I Did Cheating, Because… : A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The aim of present study is to understand the reasons of pre-service teachers for academic cheating. The study used phenomenological design and descriptive phenomenological approach was adapted. The participants were selected by using homogenous sampling strategy and data were collected through in depth interviews from six volunteer pre-service teachers which are a woman and five men. In analysis of the research data, thematic analysis approach was utilized. As a result of the analysis, two themes were constructed to explain the reasons for cheating that are personal factors and environmental factors. The personal factors are comprised of personal characteristics, academic gains and insufficient self-perception. The environmental factors affecting cheating behaviors are instructor’s attitudes and behaviors, exam-based evaluation system, the role of courses, peer effect, institutional features and family expectations.