Factors That Influence Examination Malpractice And Academic Performance in Primary Science among Primary Six Pupils in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The focus of this study was to investigate factors that influence examination malpractice and academic performance in Primary Science among primary six pupils in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested. Two instruments used for data collection were examination malpractice questionnaire (EMQ) and a 50-item primary science achievement test. These instruments were administered to 1818 pupils out of 68,201 pupils in 70 schools. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was adopted. The data obtained was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance. One of the findings of this study was that there was a significant relationship between teachers’ involvement in examination malpractice and pupil’s academic performance in primary science. It was therefore recommended that teachers and parents should show good example to pupils, avoid putting pressure on them and if the pupils study adequately, it will help them to perform well in science and minimize examination malpractice.

Key words: Examination malpractice, Teachers, parents, Academic performance