A Developed Framework for Studying Cyberethical Behaviour in North Central Nigeria

ICT advancements have enabled more online activities, resulting in several cyberethical behaviours. The literature documents the prevalence of plagiarism and online fraud, among others. While behaviour has been explained by several theories, as scholarship and research advance, frameworks are modified to include more constructs. This paper proposes a developed framework for studying cyberethical behaviour in North Central Nigeria, with a focus on exploring the factors that influence individuals' attitudes, awareness, and perception of cyberethics. The framework is based on a modified reasoned action approach model and incorporates key constructs such as attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and awareness of cyber ethics. An adapted questionnaire was used as an instrument for collecting quantitative data. This study used multistage sampling. A sample size of 989 north-central Nigerian female university postgraduate students was selected from a population of 9,000. Perception and attitude toward cyberethical behaviour were positively correlated. Perception, awareness, and attitude toward cyberethical behaviour correlated. Perception and awareness significantly affected cyberethical behaviour. The study aims to provide insights into the factors that shape individuals' decision-making processes regarding cyberethics and to identify potential areas for intervention and education. The paper also discusses the importance of promoting cyberethics in Nigeria, given the increasing use of technology and the growing threat of cybercrime. The proposed framework offers a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers seeking to understand and address cyberethical behaviour in North Central Nigeria.