An animal that exhibited symptoms such as slowness to learn new responses, passivity, and failure to compete effectively for resources might be characterized as displaying _____, according to Seligman.
A) passive-aggressive tendencies
B) depression
C) interoceptive conditioning
D) learned helplessness

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Seligman's concept of learned helplessness refers to the phenomenon where animals (and humans) who have repeatedly experienced situations in which their actions do not lead to positive outcomes become passive and fail to make any effort to improve their situation. The symptoms described in the question (slowness to learn new responses, passivity, and failure to compete effectively for resources) are all consistent with learned helplessness.

An Animal That Exhibited Symptoms Such as Slowness to Learn