Unpreparedness for exam, academic workload, getting good marks, and not to fail in exams were the major reasons reported by our study participants for cheating.
"Throughout the academic year, and particularly at exam time, the workload can be tough to manage," says Stacey.
The major reasons reported by students for cheating on exams were lack of preparation for exams (25.7%), academic workload or other assignments (16.9%), need to obtain good marks (14.6%), desire not to fail exams (8.6%) and about 34% mentioned other reasons.
The resulting mental strain on students can prove debilitating, but workload and exam pressure is not something ever-traditional Oxbridge will be changing anytime soon.
Compared to cafeteria purchases, purchase of less healthy fast foods increases during the week of final exams when students' workloads are most cognitively demanding, compared to the purchase ratio of food sources during other times of the year.
Recently, Cilliers et al. found that the imminence of assessment, the perceived impact of the test and the amount of workload associated with the test generally affect the way students learn for their exams [ 25, 26].
Yet despite that, the majority of trainers felt that it was unrealistic to expect their core trainees to undertake research in light of clinical and educational commitments, and many trainees identified the demands of clinical workload, administrative responsibilities and exam preparation as obstacles to involvement in research.
Perhaps he's stressed from a heavy workload or snowed under with exam studies.
"All the changes to the curriculum, assessment and exams are coming together and adding to the workload and confusion," he says.
Most of the workload is due to abdomino-pelvic exams, followed by breast, musculoskeletal and vascular applications.
