Final answer:
Ken's conclusion that he won't pass his class after failing one exam indicates a pessimistic outlook rather than engaging in problem-focused coping, which would involve seeking solutions to improve his situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ken's belief that he won't be able to pass his class after receiving a 66 on his first math exam, which accounted for 20% of his final grade, best illustrates a pessimistic outlook. This concept is understood within psychology as a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen, which may result in a state of mind where one sees more loss than gain.
Seeing his situation as dire without considering the possibility of improvement or seeking strategies to better his grade can significantly impact Ken's motivation and actions going forward. A more constructive approach would be embracing problem-focused coping, which involves actively trying to solve the stressor by possibly seeking extra help or dedicating more time to study.