Peer effects and honor probation: Evidence from USAFA

Academic cheating is a troubling phenomenon in higher education because it undermines the value of grades and degree completion as a signal of academic ability and skills accumulated. This study uses administrative data from the United States Air Force Academy to estimate the causal effect of honor probation of one’s peers. Using conditionally random squadron assignment, I find that students in a squadron with more peers that have experienced honor probation are less likely to end up on honor probation themselves. This decrease in honor probation is highest for students with low college preparation. These results suggest that increased awareness and salience of punishment for honor probation may discourage academic cheating in higher education.