Abstract

The study predicted secondary school students’ attitude towards examination malpractice using psycho-social variables in Uyo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The specifically purpose the study was to determine the relationship that exist, the relative and the joint influence of the predictive variables (students’ reading habit, peer pressure, self-concept and parental pressure) on the criterion variable (students attitude towards examination malpractice) as well as establish the most influential variable in the prediction model, there research questions were raised and the study adopted a correctional research design.204 students constituted the sample size of the study, they were drawn from the fourteen public secondary schools in Uyo Educational Committee using simple random sampling technique (lucky dip), Two self-structured questionnaire titled “Psycho-Socio Variables Questionnaire”( PSVQ) and Examination Misconduct Questionnaire” (EMQ) were developed by the researcher and used for data capturing. Both face and construct validity was carried out by the researcher, PSVQ yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.84 while EMQ yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.71. The findings revealed that that the obtained regression equation model resulting from the set of four predictor variables have a statistical significant influence on the students’ attitude towards examination malpractice. The correlation is very strong and positive, the predictor variables accounts for 87% of the observed variance in the criterion variable. Out of the four predictor variables, only one (Parental Pressure) significantly predicts students’ attitude towards examination malpractice. Based on the research findings, it was recommended among other things that parents should be educated on the danger of mounting unnecessary pressure on their children academically. They should allowed their children to choose courses based on their passion and interest.