Sixteen-Year-Old Elias Was Frustrated to Have to Move and Leave

Sixteen-year-old Elias was frustrated to have to move and leave a high school he really liked. At his old school, he had many friends and the support of his teachers. He found his new school much different and had difficulty finding his place there. Though Elias was an excellent student at his old school, he quickly learned that he would have to abandon that to fit in with the new group of friends that appeared to be accepting him. Because he felt his need for friends and acceptance was greater than his need for good grades, he let his grades slide. Which of the following concepts best explains why Elias put forth little effort in his school work at his new school?

A) the matching hypothesis
B) conformity
C) obedience
D) the fundamental attribution error