INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE IN BUSINESS SUBJECTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determined the influence of social networks on examination malpractice in business subjects in senior secondary schools in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent incidence of examination malpractice in external examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO). The study had two objectives, two research questions, and two null hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised secondary school leavers newly admitted into tertiary institutions in Adamawa State, specifically 100-level students of Modibbo Adama University, Yola; NCE I students of Federal College of Education, Yola; and ND I students of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. A sample size of 204 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured 30-item questionnaire titled Influence of Social Networks on Examination Malpractices Questionnaire (ISNEMQ), was used for data collection. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.81 (Cronbach's Alpha). Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and regression analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that both Facebook (Grand Mean = 2.84) and WhatsApp (Grand Mean = 2.92) had strong influences on examination malpractice when considered independently. Regression analysis showed that both platforms had statistically significant influences (Facebook: F(1,202)=6.25, p<0.05; WhatsApp: F(1,202)=28.86, p<0.05). The study concluded that WhatsApp is a more potent facilitator of examination malpractice than Facebook. Recommendations include strict regulation of mobile phones during external examinations, intensified sensitization programmes for students, and responsible use of social media.