Applying criminological theory to academic fraud

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine academic dishonesty and research misconduct, two forms of academic fraud, and provides suggestions for future research informed by criminological theory.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing prior literature, this paper outlines four general criminological theories that can explain academic fraud.

Findings

While criminological theory has been applied to some studies of academic dishonesty, research misconduct has rarely been examined within a broader theoretical context.

Practical implications

This paper provides a blueprint for future theoretically informed analyses of academic fraud.

Originality/value

This paper represents a unique attempt to apply general criminological theories to diverse forms of fraud in higher education settings.

Citation

Walker, N. and Holtfreter, K. (2015), "Applying criminological theory to academic fraud", Journal of Financial Crime, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 48-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-12-2013-0071