George attends a rural middle school in Virginia.On standardized achievement tests given in George's school,the school average is near the national average.George's friend Harold attends an elite private school in Washington,D.C.The average score of students at Harold's school on the same achievement measure is well above the national average.According to Marsh,George is more likely to feel better about his abilities than does Harold,even though both boys received high scores on the test.What developmental concept is illustrated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concept illustrated is "Big Fish, Little Pond" which refers to the idea that students who attend schools where the average achievement level is lower than their own abilities (like George) are more likely to have positive self-perceptions than those who attend schools where the average achievement level is higher than their own abilities (like Harold). This is because in comparison to their peers, George sees himself as a "big fish in a little pond" and feels good about his abilities. Harold, on the other hand, may feel like a "little fish in a big pond" and experience lower self-esteem despite his high achievement.

George Attends a Rural Middle School in Virginia