In an Experiment, Two Groups of Dogs Are Given Shocks

question 270

Multiple Choice

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 __________

• A) learned helplessness.
• B) contingency blocking.
• C) latent learning.
• D) response generalization.

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Definitions:

Environmental Circumstances

The conditions or factors that surround and influence the living and non-living elements of an ecosystem or environment.

Instinctive Behavior System

Behaviors that are innate, occurring naturally and automatically in response to specific stimuli.

Constraints

Limitations or restrictions that define the conditions or rules within which operations or processes occur.

Learning

The process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences, often as a result of study, instruction, or experience.