In an attempt to motivate his students, Michael listed the names of the students who earned A’s on the test, and encouraged the rest of the students to “. . . give these sharp ones with the A’s a run...

In an attempt to motivate his students, Michael listed the names of the students who earned A’s on the test, and encouraged the rest of the students to “. . . give these sharp ones with the A’s a run for their money.” Of the following, which choice describes the best assessment of the effectiveness of Michael’s strategy for motivating his students?

a. It was an effective strategy, because it encouraged his students to increase their effort.

b. It was an effective strategy, because it provided students with feedback about their performance.

c. It was an effective strategy, because it encouraged the students who did well to attribute their success to high ability and those who did poorly to lack of effort.

d. It was an ineffective strategy, because it encouraged social comparisons, which detract from motivation.