Assignment task: Allegory of the Sphere of Fleas
In discussions of learned helplessness, for some reason fleas are often used as an example. You contain numerous fleas in a jar, with the lid on. The fleas continue jumping, and repeatedly hit the underside of the lid, presumably causing them some physical discomfort. Over time, the fleas modify the height of their jumps so they no longer hit the lid of the jar. At this point, should you remove the lid of the jar, allowing for the escape of the fleas, none of them leap out of the jar since they are restraining their jumps, a result of the aversive effects of the jar lid. They have learned not to escape.
So, let us extend that metaphor: Instead of a jar, we have a sealed glass globe in which the fleas are contained. The fleas crawl and leap as they wish, constraining their jumping slightly so as to not hit the surface of the sphere (since, like their jar-housed brethren, it is painful), whereas other fleas give up on jumping altogether.
So, we can talk about the adversity that permeates the environment of the sphere, and how the fleas each cope with the situation, each in their own way. Speaking of overcoming that adversity, at this point, is rather meaningless: The fleas, regardless of any resilience or perseverance, are simply not able to escape from the sphere in any fashion. The best they can do is bide their time.
Now, we create a small opening in the sphere, such that it is possible for some fleas to escape the sphere.
Based on this reading what can we assume about some fleas who do escape? Which ones? What are some of the similar qualities you think we would find among the fleas that were successful in their escape?