Question

A researcher places dogs in a cage with metal bars on the floor. The dogs are randomly given electric shocks and can do nothing to prevent them or stop them. Later, the same dogs are placed in a cage where they can escape the shocks by jumping over a low hurdle. When the shocks are given, the dogs do not even try to escape. They just sit and cower. This is an example of ________.
a. learned helplessness
b. avoidance learning
c. aversive conditioning
d. vicarious learning

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Learned helplessness

Explanation:

This is a mental condition in which an animal or individual accepts a bad condition and believes there is no control or solution to it due to excessive exposure. The individual believes there is little or no hope to break free from the condition and willingly surrenders without putting up a fight.