In an experiment, rats are exposed to a loud noise. One group is able to escape the noise by pushing a lever. The second group has no lever available and therefore cannot escape the noise. After several trials, both groups are put in situations where they can escape. The first group escapes the noise, but the second group just sits and cowers, refusing to attempt to escape the noise. The response of the second group is due to __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The response of the second group is due to learned helplessness, a condition in which a subject endures repeatedly painful or otherwise aversive stimuli which it is unable to escape from or avoid. After such experiences, the organism often fails to learn escape or avoidance in new situations where such behavior would be effective. This is because the subject has learned that it is helpless in such situations, conditioned to believe that its actions cannot affect the outcome.

In an Experiment, Rats Are Exposed to a Loud Noise