If high$-$performing students in a class were told that some of their points would be transferred to low$-$performing students, which of the following would be most likely to occur?

a$.$ Neither high nor low$-$performing students would work as hard to earn additional points.

b$.$ Both high and low$-$performing students would work harder to earn additional points.

c$.$ The overall academic performance of the students would increase.

d$.$ Low$-$performing students would work harder to earn additional points, but this would be partially offset by a decline in the work effort of the high$-$performing students.