When a student blames poor grades on external factors rather than personal effort, what reasoning technique is being employed?

The reasoning technique being employed when a student blames poor grades on external factors rather than their own personal effort is rationalization. This involves justifying one's feelings or actions by providing plausible but not necessarily true explanations for why something occurred. In this case, the student finds it easier to attribute their poor performance to factors outside their control—such as a difficult teacher or personal circumstances—rather than confronting the possibility that their own lack of effort may be a significant contributor.

Rationalization serves as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to protect their self-esteem by avoiding personal accountability. It enables the student to maintain a more favorable self-image and to cope with feelings of failure without having to engage in self-criticism or change their behavior.