Final answer:
The most likely cause of a student failing a university course is due to not studying for the course, as it relates directly to their own actions and responsibilities. Other factors, like perceived feelings of dislike from professors or lack of institutional support, are often secondary to a student's personal effort and commitment to their studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering why a student fails a course at his university, option d. 'The student did not study for the course' is the most likely cause of the problem itself and not merely a symptom. In scenarios such as Kim failing his history course due to not studying or attending classes, the primary factor is the student's own actions or lack thereof. Contrary to beliefs that external factors such as an instructor's personal dislike are to blame, as in Jane's case of associating her bad psychology paper grade with the professor's personal feelings, the more substantial factor often lies with the student's effort and participation.
College success is heavily dependent on self-motivation and individual responsibility. Different from high school, where attendance and academic performance are closely monitored, college students are given the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding study habits and attendance. This freedom requires a higher level of self-discipline and time management, as there are no immediate consequences for missing class, unlike in high school settings.
Therefore, the most direct cause of a student failing a course is typically tied to their own academic behaviors, like not studying, rather than external attributions such as a professor's alleged personal disliking or unfair grading practices.