For over 50 years stress and pressure have been cited as determinants of cheating; they continue to be among the top causes today. Among the most frequently cited sources are:
Clearly, external pressures are perceived as the cause in these examples. In short, cheaters make external attributions for their dishonest behavior.
Pressures from parents for high grades
Pressures from graduate schools for high grades
Pressures from potential employers for high grades
Part- or full-time job cutting down on study time
Perception that one must cheat to stay competitive
Classes that are perceived as being too difficult
