Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Critical discourse analysis of academic cheating factors in high school female students

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Maryam Azadi 1
Gholamreza Azari 2
Maryam Iraji 3

1 PhD Student in Linguistics, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Communications and Media, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Linguistics, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22035/isih.2024.5186.4951
Abstract
Understanding social behaviors enables to understand and facilitates mutual interaction; yet sometimes deceptive tactics by the counterpart alter this understanding. Analyzing the phenomenon of deception from an interdisciplinary perspective provides better comprehension and the ability to scrutinize it. This study investigates the hidden layers of text in a social context at two girls' high schools in Tehran, examining the role of deceptive ideology in normalizing the discourse. The research is organized around two main objectives: 1. Analyzing the discursive diversity formed in the deception discourse within Michel Foucault's critical discourse framework. 2. Examining the impact of ideological and power elements in shaping the deception discourse. Using an applied approach, comments from 233 high school students aged 15 to 17 about virtual cheating in exams, assignments, and educational activities in virtual education networks were collected and analyzed regarding the role and impact of ideological and power elements within Michel Foucault's theoretical framework. Findings indicate that deception discourse, supported by power in the virtual space, acts as an ideological institution, convincing students to collaborate in achieving false academic success. This process turns the discourse into a tool for deceivers, undermining academic integrity and promoting cheating. Interventions and educational efforts to increase ethical commitment among learners appear effective in reducing deceptive behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights for educational stakeholders aiming to reduce cheating in academic environments and have significant implications for ethical education.

Keywords

Critical Discourse
Michel Foucault
Ideology
Power
Academic Integrity
Academic Cheating
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 08 March 2024
  • Revise Date 23 June 2024
  • Accept Date 14 August 2024

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