Faculty influences on academic integrity at postgraduate levels - views from Spanish universities

Abstract

[eng] This paper uses a survey methodology to explore the diverse views of Spanish university faculty teaching postgraduate students on academic dishonesty. A total of 489 professors and lecturers were surveyed. The results were analysed and split into four clusters reflecting faculty views on preventing and addressing dishonesty. The largest cluster (39%) thought it is essential to detect dishonesty and impose strong sanctions when misconduct occurred. A smaller group (15.7%) believed the university system was not responsible for academic dishonesty. Additionally, 78.7% agreed that technological factors were the main cause of breaches, as technology allows students to act dishonestly with ease. The findings highlight the need for a shared understanding of the role the whole academic community has in developing a culture of academic integrity, where all faculty recognize that promoting academic integrity is part of their responsibility