TOEFL Speaking Task 3

In psychology, the concept of 'learned helplessness' refers to a condition where an individual, after repeated experiences of failure or lack of control over outcomes, begins to believe that their actions have no effect on the situation. Even when opportunities for success or escape become available, the person remains passive and does not attempt to change their circumstances. This learned belief undermines motivation and problem-solving, often leading to depression or apathy.

Professor: Let me give you a classic example from animal research. In an experiment, dogs were placed in a chamber with a low barrier dividing it into two sections. Initially, they received mild electric shocks, but they could easily jump over the barrier to escape the shock. However, in a previous phase, these same dogs were restrained in a harness and given shocks that they could not avoid, no matter what they did. After several trials, they stopped trying. Later, when placed in the chamber with the barrier down, they just lay down and whimpered, even though the barrier was low enough to jump over. They had learned that their actions were futile, so they didn't even try to escape. This demonstrates learned helplessness—the animals gave up because past experiences taught them that control was impossible.