Cheating Students Drawn to Government Jobs
- 11 years ago
In a study of students in Bangalore, India researchers found that those who cheated were more likely to be interested in obtaining government jobs.
In a study of over 600 college students in India, researchers found that those who cheated were more likely to be interested in obtaining government jobs.
One test was to roll a die 42 times and report the number that came up each time.
Participants were told that they’d be given more money for higher rolls.
Analysis of the experiment showed a considerable number of students reported higher numbers on most rolls.
What made those results particularly suspect was that they were significantly out of sync with probable outcomes. About a third of the people involved ended up in the top 1 percentile of projected number distribution.
When the results were later cross-referenced with stated professional goals, the cheaters were revealed to be most interested in obtaining government jobs.
Another trait found in those aspiring to a life of public service was a lack of interest in taking actions that would benefit others.
When given the option to divvy up money between themselves and charity, most of the funds ended up in their own pockets.
The researchers believe that the cheaters are likely drawn to government jobs because of the sector’s reputation for rampant corruption.
In a study of over 600 college students in India, researchers found that those who cheated were more likely to be interested in obtaining government jobs.
One test was to roll a die 42 times and report the number that came up each time.
Participants were told that they’d be given more money for higher rolls.
Analysis of the experiment showed a considerable number of students reported higher numbers on most rolls.
What made those results particularly suspect was that they were significantly out of sync with probable outcomes. About a third of the people involved ended up in the top 1 percentile of projected number distribution.
When the results were later cross-referenced with stated professional goals, the cheaters were revealed to be most interested in obtaining government jobs.
Another trait found in those aspiring to a life of public service was a lack of interest in taking actions that would benefit others.
When given the option to divvy up money between themselves and charity, most of the funds ended up in their own pockets.
The researchers believe that the cheaters are likely drawn to government jobs because of the sector’s reputation for rampant corruption.