Being wrong Quote by Leah Hager Cohen
“People cheat when they are afraid. When there is no cost to being wrong or confessing ignorance, there is no reason to cheat or fake comprehension.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Academic Integrity and Learning, Leah Hager Cohen, 2018
People cheat when fear and cost are high; removing fear and cost reduces cheating.
In simple terms: Fear drives cheating; removing it stops cheating.
Key Takeaway
Create safe spaces for honest learning.
Themes
education
ethics
psychology
learning
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
educational
psychological
When to use this quote
- classroom
- online courses
- self‑study
- peer review
Key Concepts
fear
cost of error
honesty
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear influence your honesty?
- What structures encourage openness?
A Different Perspective
Some may still cheat for personal gain despite low cost.
