Final answer:
Bob, being 10 years old, is most likely to compare his basketball skills to other 10-year-old kids, as developmental psychology suggests that children in this age group tend to measure their abilities against their peers.
Step-by-step explanation:
If 10-year-old Bob is asked how good he is at basketball, he is most likely to compare himself to other 10-year-old kids. In the developmental stage of 6 to 10 years old, children begin to look at peers and compare their own abilities with those of similar age and experience. During this stage, friends and peer groups become more important, and children often measure their successes and failures against the standards set by their close social circle.
Basketball, being a social and competitive sport, entails that children will often assess their skill level relative to others on the basketball court. Considering that Bob is 10 years old, it is developmentally appropriate for him to use his peers as a benchmark. The desire to fit in and be competent among peers is a natural part of growing up, and thus, Bob's siblings, parents, or professional basketball players are less appropriate standards of comparison at this age.
Parents and coaches, like Bob's dad, can play a pivotal role in nurturing a child's self-belief and competence by providing appropriate coaching and encouragement. By engaging in activities with children of similar age and skill level, children can develop a healthy understanding of their capabilities and foster self-esteem through sports like football and basketball, as exemplified in the provided references.