Examination Anxiety and Cheating Behaviour Among Secondary School Students in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between examination anxiety and cheating behaviour among secondary school students in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to examine how pre-examination anxiety, real-time examination anxiety, and post-examination anxiety relate to cheating behaviour among secondary school student in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. In order for the researcher to carry out an effective research, three research objectives and question were formulated to guide the study. Literature and related empirical review were discussed on the sub-variables under the independent variable. Based on the objectives, three hypotheses were formulated and tested using Pearson product moment correlation analysis on two hundred (200) respondents sample size. The finding from the analysis revealed a significance influence between the variables among secondary school students in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study concluded that examination anxiety in its form (pre- examination anxiety, real-time examination anxiety and post examination anxiety) significantly influence students to engage in cheating during examination. Therefore, based on the conclusion, the researcher recommended the following; Government and school principals should encourage guidance and counselling services as a programme in all secondary school in the state to help counsel the students on how to overcome examination anxiety that; Government and school management should develop adequate curriculum and also supervise teachings to make sure that students are adequately taught for better understanding. Government should organize professional development programes and train teacher on how to deliver effective teachings to help curb cheating behaviour among secondary school students.