A pre-tested and validated questionnaire containing 10 commonly done academic misconducts were administered and responses were collected.
Results: Out of 166 medical students enrolled in the study, 75% have given proxy for attendance and 49% have copied from others record book. During a theory exam, 74% of students have copied from their friends, 2% have tried to get the question paper before exam and 5% have influenced their teachers by unfair means to get more marks. During clinical/practical exam, 81% have got technical help, 45% had prior knowledge about the exam case, and 54% of them have falsely documented clinical findings.
Conclusions: The prevalence of academic dishonesty is high. Academic integrity and ethics should be emphasized to the students which might help them in becoming professional and honest doctors.

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