Cheating Your Way To Success

Peer pressure to cheat?

In a study conducted by researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), the conclusion drawn was that students cheat as they feel pressured, subtle or overt, to hit certain metrics and achieve academic success. Then, they become less hesitant to break rules and ethical norms. At times, “a community-wide ethos of cheating can develop” as seen in the case of Bihar, making the act difficult to resist.

It was found that in Bihar, a mafia consisting of the teachers and school authorities helps rig the examinations. Authority figures themselves take part in the act of cheating by taking bribes, writing answers, etc. The study also talks about digital collaboration, much like the one undertaken by the IPS officer.

Means to curb it

Cheating has become normalised in our society. It takes place in schools during class tests and is often brushed off as nothing of a grave concern. Subtle behavioural influences are always at play. We also have a tendency to rationalise and justify cheating, thus the likelihood of it taking place again occurs.

It isn’t fair to expect only the government to find means to curb such behaviour. Foremost, it falls upon students to not indulge in the act of cheating. Then, for parents to not support or encourage such behaviour. Schools too should set strong and clear standards of ethical behaviour. Slight and subtle nudges go a long way.     ……………….End.