Deception through the strategic removal of relevant details rather than an outright fabrication.

The choice to lie involves a mental "multitasking" where the brain must suppress the truth while fabricating and maintaining a believable alternative.

Cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication within educational settings, often reported via a "Long Form Incident Report" for serious cases. Psychological and Biological Drivers

Dishonesty exists on a spectrum, from minor social lubricants to life-altering frauds:

Dishonesty intended for personal gain, to avoid punishment, or to enhance one's image.

Functional MRI scans show that lying increases activity in the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making and problem-solving—meaning it is more taxing than telling the truth.