Patterns and Correlates of Invigilator - Examination Misconduct Characteristics in Selected Tertiary Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated patterns and correlates of invigilator - examination misconduct characteristics in selected tertiary institutions in Imo state, Nigeria. Based on the purpose of the study, one research question and two hypotheses guided the study. Eighty invigilators were observed during a total of eight semester examinations. The instrument for data collection was a researchers’ developed observation Questionnaire entitled ‘Examination Invigilation Misconduct Survey’ (EIMS).  Data were analyzed with frequency counts, mean and t- test statistics. The findings showed that the common misconducts included helping students to answer question, noise making, incessant announcements, and late arrival of invigilators to examinations among others. It was found out that there was no significant effect of gender of invigilators concerning examination invigilation misconduct. The study however, found a significant effect of invigilators’ experience in favour of the more experienced invigilators concerning examination misconducts. It was recommended that the authorities of institutions should periodically provide re-orientation programmes for all lecturers on examination invigilation, prescribe and take disciplinary actions against invigilators who fail to carry out their invigilation responsibilities properly.