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

Answer: learned helplessness

Explanation: The response of the second group is due to learned helplessness which is a behavior characterized by unwillingness to learn or adapt usually due to previous failure or inability to overcome previous challenges and thus seems out of control. Animals or individuals with such behavior will not try to adapt or strive to overcome such stimulus when faced with such in the future. They become conditioned and believe that such situation has no remedy and it is beyond their control.