Final answer:
Tommy's claim of forgetting the homework despite multiple reminders exemplifies the defense mechanism of denial, where he is refusing to accept the reality of his responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tommy's statement that he forgot about the homework despite being told days before and reminded several times can be considered as a form of the defense mechanism known as denial. It involves a refusal to accept reality or facts, blocking external events from awareness. If a situation is too much to handle, the person refuses to experience it.
As a comparison, with rationalization, the individual would justify forgetting the homework with plausible reasons. If Tommy was using repression, he would subconsciously block the memory of the homework assignment, not even realizing he forgot it. With projection, he would attribute his own forgetfulness to others, perhaps accusing his classmates of not reminding him.
Therefore, in this situation, Tommy's claim of forgetting about the homework seems to fit best with denial, as he is refusing to acknowledge his responsibility despite the reminders.