Attitudinal and Normative Variables as Predictors of Cheating Behavior

The purpose of this study was to examine possible predictors of cheating behavior in different cultures. Samples of American and Israeli teachers-intraining (total N = 200) filled out questionnaires that related attitude, normative beliefs, and reports of past, present, and future behaviors with regard to specific cheating behaviors. The results suggest that whereas in American society either attitudes, normative beliefs, or both together could be used as predictors, in Israeli society normative beliefs are far superior as predictors of reported behaviors. Furthermore, the Israeli sample reported behaving in accordance with family norms for the most part, whereas the American sample reports behavior highly correlated with friends', classmates', and society's norms, but not with family norms. Possible alternative interpretations are discussed, and it is argued that with regard to the specific behaviors studied, the system that encourages their existence should be questioned.