Jacob, a male engineering student, is on academic probation for poor grades. Ever since he received notice of his probation, Jacob has become increasingly hostile toward female engineering students in his program, believing that they are not held to the same standards. His increasing hostility can best be explained in terms of:

Scapegoat theory

Explanation:

Based on the information provided within the question it can be said that his increasing hostility can best be explained in terms of the Scapegoat theory. This theory describes the tendency that some individuals may have of blaming the problems that they have on other people. Which is the case in this scenario as Jacob is placing his blame and anger on female engineering students, when in reality his problems are a direct result of the poor choices that he has made.

answer; interpreting someone's past consistent with present deviance;