PressEthic

A recent study published by the Josephson Institute, “a Los Angeles-based partnership of 700 educational and youth groups trying to improve teen ethics” found that 60 percent of high school students cheat and 28 percent steal. The study was released this weekend, but after searching online only one reference was found from Bloomberg News. The Today Show also covered the story during their weekend broadcast.

The story on Bloomberg.com included the following statistics:

Ninety-two percent of the students said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character, and 74 percent agreed with the statement, ``When it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know.''

According to the survey of more than 36,000 students, 27 percent said they lied on at least one of the survey questions prompting the author to ask, “How accurate are the survey’s results?”

The problem with the article is that it does not include any historical data. There is no reference to studies from two, five or 10 years ago even though the Josephson Institute surveys teen ethics every two years. The writer does reference national surveys that cite higher cheating in high school students.

Through his quotes, Michael Josephson establishes a trend of cheating among high school students that is dangerous to the future of society.

``Unacceptably high rates of dishonesty have become the norm,'' said Michael Josephson, president and founder of the institute.

``It doesn't bode well for the future that so many kids are entering the workforce to become the next generation of corporate executives and cops, politicians and parents, journalists, teachers and coaches, with the dispositions and skills of liars, cheaters and thieves,'' Josephson said.

It is incumbent upon the writer to include information on how these results compare to other studies. Or, at the very least, tell the reader no other comparable studies have been conducted, if that is the truth.