Principal Components Factoring Technique for Exploring University Students’ Inclination Towards Examination Malpractices: A Case of a Public University in Ghana

Exams are frequently viewed as the most practical, economical, trustworthy, and consistent way to gauge students’ levels of intelligence. However, the increase in malpractices has prompted serious worries. Examinee fraud incidents have significantly increased in our culture, especially in academic institutions. This study aims to investigate the elements that affect college students’ propensity to cheat on exams. The study, which encompassed 600 respondents, discovered that five factors using principal component factoring, which together explained 63.3% of the variability among the original variables, influence students’ propensity for examination mal- practices. These results illuminate the intricate processes affecting such student behaviour. In conclusion, the factors that have been linked to students’ propensity for exam fraud in Ghana’s tertiary institutions were identified as pressure for academic success, enhanced societal value of exceptional academic achievement, Insufficient study planning, incorrect programme orientation prior to program selection and nepotism or academic dishonesty. Effective exam preparation should be promoted among students as a solution to this problem. Furthermore, applying se- vere penalties to violators might serve as a warning to others, thus reducing the frequency of malpractice. Students should also get instruction on the value of moral principles, indepen- dence, and the ability to make well-informed programme selection decisions. Adopting these methods can reduce or even eliminate examination misconduct, promoting academic honesty and integrity.