An analysis of cheating behaviours during training by medical students

The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of various behavi ours including cheating behaviours and their prevalence during medical scho ol training. Medical students from second- and fourth-year classes at one m edical school anonymously completed a questionnaire (response rate 54%). Fo rty-nine students (39%) had altered or manipulated data and 37 students (29 %) had falsified references or a bibliography even though these behaviours were considered unacceptable by the majority. Less commonly acknowledged be haviours included reporting an aspect of a physical examination as normal w hen inadvertently omitted, copying a report from a friend's paper or copyin g from a neighbour during an examination without the person realizing. The results are discussed in light of the novel selection process of the school and educational recommendations that the students themselves made.