Dogs exposed to aversive stimuli from which they could not escape were found to
A) learn through observation how to be helpless.
B) avoid the stimulus on every trial.
C) stop moving when placed in a shuttle-box situation.
D) suffer from neurological damage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is the classic result of learned helplessness. Dogs exposed to aversive stimuli from which they could not escape eventually stop trying to escape, even when given the opportunity to do so in a different context (e.g. a shuttle-box). This is seen as a form of depression or hopelessness. Option A suggests that the dogs learned how to be helpless from other dogs, which is not supported by research. Option B suggests that the dogs continued to try to escape, which is not supported by the learned helplessness literature. Option D is not supported by research on learned helplessness.

Dogs Exposed to Aversive Stimuli from Which They Could Not