To Determine the Influence of Students’ Past Performance Component of Self-Efficacy on Examination Malpractices among Students in Kiambu County Universities Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible influence of students’ self-efficacy on examination malpractices among undergraduate students in Universities within Kiambu County. The objectives of this study includes; to analyze the influence of students’ past performance component of self-efficacy. The data collected from the pilot test was used to compute Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient which was found to be r = 0.86, hence the instruments were reliable. The researcher ensured the validity of the instruments by consulting peers and experts from the department of educational psychology, Mount Kenya University. Dependability of qualitative data was ensured through adoption of suitable research method, pre-testing and in-depth interviews. Credibility of the instrument was ensured by triangulating data obtained and creation of research questionnaires based on research objectives. The quantitative data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21, and was presented in descriptive statistics inform of frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics in form of linear regression was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables in each objective. Linear Regression Results were presented in model summary tables, ANOVA tables and coefficient tables. Content analysis method was employed to critically analyze qualitative data and presented in textual form. On the first objective, the study revealed that students’ past performance slightly influenced examination malpractices among undergraduate students. The study showed that students’ emotional experiences significantly influenced examination malpractices. Based on the finding, students’ self-efficacy has significant influence on examination malpractices. To address the issue of students’ self-efficacy on examination malpractices, a multi-sectoral approach would be needed, that may involve all the stake holders, that is, the larger society, the government and the students. The incorporation of modern technology in entire process of examination administration and certification would be important in reducing the examination malpractices. An examination policy shift in universities would be necessary too.