Question

In an experiment, two groups of dogs are given shocks to their feet. one group is able to escape the shocks by jumping over a barrier. the second group is harnessed and cannot escape. after several trials, both groups are put in situations where they can escape. the first group escapes the shocks but the second group just sits and whines, refusing to attempt to escape. the response of the second group is due to ______.

Answer 1

The correct answer is learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness refers to the phenomenon where humans and animals express ill-adaptive passivity after experiencing uncontrollable and distressing circumstances.When these individuals are forced to experience distressing circumstances, they are unable to "escape" them during further occasions when these circumstances are "escapable". This is because they have "learned" that they cannot control and escape these circumstances.