One struggle that adult learners experience that is unique to their situation is a distinct lack of time to complete assignments. Many adult students must balance their coursework with a job and family while many college-age students can focus only on their studies. Due to these scheduling complexities, an adult learner may be driven to copy someone else's work simply because he cannot find time to create his own.
One of the most common reasons for plagiarism and other forms of cheating is the desire to earn better grades. Good grades help pave the way for graduate school and strengthen a resume when it is time to hunt for a job. Adult learners may feel pressured to earn good grades in the hopes of improving their current situation, or they may find it easier to cheat for grades than to actually earn them.
Another unique cause of plagiarism to adult learners is that many employers reimburse the cost of school if the student finishes with a certain grade point average. Adult students participating in this type of program experience traditional stress over grades, but this stress is multiplied by the fact that they must score certain grades to be eligible for tuition reimbursement. Additionally, adult learners are usually on tighter budgets and must make their money count to complete their education.
Many students are inspired to work through their education because they have chosen to follow a certain course of study and experience passion for the topic. Adult learners may not feel this passion and may simply be attending courses to improve their financial situation or find a better job. Without a genuine interest in the subject material, adult learners may find it easier to cheat than to genuinely attempt to understand the course.