Sixth-grader Thad,a low-achieving student,compares his school grades with those of less-able students in his class,while Jason,a high-achiever,compares his grades with those of his academic peers.Thad has higher academic self-esteem than Jason.Thad's strategy in this regard is known as __________.

A) favorable social referencing
B) strategic norming
C) downward social comparison
D) self-serving referencing

Downward Social Comparison

A psychological phenomenon where individuals compare themselves to others who are worse off in order to feel better about their own situation.

Academic Self-Esteem

An individual's self-evaluation and confidence in their academic abilities and potential for success in educational settings.

School Grades

A system of evaluating and recording the academic performance of students through numerical or letter grades.