Okay, but whatever the geographical/cultural/racial criteria is, it would be extremely surprising to me if a college-age population was stymied by contradiction

Okay, but whatever the geographical/cultural/racial criteria is, it would be extremely surprising to me if a college-age population was stymied by contradiction of authority in a totally abstract, gamified context like OP describes. The whole "study hard to find the lie in the lecture" thing does not seem like some radical Western counter culture teaching method. Adult students will understand the intent and play along, yes, even first generation immigrants from Asia. I think what you've described in your anecdote is a clash over a contradiction of real authority, opining that a judge was incorrect. I wouldn't be surprised if upbringing was a good predictor of the likelihood that a student question a teacher who questions somebody perceived as an even higher authority.