Impact of anti-corruption learning on perceptions of anomie among undergraduate students

Abstract

This study aims to explore the impact of an anti-corruption education course on the perception of anomie among 358 undergraduate students from two public universities. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. The experimental group received a six-week anti-corruption education course comprising video-based modules while the control group received no intervention. Participants' perceptions of anomie were assessed using pre- and post-test surveys. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants from the experimental group. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and interview transcript thematic analysis were both used to analyse the data.  The results demonstrated a significantly greater decline in anomie over time in the experimental group compared to the control group. Thematic analysis of the interview data provided further insight into participants’ understanding of the negative consequences associated with corrupt practices. The results demonstrate that the anti-corruption intervention is helpful in reducing students' unethical attitudes and strengthening their commitment to moral conduct.  Participants in the course provided positive reviews. Additionally, they shared that their viewpoints on different facets of corruption had undergone some changes. The results of this study have practical implications for both researchers and practitioners in the field of anti-corruption education.