An analysis of dishonesty behavior patterns of Korean adolescents
AUTHOR : 문용린, 장희선, 류정현
INFORMATION : page. 85~106 / 2010 Vol.17 No.2
ABSTRACT
This research examined developmental honesty trend according to both gender and age difference. The patterns of dishonesty behaviors of Korean adolescents(5th grade elementary school students, 1st grade middle students and the 1st grade high school students) were analyzed. Two hundred and twenty two participants completed essays on dishonesty behavior; focusing on the lies that were most prominent in their memories. They were asked to describe their dishonesty behavior experiences, citing the time, situation, targeted person, outcomes, and the reason for the dishonesty. These essays were then analyzed by means of a coding scheme which contained eleven categories consisting of: Play-oriented, Material- oriented, Convenience-oriented, Achievement-oriented, Vanity-oriented, Relationship-oriented, Physiological- oriented, Studying-avoidance, Punishment-avoidance, Relationship- avoidance, and Task-avoidance. The results indicate that dishonesty patterns most frequently occurred within close relationships rather than other forms of relationships. The subjects reported that the primary motivation behind their dishonesty behaviors were their personal interest or benefit which we concluded were the most common behaviors. There were significant differences in dishonesty behavior patterns among the different age groups. On the other hand, no significant differences in dishonesty behavior patterns were discernable according to gender. Patterns of dishonesty behavior should be considered in terms of developmental period, school grade and the life context and situation of Korean adolescents which may relate to surrounding environmental elements such as peer culture, the degree of socialization and school life amongst others.
Key words : Honesty, Dishonesty Behavior pattern, Korean Adolescent, Oriented, Avoidance