Acedemic Integrity In Optometry Students.

Background : Due to recent events within the optometric profession concerning academic
integrity, this research study was intended to investigate the optometry students' definition of academic dishonesty and to discover the reasons why students may commit these acts. Methods: A two question survey with multiple response options was emailed to approximately 150 current and past optometry students from Michigan College of Optometry. However, the exact number of current versus past students is unknown. These questions were completed anonymously through the use of an online survey. The students who are or have been enrolled in the Michigan College of Optometry's graduate level program were asked to evaluate various degrees of academic dishonesty. Results: Student responses in what constitutes cheating varied; especially when it came to
behaviors such as asking previous students about test material and obtaining old exams
previously given. Although more than half of the students polled stated they would rather fail than partake in dishonest behavior, fear of failure or increasing a grade were also reasons to cheat. Conclusions: There is definitely a grey area in what students report is dishonest behavior. Therefore, faculty should be meticulous in defining what they consider cheating to maintain academic integrity in their courses.