Serge had a poor math teacher and as a result began to perform very poorly in math class. In his next math class he did not try very hard, and stated that there was no use in trying because he was a poor math student. Therefore, Serge did not perform well in this class either. Now Serge avoids taking any math classes at all. Serge appears to have experienced __________ regarding math classes.
A) generalization
B) learned helplessness
C) intrinsic learning
D) insightful behavior

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serge's behavior suggests he has experienced learned helplessness, which is a belief that one is incapable of altering one's situation and so gives up trying. This is because Serge stopped trying in his math class due to his belief that he was a "poor math student" after having one negative experience with a math teacher. This belief then led him to perform poorly in subsequent math classes and eventually avoid them altogether.

Serge Had a Poor Math Teacher and as a Result