TREND ANALYSIS OF PAPER 1 [2010 - 2023]

PAPER 1

SR NO Introdu Method Researc Develop Sensati Learnin Memory Thinkin Motivati Intellige Persona Attitude Langua Issues Total
ction to s of h ment of on , g g& on & nce & lity , Value ge & &
Psychol Psycolo Method Human Attentio Proble Emotio Aptitud & Commu Perspec
ogy gy s Behavio n& m n e Interest nication tive in
ur Percept solving Modern
ion Contem
porary

2010 0 3 4 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 2 1 2 26

2011 3 1 0 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 26

2012 1 5 2 3 2 1 3 3 1 1 1 2 1 26

2013 2 4 3 0 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 26

2014 2 4 2 2 4 2 0 2 2 3 1 2 2 28

2015 2 4 2 2 2 3 2 1 3 3 1 2 1 28

2016 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 1 3 29

2017 2 3 1 1 2 3 2 1 3 3 5 2 1 29

2018 2 3 2 3 3 2 4 1 1 1 2 2 2 28

2019 1 4 3 5 2 2 2 1 2 3 1 2 0 28

2020 1 5 3 0 2 4 1 2 1 3 3 2 1 28

2021 1 4 5 3 1 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 28

2022 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 28

2023 2 5 3 3 2 1 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 28

Total 21 51 34 28 28 32 26 24 34 31 26 23 22 380
 PAPER 1 :- FOUNDATION OF PSYCHOLOGY

1. Introduction :-

- De nition of Psychology
- Historical antecedents of psychology
- Trends in 21st century
- Psychology & Scienti c methods
- Psychology in relation to other Social Science & Natural Science
- Application of Psychology to Societal Problem

PYQs:-

Year Previous Years Question

2011 - Describe the Key assumption on which psychology claims to be a science ? (10)
- What is social Constructionism ? How does it challenge the mainstream Psychology ? (20)
- Examine the concerns for control, measurement and artifacts, and also indicate the threats they pose to the development of scienti c
psychology. (30)

2012 - Elucidate the contributions of Sir Francis Galton in shaping psychology ? (10)

2013 - Critically Evaluate the cognitive approach to the study of psychological phenomena ? (10)
- The discipline of psychology has grown and developed through debate between those who held that it should be modelled on natural
science and those who subscribed to the view that it has to follow the model of social science. What arguments you envision for or
against these views? What position you would like to endorse and why? (25)

2014 - What psychological techniques can be used to enhance cleanliness in public places? (15)
- Do you think that natural sciences provide a good model for psychological studies? Give arguments in favour of your answer. (20)
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 Year Previous Years Question

2015 - Why is it important to understand psychological processes for other disciplines of social science? (10)
- Keeping in view the strife in current social situation, discuss how a psychologist can contribute towards providing interventions for
such problems. (15)

2016 • Explain how the fundamental understanding of psychology is helpful in the resolution of societal problems. (10)

2017 • Describe how you used psychology to solve a social problem. (10)
• Psychology is the scienti c study of behaviour. Evaluate. (10)

2018 - Discuss how psychology can be applied in solving the problem of global climate change. (10)
- How have neuroscientists and evolutionary scientists contributed to modern psychology? (15)
2019 - How did structuralism contribute to the development of psychology as a discipline? Evaluate. (10)
2020 - How can a psychologist contributes to the society during COVID-19 ? (10)

2021 • What are the limits of intuition and common sense? Why do psychologists emphasise on scienti c methods? (10)
2022 - Describe the applications of psychological principles in managing drug abuse in adolescents. (10)
- Discuss the contribution of structuralism and functionalism in shaping psychology as a discipline. (15)
2023 - “ Mental health study is the major trend in Psychological studies in the 21st century “ ? (10)
- "Knowledge without use is useless." Discuss the statement focussing on the application of psychology in resolving
societal problems. (10)

2. Methods of Psychology :-

- Types of research - Descriptive, evaluative , diagnostic and prognostic

- Method of Research - Survey , Observation , Case study & Experimental
- Characteristics of experimental design & Non-experimental designs
- Quasi- Experimental Designs
- Focussed Group Discussions
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- Brain Storming
- Grounded theory approach

3. Research Methods :-
- Major Steps in Psychological research ( Problem statement , Hypothesis formulation , Research design , sampling
tools of data collection , Analysis & Interpretation & report writing )
- Fundamental versus Applied Research
- Methods of Data collection ( Interview , Observation , Questionnaire & Case study )
- Research Designs ( Ex-post facto and Experimental )
- Application of Statistical techniques ( T-test , Two -ways ANOVA, Correlation and regression & Factor analysis )
item response theory

PYQs:- Both Unit 2 & 3

Year Previous Year Questions

2010 - Under what conditions would a researcher prefer to use focused group discussion over interviewing? (10)
- In what way does an experiments design differ from a quasi-experimental design. ? (10)
- What are the problems a researcher is likely to face in making causal inferences if the researcher were to use a single-group pre-test-
post-test design? (30)

2011 - Suggest a plan of an experimental study to evaluate the effect of compensatory education on academic achievement of school-going
students from low income group. (10)

2012 - Discuss the criteria of question writing in a survey research ? (12)

- Bring out the di erence between 'sampling error' and 'error in sampling'. How 'sampling error' is reduced? (12)
- Discuss the three basic conditions for using 't*-test of signi cance. Describe at least ve di erent uses of "t°-test with examples. (20)
- What is McCrary-Hunter 'invariance hypo-thesis'? Discuss the shape and characteristics of serial position error curve in terms of
‘ invariance hypothesis ‘. (20)
- Compare LISREL programme with that of SPSS. In the analysis of multivariate data. ? (12)
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Year Previous Year Questions

2013 - What is ethnocentrism ? How is it re ected in psychological research ? (10)

- What do you understand by ‘ e ect size’ and ‘ statistical power ‘ ? Explain thief signi cance ? (15)
- Describe the basic elements of observation and bring out the implications of the dimension of participation in observational research.
(15)
- What are the requirements to be met by psychological assessment tools for o ering accurate and useful measure of psychological
constructs ? (15)

2014 - Describe the uses of factor analysis in psychological research and indicate different types of rotations used in it. (10)
- In what ways within factorial design' differs from between factorial design? (10)
- What are the multivariate techniques used in psychological research? Indicate their uses. (15)
- What are the various kinds of threats to the validity of experimental research? Illustrate your answer with the help of examples. (20)

2015 - How far is it correct to state that most of the problems of psychology can be addressed more adequately by adopting quasi-
experimental designs? (10)
- Under what kind of research condition does the use of factor analysis become necessary ? Discuss. (20)
- It is believed that non-experimental designs are more relevant for explaining the emerging issues like social evils that are seen
prominently in India. Discuss. (20)
- With suitable examples , discuss the logic behind following the systematic steps in conducting psychological research ? (15)
2016 - How can confounding variables invalidate the apparent results of an experiment? (10)
- Discuss, with suitable examples, the key characteristics of within-group and between-groups designs? (15)
2017 - How can you use 'Focus Group Discussion' to promote use of toilets in rural areas? (15)
- Which research design would you apply to prove that a particular method of teaching yields best results? (20)
- Evaluate "interview" as a method of data collection. (15)
2018 • Why is the principle of random assignment of participants used in experimental methods ? How do experimenter effects
and demand characteristics in uence participants' behaviour in experimentation? What procedures can be adopted to
minimise such pitfalls? (20)
• What are the assumptions underlying ANOVA? Discuss the conditions when two-way NOVA is applied and how the results
are interpreted with a hypothetical example. (20)
• How can different methods of sampling and data collection be useful in impact evaluation of government social schemes?
Describe with a suitable example. (15)
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 Year Previous Year Questions

2019 • "Diagnostic and prognostic researches are complementary to each other." Explain with suitable examples. (10)
• Explain the role of hypothesis in psychological researches with suitable examples. (10)
• Differentiate between experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Evaluate the applications of quasi-experimental
designs in psychological researches. (20)
• Two-way ANOVA is not merely an addition of two one-way ANOVAs. Describe and evaluate with examples. (15)
2020 - De ne the precursors of the development of item response theory. In what ways will it help in the advancement of the area of aptitude
testing? (15)
- Differentiate between exploratory and con rmatory factor analysis. What is their signi cance in test construction? Elaborate your
answer with suitable examples. (20)
- How is quasi-experimental design different from experimental design? Describe different forms of quasi-experimental design with
special emphasis on time series design. (15)
- How can grounded theory approach help to explore layperson's de nition of happiness? (15)
- Explain the various assumptions and ways of performing regression analysis .Also compare standardised & Unstandardised beta
coef cient with suitable examples (15)

2021 - Discuss the challenges during group brainstorming process. (10)

- How do basic and applied research differ? Explain how knowledge from basic research helps solve practical problems. (20)
- Which method is most appropriate to investigate gender differences in aggressive behaviour at the workplace? Elaborate. (15)
- "Some psychological measures can be reliable but not valid". Elaborate it with examples. (10)

2022 - Discuss the signi cance of single blind - double blind procedures for establishing soundness of an experiment ? (10)
- Compare and contrast naturalistic observation and laboratory-based observation as methods of psychological research. Can they be
reconciled? Discuss. (15)
- State the assumptions and merits of two-way ANOVA. Explain the applications of the same in psychological research with an
appropriate example. (20)
- Illustrate the role of hypothesis in psychological research. (10)
2023 - How is descriptive type of research di erent from diagnostic research ? Answer the question giving suitable example of each . (10)
- Why is research method considered to be the back-bone of any research ? Discuss various steps to be undertaken in Psychological
research for sound and reliable results ? (15)
- Di erentiate among a theory , a hypothesis and an operational de nition ? (15)
- Should the researchers always formulate a hypothesis before collecting data ? Justify your answer with appropriate example (10)
- Explain how a double-blind experiment is used to overcome experimenter bias and participant expectancy e ects ? (15)
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 4. Development of Human Behaviour :-

- Growth and development

- Principles of development
- Role of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour
- In uence of cultural factors in socialisation
- Life span development - Characteristics, development tasks, promoting psychological well-being across major
stages of the life span.

PYQs:-

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - You are the head of an of ce in which employees habitually come late and leave early. Suggest a behaviour modi cation plan for such
employees. ? (20)
- Brie y suggest how well-being of the elderly can be promoted. ? (10)
- How can biological aging be modi ed with the help of environmental factors ? (30)
- How do task similarity and modality in uence dual task performance ? (30)
2012 - Describe the Role of Epigenetic model in determining Human Behaviour ? (12)
- Examine the impact of cultural factors on socialisation process among children. ? (20)
2013 - How do Genes a ect developments ? (10)
- Discuss the importance of early relationship for developmental outcome in the light of researches by Bowlby & Anisworth ? (20)
- Bring out the key developmental challenges faced by adolescents in the cognitive and social domains ? (20)
- "Every function in the child's development appears twice: rst on social level and later, on the individual level."-Vygotsky. . Discuss
the above statement & Indicate your own position on this proposition (10)

2014 - Discuss the main aspects of cognitive and moral development during adolescence. ? (15)
- Present an outline of the ecological perspective as an innovative approach to facilitate developmental outcomes. (10)
2015 - Discuss the role of socio-cultural factors in promotion of well-being across major stages of life span. (10)
- Do the cultural settings in uence the understanding and evaluation of meaning of external stimuli ? Provide suitable justi cation for
your answer ? (10)
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 Year Previous Year Question

2016 - Identify the most important changes that occur during adolescence. (10)
- Describe the parenting styles that are used in raising a normal child. (15)
2017 - Whatever we are ,it is because of Genes . Discuss ? (15)

2018 - Differentiate between various developmental tasks of young men and women in India. (15)
- According to Piaget, the egocentric preschooler is not intentionally 'inconsiderate' but rather has dif culty taking another's viewpoint.
Explain. (10)

2019 - Citing research evidence , bring out the role of culture factors in socialisation. ? (20)
- What is the signi cance of attachment to parents in social and emotional well-being of a child? Illustrate from the perspective of
developmental theories. (15)
- Illustrate that values can best be fostered during childhood. Discuss di erent methods for fostering moral and ethical values among
school-going children. (15)

2020 - Describe brain plasticity and factors affecting on it. (10)

- Explain ve most important perspectives to de ne human behaviour. (15)
- How are physiological, neural and cognitive changes associated with ageing ? Explain. (15)
2021 - Describe the role of mass media in shaping the behaviour of adolescents. Support it with appropriate examples. (10)
- Discuss the factors causing cognitive decline in the elderly. (15)
- Formal operational thought is not universally achieved. Discuss. (10)
- How much nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental factors) contribute to a person's physical, cognitive and socio-emotional
development? (20)
- Explain the importance of cognitive neuropsychology and socio-cultural perspective in understanding human behaviour. (15)
2022 - What are values? What strategies can be used in fostering the value of equality in early childhood? Discuss. (10)
- Evaluate the developmental challenges faced during midlife transitions across gender in the Indian context. (15)
2023 - Do you think that in multicultural Society , Socialisation is a big issue ? Give your opinion in this regard and suggest proper
Socialisation mechanism ? (15)
- How does gender di erence account for behaviour ? (10)
- "Human behaviour is a ected by multiple factors that tend to overlap. As a result of which it is di cult to analyse the cause of
behaviour." — Discuss. (15)

5. Sensation , Attention & Perception :-

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 - Sensation:- concepts of threshold, absolute and difference thresholds, signal-detection and vigilance
- Factors in uencing attention including set and characteristics of stimulus
- De nition and concept of perception
- biological factors in perception
- Perceptual organisation in uence of past experiences
- perceptual defence-factor in uencing space and depth perception, size estimation and perceptual readiness
- The plasticity of perception
- Extrasensory perception
- Culture and perception
- Subliminal perception.

Year Previous Year Questions

2010 - What is sensory adaptation ? Explain with examples. ? (10)

- Discuss the role of monocular and binocular cues in depth perception ? (20)
2011 - How does signal - detection theory envisage the decision process ? In what other areas of psychology can it be applied ? (30)
- Contrast Bottom - up and Top-down theories os perception. ? (10)
- What do illusions tell about the nature of perception ? (10)
2012 - Discuss the ‘ Pay o matrix ‘ in relation to the signal detection theory ? (12)
- Describe Broadbent's lter theory of attention. Why this elegant theory turned out to be inadequate ? Comment upon the alternate
approaches. (30)
- Evaluate 'duplicity theory' of vision. Cite experimental evidences in support of this theory. (20)
2014 - Explain the concept of 'sensory adaptation' and discuss its uses in day-to-day life. (10)
- Is perception a constructive process? Explain in the light of studies on illusions and constancies. (15)
2015 - Demonstrate with suitable examples how the signal detection theory has helped in modifying the process of vigilance ? (15)
- Discuss the brain mechanisms underlying hunger motive ? (10)
2016 - Describe the processing of sensory input and explain how it is selected, organised and interpreted. (15)
- Describe the phenomenon of subliminal perception and explain it with reference to the concepts of backward marking and visual
priming. Do you think that the effect of the phenomenon of subliminal perception can be generalised? (15)
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Year Previous Year Questions

2017 • How are we able to perceive the world in three dimensions when our eyes are capable of sensing only two-dimensional images? (15)

2018 - Discuss signal detection theory and explain its applications. (15)
- Perception is plastic. However, it may also be affected by innate tendencies.Critically evaluate. (20)
- Explain and Critically Evaluate the phenomenon of perceptual defence . (10)
2019 - Citing examples from life situations, explain the phenomenon of perceptual organisation. (15)
- Why do most people experience geometrical illusions? Explain from the psychological perspective. (10)
- Discuss the effects of stimulus-deprivation on human behaviour with empirical evidences. (20)
- How do we see the objects in three dimensions? Discuss the factors in uencing the same. (10)
- How do environmental factors determine the sensation of hunger? Illustrate with examples. (15)
2021 - Describe the bottom-up and top-down processing of sensory information ? (15)
- Why is selective attention important? Discuss the theories of selective attention. (20)
- Discuss the cognitive and motivational determinants of the belief in extrasensory perception. (15)
2022 - What principles of perceptual organisation are useful for air traf c controllers? Also, indicate how they use each of them. (15)
- Is there perception without sensation? Evaluate critically in the light of empirical evidences. (15)
2023 - What do you mean by Subliminal Perception ? Discuss its role in advertising with the help of suitable example. (10)
- Describe the factors in uencing perceptual organisation with reference to past experiences and perceptual readiness ? (20)
- What is the meaning and signi cance of plasticity of perception ? Discuss. (15)

6. Learning :-

- Concepts and theories of learning

• Behaviourists
• Gestaltist
• Information processing models
- The processes of :- Extinction, Discrimination and Generalisation.
- Programmed learning
- probability learning
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 - self instructional learning concepts
- Types and the schedules of reinforcement :- Escape, Avoidance & Punishment , Modelling
- Social learning

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - Comment on the impact of immediate and delayed reinforcement on learning ? (10)

2011 - Distinguish between negative reinforcement and punishment. Indicate the limitations of punishment in the context of learning. ? (10)
- Discuss the consequences of learned helplessness as demonstrated in classic experiment on dogs. Find out its parallels in real life.
(20)

2012 - With suitable examples, critically evaluate both primary and secondary reinforcements and bring out their role in establishing
conditioning. (20)
- In which way IRT is an improvement over classical test theory? Compare the two approaches and critically evaluate Rash's model of
IRT. ? (30)

2013 - Describes di erent reinforcement schedule and indicate their e ects on the strength of learning ? (10)

2014 - Distinguish between 'social learning' and 'conditioning'. ? (10)

- What are the distinctive features of probability learning? How useful is it in real life? (15)
- What is meant by rule learning? Describe some important rules along with description of the concepts related to each rule.
(15)
- What has been learned through experiments about the strategies and knowledge base of experts ? Discuss (10)
2015 - Evaluate the notion of programmed learning and describe its relevance for modern day education with suitable example ? (10)
- Review Bandura's social learning theory and evaluate its impact on understanding aggression as a result of media generated
violence. (15)

2016 - How far do you agree with the contention that a more preferred activity can be used to reinforce a less preferred activity ? Also
describe the types of reinforcement. (15)
- Show your acquaintance with the cognitive approach to classical conditioning and describe how classical conditioning principles can
be used to solve everyday problems. (20)

2017 - Distinguish between negative reinforcement and punishment. Do you think punishment is an effective way to modify behaviour? (10
- How would you apply Operant Conditioning technique for toilet training to a “3-year-old boy” (15)
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2018 - According to Bandura, human beings often demonstrate impressive capacity for the self-regulation of their own behaviour. Evaluate
(Learning & Social Psychology) (10)
- Differentiate between positive and negative types of reinforcement and punishment. Describe how these could be applied to enforce
putting on the seat belts while driving. (15)
- Examine how probability learning is different from other types of learning Give examples. (10)
2019 - What is vicarious learning? Discuss its applications in acquisition of emotional responses. (15)
- "Discrimination and generalisation are two complementary processes in skill learning." Discuss with reference to operant conditioning.
(10)

2020 - Discuss the reasons why rewards may back re and not produce their intended results for behaviour. (10)
- "Any sort of learning takes place with the help of suitable associations and reinforcement." Critically examine that how much
cognitivists, Gestaltists and evolutionary psychologists agree with the statement. (15)

2021 • Describe the principles of classical conditioning. Illustrate the application of classical conditioning principles in real life. (15)

2022 • How can parents use reinforcement contingencies to manage their children's aggressive behaviour? (10)
• "Learning occurs not only through conditioning but also from observations of others." Discuss this statement from children's point of
view. What are the pros and cons of observational learning for children? (20)

2023 - Your relative is going through Chemotherapy . How your knowledge about learning theories will be helpful ? (10)
- Compare and Contrast between programmed and probability learning and also highlight their advantages and disadvantages ? (20)

7. Memory :-

- Encoding and remembering

- Short-term memory, Long-term memory, Sensory memory, Iconic memory, Echoic memory ——[ This all are types
of Memory ]
- The Multi-store model, levels of processing , working memory Model —[Theories ]
- Organisation & Mnemonic techniques to improve memory
- Theories of forgetting :- Decay, Interference and Retrieval failure
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- Metamemory
- Amnesia:- Anterograde and Retrograde.

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - How would you process information for maintaining it for long-term usage? (10)
- Discuss the levels of processing frameworks of memory and the relevant supporting research evidence? (30)
- Explains anterograde amnesia with special reference to the classical case of HM ? (10)
2011 - On what grounds are STM and LTM Distinguished ? (10)
- How the principles of encoding help enhancing the use of mnemonic devices ? (10)
- How does levels of processing model di ers from multi store and working memory models ? Explains (30)
2012 - Compare Sperling's experiments with that of Neisser's experiments in the study of sensory memory. What did these two experiments
prove? (20)

2013 - What factors contribute to the encoding of information in to LTM ? (10)

- Describe and evaluate the modal model of short term memory ? (20)
2014 - Distinguish between single-process theory and dual-process theory of short-term memory. (20)
- What is the role of constructive and reconstructive processes in human memory? Explain. (15)
2015 - Bring out the disruption in retrieval processes due to anxiety , context and repression ? (10)
- Citing studies on amnesia show how the explicit and implicit memory system are separate ? (20)
- How far do you agree with the contention that research ndings on infant memory can present novel approaches toward analyzing
adult memories? Corroborate your answer with examples. (15)

2016 • Explain the phenomena of implicit and explicit memories. Also critically evaluate tulving's model of long-term memory. (20)
• Give a critical appraisal of interference theory of forgetting and show how the process of retrieval inhibition in uences forgetting. (20)
• What do you understand by amnesia? Illustrate the types of amnesia with reference to the case of "H.M's brain operation". (10)

2017 - Explain the role of meaningfulness and emotional arousal in encoding. Discuss the implications of encoding speci city principle. (20)
- Why do we forget? Differentiate between anterograde and retrograde amnesia. (20)
- Explain the difference in information processing at various levels of memory. In what ways is recall affected by initial processing of
information ? (15)

2018 - "Human memory is not like information stored in a tape recorder or compact disc." Critically evaluate the statement. (10)
- Demonstrate the importance of the shallow and deep levels of processing in remembering. With the help of daily life examples, explain
how retrieval cues enable us to remember. (15)
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 Year Previous Year Question

2019 - "Multistore model of memory best explains the nature of memory." Evaluate the statement in theoretical perspective and empirical
evidences. (20)
- Is amnesia merely a phenomenon of retrieval failure? Discuss in the light of empirical evidences. (15)
2020 - How does prior knowledge shape encoding in memory ? (10)
- Di erentiate between metamemory and self-instructional learning. Elaborate your answer with suitable examples. (15)
- Describe 3-stage model of memory with special emphasis on working memory. (15)
- Repression is a motivated forgetting process that protects us by inhibiting anxiety-arousing memories. Explain its role in dissociative
amnesia. (15)

2021 - With reference to the concept of memory construction evaluate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in judicial trial. (10)
- Describe the role of schemas and mnemonic devices in expertise and exceptional memory. (15)
2022 • Discuss the levels of processing model and highlight its relevance for explaining individual di erences in memory. (15)
• Discuss the techniques to access patients with memory disorders. (10)

2023 - How can the memory be improved with the help of organisation and Mnemonic technique ? (15)

8. Thinking & Problem Solving :-

- Piaget's theory of cognitive development

- Concept formation processes
- Information processing
- Reasoning and problem solving
- Facilitating and hindering factors in problem solving
- Methods of problem solving
• Creative thinking
• Fostering creativity
- Factors in uencing decision making and judgement
- Recent trends.
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 Year Previous year Question

2010 - Discuss the Role of Heuristics in reasoning ? (10)

- What are the stages of Cognitive development according to Piaget ? (10)
2011 - Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning, and give reasons for the preference of scientist towards inductive reasoning.
(10)
- What are the criteria to identify creativity? How can a teacher promote creativity in the classroom setting? (30)
2012 - Discuss various dimensions of thought process in relation to concept ? (12)
- Enumerate various methods of problem solving . Critically evaluate their advantages & Limitations also. ? (20)
- Critically evaluate the relationship between intelligence and creativity. Cite experimental evidences in support of your answer. ? (20)
2013 - Compare template matching and feature detection accounts of pattern recognition ? (15)

2015 - What are the general strategies used in problem solving? How do these differ from domain-speci c procedures? (10)
- Describe Piaget’s stages of cognitive development . Critique his theory ? (15)
2016 - Distinguish between mundane and exceptional creativities and citing suitable research evidences, describe the con uence approach
to creativity. (20)
- Critically examine the metacognitive processes in problem solving. How do functional xedness and mental set interfere in solving the
problems effectively? (10)

2017 • Creative people usually have high IQ scores but those with highest IQ scores are not necessarily the most creative people. Explain.
(10)
• Explain different types of reasoning processes used in problem solving with their strengths and limitations. (10)

2018 - Explain the use of availability heuristic and representativeness heuristic in problem solving with the help of research studies. (10)
- "Creativity refers to novel ideas that address some problems in a useful way."
- Critically examine the statement and discuss how creative insight can be explained. (15)
- Do you think being in a good mood reduces your capacity to process incoming information? Examine in the light of research studies.
(10)
- Explain the concepts of self-serving bias and fundamental attribution error. How do they affect problem solving? (15)
2019 - Explain how divergent thinking is different from convergent thinking. Discuss the methods to foster divergent thinking in children. (15)
- De ne 'concept'. Illustrate different types of concepts and processes involved in the formulation of the same. (20)
2020 - Give details of facilitating and hindering factors in problem solving. Answer the question by citing suitable example. (15)

2022 • Is problem solving a psychological process? Illustrate your answer with the steps and methods involved in problem solving.
• Differentiate between human and computerised problem solving. (20)
• How do psychologists conceptualise creativity? Explain the con uence approach to creativity. (10)
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Year Previous year Question

2023 - Discuss the factors facilitating in problem - solving ? (10)

- Discuss recent trends in the eld of Decision - making ? (10)
- In view of Piaget, "Intellectual development takes place through stages which occur in a xed order and which are universal
regardless of social and cultural background." Critically examine Piaget's point of view in detail. ? (20)

9. Motivation & Emotion :-

- Psychological and physiological basis of motivation and emotion

- Measurement of motivation and emotion
- Effects of motivation and emotion on behaviour
- Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
- Factors in uencing intrinsic motivation
- Emotional competence and the related issues.

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - Discuss the role of cognition in experiencing emotion in the light of experimental studies. (30)

2011 - How does arousal theory explain human motivation? (10)

- What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation ? Explain with the help of example. ? (10)
2012 - Is facial expression of emotion innate or acquired ? Support your answer with suitable evidence. (12)
- Evaluate various factors which in uence intrinsic motivation. ? (12)
- How would you measure emotion of an individual? Discuss the effect of emotion on behaviour. ? (20)
2013 - Bring out the role of left and right hemispheres in emotional experiences ? (15)
- What is intrinsic motivation ? Why it gets reduced if the person gets external reward for undertaking a task that he or she loves ? (20)
2014 - Discuss the role of various neural and physiological processes in emotional experiences. (10)
- What is the role of cognitive factors in determining emotional functioning? Discuss. (15)
2015 - Distinguish between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Which one is more powerful and why ? (20)
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Year Previous Year Question

2016 - Explain the contribution of Salovey and Mayer with regard to the concept of emotional intelligence. (10)
- Explain motivational concepts with reference to homeostatic models. (15)
2017 • Which needs should one be high on to be a successful entrepreneur? Explain on the basis of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. (15)

2018 - Are emotionally competent people internally controlled? Explain. What are the ways to enhance intrinsic motivation of
young adults ? (15)
2019 • What is achievement motivation? Discuss the projective technique as a method for assessing achievement motivation. (15)

2020 - Describe physiological and cognitive components of emotions. (10)

- Explain six primary emotions that can be identi ed from facial expressions. (10)
2021 - Discuss the physiological basis of emotion and its measurement. (15)
- Which approaches to motivation are more commonly used in an organization? How these approaches might help to sustain or
increase motivation? (20)

2022 - Nurturing social intelligence at early developmental stages can play a critical role in con ict resolution at later stages. Explain with the
help of examples. (15)
- "Emotional competency is more important than intellectual competency." Discuss in the context of school children. (10)
- What do you understand by physical indicators of emotion ? How are they relevant in polygraph test ? (15)
2023 - What do you understand by psychological and physiological basis of Motivation ? Discuss them giving suitable example ? (15)

10. Intelligence & Aptitude :-

- Concept of intelligence and aptitude

- Nature and theories of intelligence
• Spearman
• Thurstone
• Gulford Vernon
• Sternberg
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 • J.P. Das
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social intelligence
- Measurement of intelligence and aptitudes
- IQ:- concept of IQ , deviation I Q, constancy of IQ
- Measurement of multiple intelligence
- Fluid intelligence and crystallised intelligence.

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - Critically assess Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence ? (30)

- Distinguish between IQ and deviation IQ ? (10)
- Discuss the constituents of emotional intelligence ? (10)
2011 - Compare the model of uid and crystallised intelligence with the two factor theory of Spearman. ? (10)
- What are the functions of emotions ? (10)
- Describe and evaluate the model of intelligence proposed by J.P Das. ? (30)
2012 - Compare "multi-factor' theory of intelligence with that of theory of 'multiple intelligences. (20)
2013 - Explicate Sternberg’s view of intelligence and bring out its implications for schoolings ? (10)
- Why our representations of the external world are not entirely accurate ? (15)
- What makes a persuasive attempt e ective ? Discuss. (20)
2014 - Describe the problems in the assessment of intelligence of children with special needs. ? (10)
- What are the key components of emotional intelligence? How can parents and teachers help facilitate its development in school-going
children?

2015 - Evaluate the utility of J.P Das Model in understanding the concept of Intelligence ? (10)
- Discuss brie y the evolution of factor theory of intelligence in the works of Spearman, Thurstone and Guilford. ? (15)
- What is an aptitude ? Describe the various test of aptitude ? (15)
2016 - Describe the characteristics of Gardner's theory of intelligence. (10)
- Give a comparative account of information processing models of intelligence proposed by Sternberg and J.P. Das. (20)
- Explain the contribution of Salovey and Mayer with regard to the concept of emotional intelligence. (10)
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2017 - Creative people usually have high IQ scores but those with highest IQ scores are not necessarily the most creative people. Explain.
(10)
- According to Gardner's theory, there is no one kind of general intelligence for ranking individuals. Explain. (15)
- Can we determine a person’s academic performance based only on IQ Score ? Explain. (20)
2018 • Describe how J. P. Das' theory is distinct from other theories of intelligence. (20)

2019 - In what ways is deviation IQ different from traditional 1Q? Discuss. (10)
- How is Gardner's theory of intelligence distinct from Spearman's theory? Illustrate. (20
2020 - How much do family and school environment contribute to intelligence ? (10)

2021 - IQ scores predict success in academic, job and other life outcomes. Evaluate. (10)
- Give a critical appraisal on the practice of using aptitude tests to predict professions for high school children. (10)
2022 • Is intelligence a univariate or multivariate concept? Discuss in the light of Spearman's and J. P. Das's theories of intelligence. (20)
• Compare and contrast the concepts of intelligence, emotional intelligence and social intelligence. How can they contribute in the
making of an effective civil servant? Discuss. (15)

2023 - Describe multiple intelligence theory and its measurement ? (15)

- How do intelligence and aptitude di er ? Explain the two in the light of ‘g’ and ‘s’ factors of intelligence giving suitable examples ?
(20)

11. Personality :-

- De nition and concept of personality

- Theories of personality (psychoanalytical, socio-cultural, interpersonal, developmental, humanistic, behaviouristic,
trait and type approaches)
- Measurement of personality (projective tests, pencil-paper test)
- The Indian approach to personality
- Training for personality development
- Latest approaches like big 5 factor theory
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 - The notion of self in different traditions.

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - Discuss the stages of psychosexual development according to Freud. ? (10)

- What are the big ve' personality factors? Critically examine their conceptual basis. ? (30)
2011 - How is the information we hold about ourselves organised and interpreted ? (10)
- Compare the Indian and western constructions of 'Self° with reference to cross-cultural studies and bring out their implication for
well-being. (30)

2012 - What is the essence of a projective technique? Critically evaluate perceptive, apperceptive and productive projective tests in the
measurement of personality. ? (30)

2013 - What is the situationalist critiique of trait psychology ? (10)

- How the psychoanalytic view di ers from physiological or cognitive view of dream ?
- Describe the Indian approach to personality as re ected in the principle of three Gunas ? (15)
- Explain correspondence bias . Is it universal or culturally variable ? (15)
2014 - Brie y discuss the evolution of psychoanalytic theory as re ected in the works of Fromm, Erikson and Sudhir Kakar. (20)
- Is self-serving bias universal in attribution process? Comment. (10)
- How is self related to culture ? Discuss in the light of studies on self construal and Individualism collectivism ? (20)
2015 - Highlight the problems in assessment of personality using the pencil-paper tests ? (10)
- Describe the trait and type approaches to personality. Highlight Jung's typology with its weaknesses. ? (20)
- State the components of Big-5 factor theory of personality. Why is it considered superior to other factor theories of personality ? (15)
2016 - Critically evaluate Erikson's stages of Psychosocial development. (15)
- Are projective tests really projective in nature? Describe Rorschach and TAT tests and comment on their reliabilities. (15)
- Discuss the Indian approach to personality as evident in tri-gunas. (15)
2017 • Can we do justice to measuring personality by projective and objective tests? Discuss. (20)
• How do we explain self-defeating behaviour of a person from the Humanistic perspective? (15)
• People emphasise the personal traits more than the situational factors . Evaluate the statement ? (15)
2018 - Compare the traits perspective and humanistic perspective on personality. ? (20)

2019 - How is NEO Five-Factor Theory different from 16 Personality Factors Theory? Explain. (15)
- Critically evaluate the uses of paper-pencil tests in personality assessment. (15)
- The edi ce of behaviourism was built on the loopholes of the teleological approach in psychoanalysis. Evaluate. (10)
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2020 - Describe different personality assessment techniques and also highlight their strengths and weaknesses. (20)
- Differentiate between Erikson's psychosocial and Freudian psychosexual theories. Also explain different virtues
attached to each stage of psychosocial theory. (20)
- What are the major features do clinicians use to interpret Rorschach responses? (10)
2021 - What is self-ef cacy? Discuss the potential bene ts of enhancing self-ef cacy. (10)
- Are we born with personality? Critically evaluate with theoretical interpretation. (20)
2022 • Do we need 16 factors to describe human personality? Illustrate your answer in the light of big ve-factor theory of
personality. (10)
• Can human beings be fully functioning and self-actualized? Evaluate it from humanistic and psychoanalytic
perspectives of personality. (20)
2023 - What hypothetical ideas lead to the development of projective personality tests ? (10)
- Do childhood experiences a ect us in our entire lives ? — Elaborate your answer in the light of personality theories. (20)

12. Attitude , Values & Interests :-

- De nitions of :- Attitudes, Values and Interests

- Components of attitudes
- Formation and maintenance of attitudes
- Measurement of attitudes, values and interests.
- Theories of attitude changes
- Strategies for fostering values
- Formation of stereotypes and prejudices
- Changing other's behaviour
- Theories of attribution
- Recent trends.
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 Year Previous Year Question

2010 - Khap Panchayats have been in the news recently because of their opposition to same-'gotra' marriages. What psychological
constructs would explain their behaviour? (30)
- What is likely to happen if a person is asked to behave in a manner contrary to the attitude the person holds? Explain on the basis of a
theory. (10)

2011 - Describe di erent psychological measures of values and outline a programme for fostering values. Among school-going children. (30)
- Critically evaluate the role of parenting style, peer group and media in identity formation during adolescence. 30
2012 - Discuss A-B-C components of attitude. Describe the procedure of development of a tool for measurement of attitude. ? (30)

2013 - What is the role of social categorisation in the formation of prejudices ? Suggest some strategies to reduce prejudices ? (25)

2014 - Discuss the roots of gender - related prejudices in the Indian Society . Hey is it so resistant ? (15)

2015 - "Children are not born with stereotypes; they learn them from their family, peers, media and society."-Discuss. (20)

2016 - Explain the components of attitude and examine the methods of attitude formation. ? (15)
- What is meant by attribution? Describe, citing examples, the phenomenon of attributional augmentation. (10)
- Discuss cognitive dissonance theory of attitude change. (10)
2017 - Why do some people behave aggressively towards those who defy social norms? How can such aggressive behaviours be changed
(15)
- A young person helped a visually impaired woman to cross the road. He explained his action saying that he has positive attitude
towards such persons. Did his attitude determined his behaviour or the behaviour determine his attitude . Explain ? (20)
- Drug-addiction is just a maladaptive behaviour. Like other behaviour, it can be easily changed. Discuss. (10)
- Do you think subliminal messages can actually lead to signi cant changes in attitudes or behaviour? Cite research evidence. (10)
- In a study, the number of students intake in a college correlated very highly with violence. Explain the research nding. (10)
2018 - Discuss the signi cance and correlates of values. Comment on the impact of social media on values. (15)
- In what way can dissonance be an effective means for changing attitudes and behaviour. (10)
2019 - "Stereotypes can lead to the development of prejudice and discrimination." Explain citing examples from Indian context. (10)

2020 - Discuss in detail about different attitude rating scales. How can we measure intergroup prejudice among students in the class using
Likert scale and how can their behaviour be recti ed through moral education? (20)
- While playing cricket, Team-A got into ght with Team-B. Discuss it in the context of 'realistic group con ict theory: How can con ict
resolution strategies be used to manage and control such ghts? (20)
- Suggest some strategies for fostering values in Indian settings. (10)
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2021 - State the role of psychologist in resolving interpersonal con icts and social unrest ? (10)
- Humans strive to assign causes to actions of self and others and fall in to traps of biases and errors . Critically discuss ? (20)
2022 • Explain the nature of human attitudes. How is the knowledge of attitude change process helpful in bringing religious harmony in the
Indian context? Discuss. (20)

2023 - Discuss formation of stereotypes and prejudices with the help of suitable examples. (15)

13. Language & Communication :-

- Human language
• Properties
• structure
• linguistic hierarchy
- Language acquisition
• predisposition
• Critical period hypothesis
- Theories of Language development - Skinner and Chomsky
- Process and types of communication - effective communication training.

Year Previous Year Question

2010 - Compare Chomsky's innate mechanism view with Skinner's view of language development. ? (30)

2011 - How does language differ from other forms of communication? Referring to relevant studies, document children's progress from non
verbal communication to the use of language. (30)

2012 - Discuss the modi cations of Chomsky’s “Transformational generative grammar “. ? (12)
- What is meant by e ective communication? Evaluate various sources of e ective communication. ? (20)
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Year Previous Year Question

2013 - What are the processes of language production ? (10)

2014 - Commenting on bilingualism and multilingualism in the Indian context, outline a language policy relevant to schooling. (15)
- Considering some successful advertisements witnessed by you , describe the key factors that enhance the effectiveness of
communication ? (15)

2015 - Illustrate with suitable examples the non - verbal process of communication ? (10)
- How does Chomsky's Theory di er from that of Skinner in language development? Discuss. (15)
2016 • Discuss the components of language acquisition citing the average age at which these are demonstrated by a child. (15)

2017 - Explain the importance of Critical Periods in language development. In what ways are bilingualism and cognitive
development related ? (15)
- Critically evaluate Noam Chomsky's theory of transformational grammar. (10)
2018 • Describe the structure and features of language focusing on what makes human language unique in comparison to communication in
animals. (20)
• Explain Various limitations of verbal communication ? (10)

2019 - How can language be analysed for its similarities across cultures? Explain with scienti c evidences. (15)
- Evaluate the critical period' hypothesis in language acquisition. (10)
2020 - What are the different rules of language? Critically analyse 'critical period hypothesis'. (15)
- Discuss the steps involved in effective communication training. (10)
2021 • Describe the strategies of effective communication training. (15)
• Give a comparative analysis of the behaviourist and nativist perspective to language development. (15)

2022 - Discuss the factors involved in ethnolinguistics vitality in the Indian Context ? (15)
- Discuss Language acquisition at di erent stages of development in the light of the theories of Skinner and Chomsky. ? (15)
2023 - What are the steps for e ective communication training ? Discuss in detail ? (15)

14. Issues and Perspective In Modern Contemporary :-

- Computer application in the psychological laboratory and psychological testing

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 - Arti cial intelligence
- Psycho Cybernetics
- Study of consciousness - sleep-wake schedules
- Dreams
- Stimulus deprivation
- Meditation
- Hypnotic/ drug induced states
- Extrasensory perception
- Inter-sensory perception
- Simulation studies.

Year Previous Year Questions

2010 - What is REM sleep and how is it related to dreaming ? (10)

- Discuss the Concept of N Ach and di erent methods which have been used to measure it ? (30)
2011 - How does the brain mediate between the genotype and the phenotype for psychological characteristics? (10)
- Elaborate upon the salient developments in consciousness studies and indicate the effect of 'meditation' on psychological
functions. (30)
2012 - Enumerate different stages of sleep. Discuss the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance. (20)
2013 - How do novices di er from Experts ? (10)

2014 - What are the main types of meditation? Describe their effects on cognitive functioning. (10)
- Compare the limits of arti cial intelligence and human information processing system. Discuss their implications for human
performance. (15)

2015 - Why are we awake at certain times and asleep at others? Explain this with help of opponent process model. ? (15)
2016 - Describe the physiological changes that are accompanied by shifts in consciousness in the process of sleep. Also discuss major sleep
disorders. (20)
- Explain different types of psychoactive drugs and patterns of their use. (10)
- "Cognitive psychologists often use computer as an analogy to explain the relation between cognition and brain." Discuss. (10)
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2017 • What is paradoxical in REM sleep? How active is a person during different stages of sleep ? (10)

2018 • Discuss contemporary researches on simulating human intelligence using machines and their implications for understanding human
behaviour. (15)
• Is sleep a passive process ? Justify your answer with proper scienti c supports ? (15)

2020 • What is the role of arti cial intelligence in psychology? How can it be applied as an intervention in identifying different psychological
abnormalities? (20)

2021 - Describe different types of Meditation and its effect on health and well-being. (15)
- Discuss the use of computer application in the various domains of practice in Psychology. (15)
2022 - Discuss the role of arti cial intelligence in dealing with mental health problems. (10)
- Is sleep a conscious phenomenon? Illustrate different states of sleep and explain the functions and role it serves in human life. (15)
2023 - Explain in detail the use of computer technology in psychological studies. Give your answer citing appropriate recent work in the
eld. (20)
- Discuss some key ideas from Psychocybernetics ? (15)
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 PAPER 2

YEARS Psychol Psychol Therape Work Appl. Of Commu Rehabili Appli Psych Appl of Psychol App of Applicat Psychol Total
ogical ogical utic psychol psychol nity tation Psychol problem psychol ogy & Psychol ion of ogy of
measur well- approac ogy & ogy to Psychol Psychol ogy to s of ogy in Econom ogy to Psychol Gender
ement being & h Organis educati ogy ogy Disadva social IT & ic Environ ogy in
of Indv mental ational onal ntage integrat Massm develop ment & other
Di e disorde Behv eld grp ion edia ment Related. eld
r Field

2010 1 0 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 19

2011 0 3 3 3 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 18

2012 1 2 2 3 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 3 2 2 26

2013 2 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 4 3 28

2014 3 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 3 2 2 1 28

2015 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 27

2016 1 2 2 5 2 2 3 0 2 1 2 2 2 1 27

2017 1 2 3 3 2 4 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 0 29

2018 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 1 28

2019 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 0 1 23

2020 3 2 2 4 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 29

2021 2 2 2 4 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 26

2022 1 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 29

2023 1 2 4 1 0 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 4 2 28

Total 22 28 34 39 29 24 25 22 28 21 19 26 30 19 365
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 PAPER 2 :- PSYCHOLOGY : ISSUES & APPLICATIONS :-

1. Psychological Measurement of Individual Differences:-

- The nature of individual differences

- Characteristics and construction of standardised psychological tests
- Types of psychological tests
- Use, misuse and limitation of psychological tests
- Ethical issues in the use of psychological tests.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Discuss the application of psychological test in the selection of creative students . Elucidate their limitation ? (20)
2012 - Explain the characteristics of standardised psychological tests. Discuss the major steps in developing self-report personality
inventory. Illustrate your answer with a suitable example ? (30)
2013 - Identify the ethical and non-ethical uses of psychological tests especially measuring individual di erences. Provide suitable
examples ? (15)
- How will you ensure that a newly constructed personnel selection test measures that it purports to measure and predicts what
it intends to predict ? Explain.
2014 - What factors can impede fair assessment of Individual di erence ? Examine in the light of research evidence ? (10)
- What di erent types of norms will a psychologist need to develop a test of general mental ability for use in India ? (15)
- What is the purpose of item analysis ? How would you carry it out for a test of aptitude ? (20)
2015 - What are some important ethical principles that psychologists must adhere to while making use of psychological tests ? (15)
- How will you go about constructing a test for assessing aptitude for Civil Services? Discuss the details ? (20)
2016 - In What ways psychological tests are useful in assessing individual di erences ? Answer with example (10)
2017 - Explain how the concept of Individual di erences emerged and state its importance for vocational guidance ? (10)
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 Years Previous Year Questions
2018 - Bring out the similarities and differences between intelligence, aptitude, and achievement tests ? (10)
- Discuss the different steps in the construction and standardisation of psychological tests. Illustrate your answer with suitable
example ? (20)
2019 - "Psychological tests are important in personnel selection." Give reason to it and describe which psychological tests are
generally used ? (10)
- How can one make a decision of using exploratory factor analysis or con rmatory factor analysis or an integrated approach
while constructing a psychological test ? (15)
2020 - What are the challenges in the development and uses of psychological tests ? Illustrate with examples. (15)
- Enumerate the major purposes of psychological testing in educational settings and discuss ways in which psychological testing
helps both the teacher and student ? (20)
- In what ways psychological tests are better tools in assessing individual di erences? Explain. (10)
2021 - Discuss the psychological test used for the selection of defence personnel ? (10)
- What are the di erent types of psychological tests for personality assessment ? (15)
2022 - Discuss uses, misuses and limitations of psychological tests in clinical settings ? (20)
2023 - Explain the characteristics of standardised psychological tests . Highlight the limitations of psychological tests ? (20)

2. Psychological Well Being and Mental Disorder :-

- Concept of health-ill health

- Positive health, well being
- Casual factors in Mental disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Delusional disorders
• Personality disorders
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 • Substance abuse disorders
- Factors in uencing positive health, well being , lifestyle and quality of life
- Happiness disposition

Years Previous Year Questions

2011 - Explain delusional disorders and highlight their distinguishing features ? (20)
- Discuss the various aspects subjective well being as propounded by positive psychology movement ? (30)
- Explain Paranoid and Schizoid Personality disorders ? (30)
2012 - What do you understand by 'personality disorders? Distinguish between schizoid personality disorder and schizophrenia ? (12)
- De ne learned helplessness' How can used this concept be used to explain depressive disorders ? (20)
2013 - Re ect on the major issues and contradictions related to the understanding of well-being. Discuss with reference to current
social trends ? (10)
2014 - Discuss how happiness may in uence psychological well-being and health ? (15)
- How will you distinguish between anxiety and mood disorders ? (10)
- What is meant by Unconditional positive regards ? (10)
2015 - Substance abuse is a growing phenomenon among Indian youths. Discuss the psychological causes of and intervention
measures for substance abuse ? (10)
- Critically evaluate the relationship between economic growth and human we I-being in the light of contemporary research on
happiness ? (15)
2016 - How do lifestyle variables in uence quality of life of an individual in different life domains ? (15 marks)
- What biological factors explain mental disorders ? Discuss. (10 marks)
2017 - Explain psychopathic personality and state how it is related to deviant behaviour ? (10 marks)
- Explain how hallucinations and delusional contents differ in paranoid and non-paranoid schizophrenia ? (15 marks)
2018 - Why is psychological well being considered as an essential factor of health? What are the different ways it can be enhanced ?
(15 marks)
- Explain the etiology of manic-depressive disorder. Evaluate the suitability of therapeutic methods for the treatment of manic-
depressive disorder ? (15 marks)
2019 - What is successful aging ? What are the components of successful aging? (10 marks)
- Why is Narcissistic personality disorder considered as a personality disorder? What are the obstacles faced by the clinicians to
treat these types of clients ? (15 marks)
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 Years Previous Year Questions
2020 - Describe the symptoms of depression and mood disorder. Give an account of etiological factors and suggest the appropriate
therapeutic treatment for these disorders ? (20 marks)
- How are schizophrenic disorders different from anxiety disorders? Explain with examples ? (15 marks)
2021 - Describe the different types of anxiety disorders. What are the behavioural approaches to treat such patients ? (20 marks)
- What do you understand by mood disorders ? Discuss the causes. (10 marks)
2022 - What are different criteria for labelling abnormal behaviour ? (10)
- Discuss the challenges to mental health of Indian youth. As a psychologist, suggest ways to foster their mental health ? (15)
- Describe the instrumental role of biology, conditioning, cognition and stress in developing anxiety disorder ? (20)
2023 - Give a comparative analysis of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. ? (10)
- Explain the nature of dyslexia . How can it be diagnosed ? (10)

3. Therapeutic Approaches :-

- Psychodynamic therapies
- Behaviour therapies
- Client centered therapy
- Cognitive therapies
- Indigenous therapies (Yoga, Meditation)
- Biofeedback therapy
- Prevention and rehabilitation of the mentally ill
- Fostering mental health.
 Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Enumerate the di erent types of phobias encountered in clinical practice. Explain the application of behaviour therapy in
handling these phobic disorders ? (30)
- 'In diagnosis. treatment and prognosis, it is more important to know which person has the disease rather than the disease he
has'. Express your agreement or otherwise with the statement with justi cations and discuss its implications for
Psychotherapy ? (60)
- In which way , the eastern traditional wisdom has contributed to dealing with psychological illnesses ? (20)
2011 - Discuss the e cacy of Biofeedback therapy in the Management of Mental health ? (20)
- Explain person- centred therapy and state its limitation with suitable examples ? (30)
- Critically evaluate the e ectiveness of Beck's cognitive behaviour therapy in treatment of di erent types of depressions ? (30)
2012 - Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychodynamic therapies in the treatment of mental disorders ? (12)
- Explain the assumptions underlying cognitive therapy. Critically comment on its utility in the treatment of mental disorders ? (20)
2013 - What are the necessary conditions required in client-centred therapy? Discuss the therapeutic process involved in it ? (15)
- Re ect on the possibility of fostering positive mental health through indigenous therapies along with cultural practices ? (20)
2014 - What therapy will be most ef cacious in case of someone who is suffering from depression? Give reasons in support of your
answer ? (15)
- Discuss the theoretical bases of behaviouristic approaches of psychotherapy ? (15)
2015 - How can 'Ashtanga Yoga' help in fostering holistic health? Support your answer with research evidence ? (10)
- Elucidate the learning principles underlying behaviour therapies. Examine the relative ef cacy of cognitive therapy and
behaviour therapy in helping students overcome social anxiety ? (15)
2016 - Discuss the ef cacy of behaviour therapies in the prevention of mental illnesses. (10 marks)
- Discuss the salient features of psychodynamic therapies and evaluate their role in the prevention of mental illnesses. (20 marks)
2017 - Explain the behavioural cognitive therapy by Ellis with the steps involved in it ? (15 marks)
- Explain reciprocal inhibition in behaviour therapy and point out its theoretical basis ? (20 marks)
- Explain the concept of incongruence in person - centred therapy ? (10 Marks )
2018 - Discuss the distinctive aspects of modern psychodynamic therapy. How can it be helpful in the treatment of diverse array of
disorders? (15 marks)
- Discuss the ef cacy of systematic desensitisation in reducing clients' phobic reactions. Illustrate your answer with suitable
example. (15 marks)
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 Years Previous Year Questions
2019 - How would cognitive therapy explain the cause for clinical depression of a client and what would be the therapeutic approach
followed for the treatment? (15 marks)
- Why no single form of therapy works best for every problem ? How an eclectic approach is an answer to it ? (20 marks )
2020 - Illustrate the basic tenets of psychodynamic and client centered therapies. Discuss the effectiveness of these therapies as forms
of treatment of mental disorders. (20 marks)
- How are indigenous therapies an alternative to classical insight therapies ? Discuss. (10 marks)
2021 - Describe the main tenets of cognitive therapy. Compare it with psychoanalytic therapy ? (15 marks)
- Discuss the methods used by a psychoanalyst to bring unconscious motives into conscious ? (15 marks)
2022 - Discuss the (challenges) to mental health of Indian youth. As a psychologist, suggest ways to foster their mental health ? (20)
- Discuss the various strategies necessary for rehabilitation of mentally ill Indian Youth ? (15)
- Discuss important concepts of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy along with its applications ? (15)
2023 - Compare directional and non-directional therapies with reference to their e ectiveness ? (10)
- Explain the nature and signi cance of. Biofeedback therapy ? (10)
- Discuss the biopsychosocial model of health . Suggest relevant actions to prevent illness ? (15)
- Explain the assumptions of behaviour therapy . Discuss various techniques of behaviour therapy to treat phobia ? (15)

4. Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour :-

- Personnel selection and Training

- Use of Psychological tests in the industry
- Training and human resource development
- Theories of work motivation :- Herzberg, Maslow, Adam Equity theory, Porter and Lawler, Vroom
- Leadership and participatory management
- Advertising and marketing
- Stress and its management
- Ergonomics
- consumer psychology
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- Managerial effectiveness
- Transformational leadership
- Sensitivity training
- Power and politics in organisations.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Evaluate the application of equity theory and Porter - Lawler’s theory in modern organisation ? (20)
2011 - Provide comparison between transformational and transactional leadership for their relevance to Indian organisations ? (30)
- Differentiate between-managerial effectiveness. And ef ciency, and discuss the factors in uencing them ? (30)
- Compare procedural and distributive justice and present their effect on employees motivation ? (30)
2012 - Explain the models of sensitivity training. Relate them to organisational development ? (20)
- Explain Vroom's expectancy theory of work motivation and link this theory with variable-pay programs ? (20)
- What are the psychosocial components of advertising and marketing? Identify and discuss the relevant ethical considerations ?
(30)
2013 - What is your understanding of organisational politics? Discuss how it impacts decision-making processes in bureaucratic
organisations ? (15)
- Discuss the key determinants of consumer behaviour in India .How do Cultural values in uence it ? (15)
- What bases of power are used by successful leaders to exercise in uence with in the organisation ? Discuss (15)
2014 - Can leaders be trained ? What will be the essential components of a leadership training programme for the civil servants ? (20)
- To what extent, do you think that the principles of management derived from the study of industrial organisations can be applied
to improve the functioning of bureaucratic organisations in India ? (10)
2015 - To what extent would you agree that human resource development is more about inculcation of human values and less about
development of competencies ? (10)
- Do you think that e cacy of Personnel selection can be improved by using multiple methods ? (15)
2016 - How can psychological well-being of service professionals be promoted ? Discuss. (10 marks)
- Is Herzberg's theory relevant for understanding work motivation in Indian organisations ? (10 marks)
- How is competency mapping made use of for human resource development in modern organisations ? (15 marks)
- Critically evaluate whether the principles of participatory management are equally effective in bureaucratic organisations as in
industrial organisations. (15 marks)
- How can psychological theories be put to use to inoculate people against their impulsive buying behaviour? (15 marks)
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2017 - Critically evaluate the role of self-report personality inventories in personnel selection. (10 marks)
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by multiculturalism and diversity in today's organizations. (10 marks)
- Distinguish between content and process theories of work motivation. Comment on the applicability of Maslow's theory of work
motivation in the Indian context ? (15 marks)
2018 - How does stress contribute to the causation of physical illness? Discuss the role of optimism as factor moderating the impact of
stress. (10 marks)
- Explain the nature of sensitivity training. Comment on its utility as an organisational development technique. (15 marks)
- Explain Herzberg's theory of work-motivation. Critically comment on its relevance in Indian context. (20 marks)
2019 - How can one differentiate between learning and training? Discuss any two executive training methods giving suitable examples.
(10 marks)
- Critically examine Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation and point out that in what way Herzberg's theory is different from
Maslow's theory ? (20 marks)
2020 - Explain the nature of diversity in today's organizations in India. What steps should organizations take to manage diversity? (15
marks)
- What are the potential sources of stress for people working in research and development organisations? Discuss some of the
individual and organizational approaches to manage stress. (20 marks)
- Discuss the factors that contribute to political behaviour in organizations. (10 marks)
- In case of highly skilled professionals does their motivation come from within or is it the result of situational factors? Explain this
in the light of theories of motivation. (15 marks)
2021 - What are the steps to be taken to promote gender-friendly environment at workplace ? (10 marks)
- How does power in organisations tend to concentrate in the hands of a few persons ? Discuss the tactics used to gain power.
(15 marks)
- Explain the factors affecting the work motivation with in work organisation in India ? (10 marks)
- What do you understand by psychology of advertising ? How can consumer awareness be enhanced through advertising ? (20
marks )
2022 - Explain how power and politics go hand in hand ? (10)
- Why is selection considered to be a process of infusion of fresh blood in the organisation ? Discuss the steps involved in
employee selection ? (15)
- How does advertising help people to buy intelligently and enable them to take a step in the direction of a higher standard of living
? Critically examine (15)
 Years Previous Year Questions
2023 - Explain Maslow’s need hierarchy theory . Critically evaluate the same ? (15)

5. Application of Psychology to Educational Field :-

- Psychological principles underlying effective teaching-learning process

- Learning styles
- Gifted, Retarded, Learning disabled and their training
- Training for improving memory and better academic achievement.
- Personality development and value education , Educational, vocational guidance and Career counselling
- Use of Psychological tests in educational institutions
- Effective strategies in guidance programmes.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Explain the role of case study in understanding the learning disabilities in school children. Prepare a proforma for the case study
of a dyslexic child ? (30)
- Discuss the challenges encountered by the guidance and counselling movement in India ? (30)
2011 - Discuss the process of selection of 'gifted children' on the basis of psychological tests. Make recommendations for their proper
schooling ? (20)
- Bring out the need of Value education in personality development of students during schooling ? (20)
- What are the techniques and devices used in improving memory to ensure better academic achievements? Discuss. (30)
2012 - Comment on the present practices related to educational guidance and counselling programs in Indian schools and colleges.
Highlight the problems in implementing and strengthening these programs in Indian context ? (12)
- Discuss di erent learning disabilities and their educational and psychological consequences. Suggest relevant remedial
measures in this context ? (30)
2013 - How would you identify Gifted Children ? Explain with examples (10)
- Re ecting on the status of education in India, state whether it can help in reducing the gap which has been experienced due to
social inequality ? (20)
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2014 - Enumerate the factors that can impact upon the teaching - Learning process in rural India ? (10)
- How can teachers help in meeting the educational needs of a child su ering from ADHD ? (15)
2015 - How can psychological knowledge be put to use in changing the behaviour of children inclined to consume ‘Junk food ‘ ? (10)
- Why do teaching-learning processes in Indian classrooms tend to be teacher-centred? If knowledge is viewed as a constructive
process, what kind of classroom would be suitable for rural Indian schools ? (20)
- Discuss some strategies for dealing with academic underachievement in Indian School ? (10)
2016 - Examine some important psychological principles underlying effective teaching learning process. (10 marks)
- Illustrate the signi cance of value education in schools and comment on its relevance for personality development of children.
(10 marks)
2017 - Explain how the concept of individual differences emerged and state its importance for vocational guidance. (10 marks)
- Elaborate the process of spotting and nurturing gifted children in the Indian context ? (15 marks)
2018 - Can effective teaching-learning be viewed as a process of collaborative construction of knowledge? What are the implications of
such a view on classroom structure and management in Indian conditions? (20 marks)
- How is giftedness identi ed and what are the issues in such identi cation in Indian Context ? How is giftedness related to IQ and
Creativity ? (15 marks )
2019 - "If you accept that studying does not come naturally, then it is apparent that one should need to set-up an organised schedule to
promote adequate study. Comment on this statement and highlight the important steps. (10 marks)
- Describe factors that may positively or negatively affect academic performance. (10 marks)
- There is a strong need for a wellbeing curriculum for children in schools. You are asked to develop such a curriculum. What
would be the focus and essential components of such a curriculum ? (20 marks)
2020 - Enumerate the major purposes of psychological testing in educational settings and discuss ways in which psychological testing
helps both the teacher and student ? (20 marks)
- Describe and evaluate the techniques used in the training for memory development ? (15 marks)
2021 - Explain the major steps to be taken for the training of children with learning disabilities ? (15 marks)
- Highlight the importance of career counselling in enhancing students' success in life ? (15 marks)
- What is the need of early identi cation of mentally challenged children? Write about the strategies for early intervention. (20
marks)
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2022 - In the light of research, discuss various ways to enhance cognitive skills of the gifted children ? (10)
- With reference to the general scenario of our country, elaborate the signi cance of 'out of school' vocational guidance. Which
special strategies should be used for it ? (15)

6. Community Psychology :-

- De nition and concept of Community Psychology

- Use of small groups in Social Action
- Arousing Community consciousness and action for handling social problems
- Group decision making and Leadership for social change
- Effective strategies for social change.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Discuss critically the relevance of community psychology in India for the eradication of superstitions ? (30)
2012 - Discuss the merits of the role of small groups in social actions and community handling of social problems ? (12)
2013 - Discuss the steps that can be taken to improve the quality of group decision-making ? (10)
- Identify the factors in arousal of community consciousness and also the strategies for handling social problems keeping in view
some of the recent protest movements in India ? (20)
2014 - Discuss the implications of employing group decision-making in issues involving development in the Indian cultural context ?
(15)
2015 - What is the phenomenon of ‘ Group Think ‘ ? How can it in uence the quality of group decision making ? (10)
- It has been found that cultural factors can be used to facilitate social change. What cultural factors can be made use of, and how, in making
a success of the governmental programme called 'Swacch Bharat Abhiyan ? (20)

2016 - Discuss how the process of group decision making can be used effectively in bringing about social change ? (20 marks)
- Discuss the usefulness of small groups in community interventions for social development ? (10 marks)
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2017 - Which psychological and cultural factors will facilitate the success of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' programme? How can this
programme be promoted through information technology and mass media? (15 marks)
- What is the role of the community in handling social problems? Prepare a plan for involving the community to handle crime
against women. (20 marks)
- In the light of various theories of leadership, what kind of leaders will be effective in bringing about social change? (15 marks)
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of group decision making over decisions made by individuals ? (10 marks)
2018 - In what speci c ways can psychologists work for empowering the communities that have been marginalised by the society. (10
marks)
- In the context of positive social change differentiate between rst-order and second-order change. Why is the second-order
change often the focus of community psychology? (10 marks)
2019 - Why is social change necessary? Discuss the effective strategies to bring about social change for community development. (15
marks)
- Explain why group membership can have a powerful in uence on social behaviours and decisions. (15 marks)
2020 - Identify and discuss the key elements contributing to effective social change in a marginalised community. (15 marks)
2021 - Discuss the role of community psychology for handling community mental health problems. (10 marks)
- Why is group decision making important for social change? What errors and biases occur during the process of group decision
making ? (20 marks)
2022 - What is community psychology ? Mention few skills and qualities a community psychologist should have. (10)
- How can community psychologists bring positive social change in order to address mental health and well-being in society?
Explain with suitable examples. (20)
2023 - "Appreciating diversity is considered as a core value for a community psychologist in India." Justify. ? (10)
- Discuss the importance and applications of ecological theory for programme implementation of saving the girl child ? (15)

7. Rehabilitation Psychology :-

- Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes - role of psychologists

- Organising of services for rehabilitation of physically, mentally and socially challenged persons including old person
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 - Rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, criminal behaviours
- Rehabilitation of victims of violence
- Rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS victims,
- The Role of social agencies.

Years Previous Year Questions

2012 - Discuss how the major role of major rehabilitation psychologists is primarily as a 'facilitator of adjustive behaviour' rather than
as a 'symptom eradicator' ? (12)
- Identify the physical and psychosocial consequences of being a victim of violence. Explain the nature of counselling and
rehabilitation services a psychologist can render to the victims of violence ? (20)
- What are the causes of domestic violence? How is belief in a just world' used to rationalise this violence ? (12)
2013 - Discuss the relative ef cacy of psycho-social and community-based rehabilitation models in case of the physically challenged ?
(15)
2014 - Which rehabilitative strategies can be employed by the organisations to handle the workplace violence ? (10)
- State the challenges the psychologist are likely to face in the rehabilitation of criminals ? (15)
2015 - What speci c role can psychologists play in the management and rehabilitation of persons su ering from HIV /AIDS ? (15)
- What role can psychologists play in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes in relation to terminal illness such
as coronary heart disease and cancer ? (10)
2016 - Discuss the role of psychologists in organising tertiary level rehabilitation programmes ? (10 marks)
- Evaluate the role of social agencies in rehabilitation of mentally and socially challenged persons ? (15 marks)
- Examine the role of situational factors in criminal behaviour ? (15 marks)
2017 - A large number of people all over the world are forced to leave their homeland because of violence. What are the psychological
problems faced by such victims of violence? Discuss a plan for their rehabilitation. (10 marks)
- Discuss the importance and requirements of orthogenic schools in the context of pre-delinquent adolescents. (15 marks)
2018 - Discuss the role of social and environmental intervention in rehabilitation of the mentally challenged. Why are such interventions
crucial in Indian settings ? (15 marks)
- What role do cultural factors play in rehabilitation of senior citizens with possible memory and cognitive decline? Comment on
the signi cance of family and social support in such rehabilitation in India ? (10 marks)
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2019 - How can substance abuse be explained through different psychological approaches ?
- How can rehabilitation process help the people indulging in substance abuse ? (20 marks)
2020 - Who are juvenile delinquents? Discuss the steps involved in the rehabilitation and prevention of juvenile delinquency. (15 marks)
- Bring out the role of social agencies in the rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse ? (10 marks )
2021 - What roles do the social agencies play in the rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS patients? (10 marks)
2022 - Discuss the major limitations of the aged having cognitive problems. Mention strategies used to improve their psycho-social
health. (15)
- Discuss the various strategies necessary for rehabilitation of mentally ill Indian youth ? (15)
2023 - Explain the strategies for rehabilitation of intellectually challenged person. ? (15)
- Discuss the role of a psychologist in rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence with special reference to India ? (20)
- Explain Bandura’s Theory for understanding criminal behaviour ? (15)

8. Application of Psychology to Disadvantaged group :-

- The concepts of Disadvantaged, Deprivation

- Social, physical, cultural and economic consequences of disadvantaged and deprived groups
- Educating and motivating the disadvantaged towards development
- Relative and prolonged deprivation

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Analyse the motivational disadvantaged and the de cits in the deprived groups. Suggest remedial measures for' overcoming
these de cits ? (20)
2011 - Can deprivation be a source of motivation ? Discuss the psychological measures relevant to deal with the negative
consequences of prolonged deprivation. (30)
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2012 - Explain the psychosocial consequences of being a part of socially disadvantaged groups especially with reference to self-
concept, identity, motivation and achievement. Give examples from Indian context ? (20)
2013 - "Poverty alleviation is a dream spread with ulterior motives." Do you agree ? Justify your views ? (15)
2014 - What psychological conditions keep the poor in a socially disadvantaged state ? (15)
- How can the adverse consequences of social disadvantages be alleviated ? (15)
2015 - Tribal children in India are disadvantaged partly because of the neglect of heir language and culture in education. How can
education for tribal children be reformed to deal with such disadvantage ? (20)
- Socioeconomic and educational disadvantages have been viewed from 'de cit as well as 'di erence' perspectives. Citing
examples of each approach, discuss the di erence between the two and their implications ? (10)
2017 - Explain the psychological, socio-cultural and economic consequences of belonging to a disadvantaged group. Suggest the steps
to educate and motivate disadvantaged groups towards development. (20 marks)
- What is relative deprivation? Explain its consequences on adolescent behaviour in the current Indian scenario. (15 marks)
2018 - Discuss some major factors of educational failure among tribal communities in India. Why must education of the disadvantaged
emphasise development of self- ef cacy and intrinsic motivation ? (20 marks)
- How is disadvantage related to a social structure of hierarchy and discrimination? What is its relationship with capability
deprivation and poverty? (15 marks)
2019 - Point out the general psychological consequences of social and economic disadvantaged groups ? (15 marks)
- Discuss socio-emotional factors affecting achievement motivation among students from disadvantaged groups ? (15 marks)
2020 - Women in a remote village have been deprived of development related bene ts. What steps would you suggest to enable
women to take advantage of these bene ts ? (10 marks)
- Think of a social group which has been subjected to prolonged deprivation. In what ways prolonged deprivation has impacted
the lives of people belonging to this group ? Suggest ways to mitigate these effects. (20 marks)
2021 - Write about the strategies for motivating students belonging to disadvantaged groups for their development ? (10 marks)
- What are the consequences of being a member of disadvantaged group ? (10 marks)
2022 - Critically examine the numerous innovations and programmes of the Government in educating and motivating disadvantaged
children towards their development. (15)
- Discuss how environment, culture and socio-economic relationships play an important role to meet the needs of disadvantaged
children. (15)
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2023 - Explain with suitable examples the psychosocial consequences of prolonged deprivation ? (10)
- Discuss the steps to be taken to reduce the incidence of school dropouts among deprived groups ? (15)

9. Psychological Problem of Social Integration :-

- The concept of social integration

- The problem of Caste, Class, Religion & Language con icts and prejudice
- Nature and manifestation of prejudice between the In-group & Out-group
- Casual factors of such con icts and prejudices.
- Psychological strategies for handling the con icts and prejudices.
- Measures to achieve social integration.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - What is ‘Intergroup-contact' hypothesis? Discuss its implications and limitations in reducing prejudices ? (30)
- "Prejudice is a consequence of socialisation and learning”. Discuss this statement and suggest measures to reduce prejudices in
the Indian context ? (30)
2011 - Clarify the relationship between stereotypes and prejudices, and examine their impact on social integration. (30)
2012 - Justify with examples how the insights derived from studies on 'intergroup contact hypothesis' would be useful in promoting
harmonious relations among di erent castes and in maintaining social order ? (12)
- Distinguish between prejudice and discrimination. Explain the variables moderating the manifestation of prejudice into overt
behaviour ? (20)
2013 - Identify relevant indices for understanding the emergence of in-group and out-group processes. Discuss with the help of a
suitable theoretical framework ? (20)
- Is religion in India at the root of social con icts? Discuss and provide suitable ways to deal with such con icts ? (15)
2014 - Explain how the creation of superordinate goals can help in resolving social con icts ? (10)
- What psychological knowledge will you put to use for social inclusion of the stigmatised ? (15)
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Years Previous Year Questions
2015 - According to Social Identity Theory, social categorisation and differentiation processes are implicated in intergroup con ict.
Evaluate the theory against available research evidence ? (20)
- Religious Violence in India has shown only a marginal decline over the years . What social and Psychological factors explain it
the most ? (15)
2016 - Discuss the process of prejudice formation. State the psychological strategies that can be adopted for con ict resolution. (20
marks)
- What psychological factors will explain lack of social integration involving religious groups in India? Discuss. (20 marks)
2017 - Discuss how social integration can be promoted in India in the light of intergroup contact hypothesis and crossed categorisation
research. (15 marks)
- What do you understand by intergroup attitudes? Why are such attitudes considered to be a social phenomenon? (20 marks)
2018 - Critically describe the role of cultural assimilation in facilitating/hindering social integration in India. Illustrate with suitable
example ? (20 marks)
- Discuss the relevance of frustration-aggression hypothesis in the context of caste prejudice in India ? (15 marks)
2019 • What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? Discuss the newer forms of prejudice that we see today. (20 marks)
• In the light of research, discuss the ways in which social con icts can be resolved ?(20 marks)
2020 - What is meant by social integration ? How can religious harmony be promoted to attain social integration in the present scenario
in India? (10 marks)
- How does categorisation as in-group and out-group in uence social relations? How can such in uence of categorisation be
minimised. Discuss with examples. ? (15 marks)
2021 - Is prejudice inevitable? Discuss the techniques for reducing caste prejudice ? (20 marks)
- What are the forms of social con icts? Explain the methods of resolution of social con icts ? (15 marks)
2022 - Explore causal factors of social con icts and suggest methods of resolution ? (20)
- Explain the concept of social integration citing suitable example ? (10)
2023 - Discuss the psychological strategies for handling the intergroup con ict. ? (15)
- What are the measures to achieve social integrations ? (10)
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10. Application of Psychology in Information Technology and Mass Media :-

- The present scenario of information technology and the mass media boom and the role of psychologists
- Selection and training of Psychology professionals to work in the eld of IT and mass media
- Distance learning through IT and mass media
- Entrepreneurship through e-commerce
- Multilevel marketing
- Impact of TV and fostering value through IT and mass media
- Psychological consequences of recent developments in Information Technology.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Discuss the psychological consequences of recent developments in Information Technology with special reference to cognitive
and social development ? (30)
- Critically examine distance education in the light of mass media and information technology. Comment On the role of
psychologists in this regard ? (30)
2011 - Detail out the relationship between information technology, mass media and their psychological consequences with suitable
examples. (30)
2012 - Discuss critically the utility of IT and mass media in the context of distance learning. Throw light on the strengths and limitations
of distance learning ? (20)
2013 - Discuss the in uences of information technology in modifying the career perspectives of young adults with special reference to
the values of life ? (15)
2014 - What are the psychological disadvantages of learning in the distant mode through IT compared to classroom learning ? (20)

2015 - Psychologists have recently identi ed, a disorder which they term internet addiction'. What are its presenting features? How can
those suffering from this addiction be helped ? (15)
- Discuss the psychological mechanism by which television viewing affects aggression and consumer behaviour in children ? (10)
2016 - How can psychological theories be put to use to inoculate people against their impulsive buying behaviour ? (15 marks)
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2017 - Explain the role of mass media in value development. How can the mass media and information technology be used for
promoting pro-social values ? (15 marks)
- What are the psychological consequences of the. fast development in information technology on adolescents ? (10 marks)
2018 - Explain using psychological framework, the impact of IT and mass media on the work-life in India. (10 marks)
2019 - Given the rapid changes that are taking place in the Media, specially the internet and smartphones, discuss the psychological
impact of these on adolescents ? (15 marks)
2020 - How can psychology contribute in managing IT and mass media for 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' ? Discuss. (15 marks)
- ‘values cannot be fostered through TV and Mass Media’ , critically evaluate the statements ? (10 marks )
2021 - Describe the impact of electronic media on the adolescents behaviour ? (20 marks )
2022 - Elaborate the e ects of mass media on emotional health and values of youth in our culture ? (15)
- Throw Light on negative impact of technological growth in our real life ? (10)
- Discuss the ill e ects of internet addition among adolescents. Suggest intervention for arresting the same ? (10)
2023 - Explain the role of mass media in fostering societal values ? (10)
- Describe the applications of psychological principles in the eld of marketing. Cite illustrations from Indian context ? (20)

11. Psychology and Economic Development :-

- Achievement motivation and economic development.

- Characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour.
- Motivating and Training people for entrepreneurship and economic development
- Consumer rights and consumer awareness
- Government policies for promotion of entrepreneurship among youth including women entrepreneurs.
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2010 - Comment on the E ectiveness of Training programs for developing entrepreneurship and achievement motivation ? (20)
2011 - Critically evaluate Internal consistency and stability Coe cients as Indices of reliability ? (20)
2012 - Can achievement motivation be included as a base of training for economic growth and development of a country? Discuss the
contribution of McClelland and his team in this context ? (12)
2013 - Discuss how cognitive and motivational factors in uence entrepreneurial behaviour ? (10)
2014 - Explain psychological characteristics of a successful entrepreneur ? (20)
- What psychological motives have retarded economic development in India, according to some psychologists? Discuss. (20)
- What psychological knowledge can be used to develop a programme for women entrepreneurs ? (20)
2015 - What is the relationship that has been found between need for achievement, need for af liation and need for power with
economic development? Discuss the relevance of these ndings in the context of Indian society ? (20)
2016 - Does need for af liation come in the way of economic development of the tribal people? Discuss. (15 marks)
- What role can psychologists play in the development and implementation of the 'Skill India' scheme of the Government of India?
(20 marks)
2017 - Explain the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour. Discuss critically as to how entrepreneurial behaviour can be cultivated
through training. Cite evidence in the Indian context. (20 marks)
2018 - What psychological factors act as barriers in the context of women's entrepreneurship? How can they be overcome ? (10 marks)
- Explain the interrelationship among achievement motivation, entrepreneurial behaviour and economic development. Discuss
critically as to whether achievement motivation can be enhanced through training. Cite relevant Indian studies ? (20 marks)
2019 - Discuss the relationship of achievement motivation to entrepreneurial behaviour, citing relevant research. (10 marks)
2020 - Explain the psychological conceptualisation that helps in understanding the economic development ? (10 marks)
- On the basis of psychology of motivation write a programme-sketch for entrepreneurship development ? (15 marks)
2021 - Illustrate the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour. How can it be promoted among the youth? (15 marks)
2022 - Discuss the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour ? (10)
2023 - What is achievement motivation? Discuss how family and cultural factors contribute to enhance achievement motivation ? (20)
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 12. Application of Psychology to Environment and Related Fields :-

- Environmental Psychology - Effects of noise, pollution and crowding.

- Population Psychology :- Psychological consequence of population explosion and high population density
- Motivating for small family norms
- Impact of rapid scienti c and technological growth on degradation of environment.

Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - State the salient features of the Man- Environment relationship. Discuss implications for architects in designing built-
environment ? (30)
2012 - De ne the notion of environmental pollution. How would you explain the impact of scienti c and technological innovation on
environmental degradation from a psychological perspective ? (12)
- Explain the consequences of short-term and long-term exposure to noise. How does noise a ect our social behaviour ? Cite
the impact of crowding in this context ? (30)
- Explain the psychosocial factors and myths that demotivate people from following small family norms. Suggest relevant
motivational strategies in this context ? (20)
2013 - India rates very high on carbon emission. What use can be made of psychological knowledge to reduce the level of carbon
emission in India ? (10)
- What psychological approach/ approaches can be used to persuade those who oppose family planning on religious grounds ?
(15)
- How can psychological principles be used to conserve water ? Develop a plan. (10)
2014 - As a psychologist, develop a programme to bring about attitudinal change in favour of small family norm ? (10)
- What social and psychological factors come in the way of population control in India ? (10)
2015 - How is population growth in India affected by psychological processes of attribution, beliefs and values? Discuss possible
implications of these processes for population education in India ? (15)
2016 - Analyse the impact of crowding on mental health. Discuss the psychological measures that can be adopted to reduce the stress
resulting from crowding. (20 marks)
- What role can media play in the promotion of small family norms in the Indian culture? (10 marks)
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2017 - Explain the effects of rapid scienti c and technological growth on environmental degradation. Discuss the role of psychologists in
reducing environmental degradation ? (15 marks)
- Explain the effects of short-term and chronic exposure to noise on the performance on cognitive tasks ? (10 marks)
2018 - Explain the psychosocial consequences of crowding and high population density. Suggest appropriate policies to deal with the
related problems in Indian context. (15 marks)
- With some examples show how can indigenous knowledge systems be used in management of biodiversity and cultural
diversity? (10 marks)
- Explain the psychosocial factors demotivating people from small family norms ? (10 marks)
2019 - "Rapid scienti c and technological growth are responsible for degradation of environment, although, scienti c and technological
developments are necessary for National development." Discuss the above assertion and point out the mechanisms for
controlling the environmental degradation. (20 marks)
- "Population explosion and high population density have negative psychological consequences." Explain this statement
especially stressing light on negative psychological consequences. (15 marks)
2020 - Environmental degradation is a major issue. Explain what has led to this and how it has impacted the life of people and society
in India. (15 marks)
- How has population growth impacted human and social lives? Discuss this in the light of COVID-19 pandemic crisis. (10 marks)
2021 - Elaborate upon the strategies for inducing pro-environmental behaviour ? (10 marks)
- Highlight the psychological consequences of living in high population density area ? (15 marks)
2022 - Discuss pollution and crowding as agents of psycho-social and physical problems. Cite few problems and recommend remedial
strategies. (20)
2023 - What is pro-environmental behaviour? Design an intervention plan developing pro-environmental behaviour among schoolchildren ? (20)
- Discuss the psychological consequences of population explosion. Suggest some techniques to enhance awareness among people for
population control ? (15)

13. Application of Psychology in Other Fields :-

A) Military Psychology :
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- Devising psychological tests for defence personnel for use in selection, Training, counseling
- Training psychologists to work with defence personnel in promoting positive health
- Human engineering in defence.

B) Sport Psychology :

- Psychological interventions in improving performance of athletes and sports.

- Persons participating in Individual and Team Games.

C) Media In uences on Pro and Anti-social Behaviour

D) Psychology of Terrorism

- Factors responsible for Terrorism (Psycho-social )

- Group Phenomenon in Terrorism
- Strategies to counter Terrorism

Years Previous Year Question ( Psychology of terrorism )

2010 - 'Terrorism begins in the minds of young people and it is in their mind that lasting solutions to the problem is to be sought'.
Comment on this statement and suggest the remedial measures ? (30)
2013 - Discuss the relative signi cance of group factors versus personality factors in explaining the behaviour of terrorists ? (20)
2014 - What psychological factors keep the group of terrorists cohesive ? (15)
2023 - To what extent individual’s life experiences are relevant for understanding terrorism ? (15)

Years Previous Year Questions ( Psychology of sports )

2010 - How can psychologists help sports persons in enhancing their performance on the eld ? (20)
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Years Previous Year Questions ( Psychology of sports )
2011 - Examine the role of “Mental-Plus-Muscle “ Practices in training of athletes ? (30)
2012 - Explain the concept of 'team-cohesiveness' in the context of sports. How can teamwork be improved through the application of
sports psychology ? (12)
2013 - Discuss how the psychological training given to sports persons can be useful for administrators with reference to maintaining
team spirit and group morale ? (10)
2014 - What role can mental imagery play in enhancing the performance of sportspersons? Discuss. (10)
2016 - Discuss the role of cognitive and behaviour therapies in improving the performance of sports persons. (15 marks)
2017 - Explain how cohesiveness can be promoted in sport teams by using psychological principle ? (10 marks)
2018 - Discuss the most commonly used techniques or skills psychologists teach to athletes for improving their performance. (10
marks)
2021 - Elaborate on psychological interventions for improving performance in team games like hockey. (15 marks)
2022 - Which principles of psychology are helpful for developing team spirit in sportspersons ? (10)
2023 - What psychological interventions can be planned to improve the performance of athletes ? (10)

Years Previous Year Questions ( Military Psychology )

2012 - What is man-machine system in the context of human engineering? Highlight the applications of human engineering in defence
with reference to equipment design ? (20)
2013 - How can psychological resilience of the personnel of the armed forces be enhanced ? Discuss. (10)
2015 - Indian defence personnel tend to experience depression, sometimes leading to suicides. What type of psychological
interventions can foster positive mental health in them ? (15)
- Indian soldiers defend the country in extreme and, at times, hostile physical environments. What kinds of psychological problems
are they likely to experience ? (15)
2016 - How can human engineering be put to use in devising instruments that are used by the defence personnel posted in the border
areas? Discuss. (15 marks)
 Years Previous Year Questions ( Military Psychology )
2017 - What is man-machine system? In this context, explain the applications of human engineering in designing the display systems of
the aircrafts. (15 marks)
2018 - What role can psychologist play in promoting psychological well being of defence personnel in the context of prolonged
deprivation and stressful condition? (15 marks)
2020 - What are some of the problems faced by defence personnel posted in tough terrain ? Discuss how positive mental health can be
promoted among them. (15 marks)
2021 - Discuss the psychological tests used for the selection of defence personnel. (10 marks)
2023 - Discuss the strategies for promoting positive mental health among defence personnel ? (15)

Years Previous Year Questions ( In uence of Mass Media on Pro & Anti Social Behaviour )

2013 - What explanations are offered by psychological theories about the manner in which media in uences antisocial behaviour ? (20)
2017 - Explain the role of mass media in value development. How can the mass media and information technology be used for
promoting pro-social values? (15)
2020 - 'Values cannot be fostered through TV and mass media', Critically evaluate the statement. (10)
2022 - Media is one of the key factors in promoting pro-social or anti-social behaviour. Defend your point of view. (15)
2023 - Discuss the psychological and social e ects of pornography addictions ? (15)

14. Psychology of Gender :-

- Issues of discrimination
- Management of diversity
- Glass ceiling effect
- Self-ful lling prophesy
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 - Women and Indian society.
Years Previous Year Questions

2010 - Is gender di erence dichotomous or does it constitute a continuum ? Explain in the light of research on masculinity - feminity ?
(20)
2011 - Discuss the challenges of managing gender biases in Indian Society ? (30)
2012 - Discuss the components of gender-sensitivity training. Indicate importance in the context its of management of workforce
diversity ? (12)
- What is glass-ceiling effect? Explain the causal factors underlying it. What remedial steps can be taken by the employing
organisations to minimise the glass-ceiling effect ? (20)
2013 - De ne 'self-ful lling prophecy'. Can it a ect the students' performance belonging to special categories ? (10)
- What lesson can be drawn from psychological research to promote gender equality in the work place ? (15)
- Discuss the psychological implications of the ‘Glass Ceiling ‘ e ect from the perspective of an administrator ? (15)
2014 - What are gender stereotypes in India? How do they feed into gender discrimination ? (15)
2015 - "Glass ceiling effects in organisations are rooted in socialisation and family” . Discuss with reference to the psychological bases
of gender role development ? (15)
- Does the notion of Self-Ful lling prophecy related to achievement satisfactorily explain gender differences in achievements ?
(15)
2016 - What factors account for gender differences in India ? Suggest some psychological measures to reduce gender differences. (15
marks)
2018 - Discuss the Relationship between sex role stereotyping , self ful lling prophecy and glass ceiling e ect in a society ? (15
marks)
2019 - How can community play an important role in providing safety to women ? Discuss (10 marks )
2020 - What is meant by glass ceiling effect? Discuss the factors that facilitated some women to break this glass ceiling. Illustrate with
some examples. (10 marks)
2021 - How does a self-ful lling prophecy work? Describe how the gender bias is an example of self-ful lling prophecy in Indian
context. (15 marks)
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Years Previous Year Questions
2022 - Discuss nature and psychological consequences of sexual harassment of women at workplace . Suggest different behavioural
patterns to overcome it ? (20)
- Discuss Gender Schema Theory and describe its contribution in explaining the personality of a housewife in a traditional family.
(15)
2023 - How does gender socialisation in India lead to gender discrimination ? (20)
- How does self-ful lling prophecy wok in case of traditional Indian women ? (10)
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INTRODUCTION

1. Do you think that natural sciences provide a good model for psychological studies?
Give arguments in favour of your answer. 20
2. The discipline of psychology has grown and developed through debate between those
who held that it should be modelled on natural science and those who subscribed to the
view that it has to follow the model of social science. What arguments you envision for or
against these views ? What position you would like to endorse and why ? 25
3. Elucidate the contributions of Sir Francis Galton in shaping psychology. 12
4. Describe the key assumptions on which psychology claims to be a science. 10
5. Poverty and level of economic achievement as a social problem can only be
explained from the psychological perspective Comment with relevant research studies.
20
6. What is the impact of multiculturalism and globalisation on psychological studies?
Discuss the question with the help of salient contemporary trends in psychology. 20
7. Give an evaluative account of the behaviouristic, psychoanalytic and humanistic
perspectives of psychology. 20
8. Why should psychology be called a science? Justify your answer with the support of
the methodology it adopts to study behaviour. 20
9. In the present modem age there is a wide range of application of Psychology and
consequently the present status of psychology is that of exporter of knowledge/Discuss
the statement highlighting your point of view. 20
10. 'Psychology is a science' Discuss the statement in the light of its historical
development 20
11. 'Psychology is called a science not because of its subject matter but because of the
scientific method used in studying its subject matter.' Write a detailed explanatory note.
20
12. Is it necessary to conceptualize self as a determinant of behaviour besides heredity
and environment? Give real life examples to support your contention. 20
13. Give your arguments in support of claiming psychology a science. 20
14. How is psychological measurement different from measurement in physical
sciences? Giving appropriate Illustrations, distinguish clearly between psycho-physical
and psychometric measures. 60
15. Evaluate critically the contribution of the Gestalt school to the development of
psychology as a science with special reference to the study of perception. 60
16. Examine the scope of application of psychology in different fields. Give suitable
examples. 20
17. Is it possible to apply psychological principles to help in solving human problems for
developing a fair, peaceful and satisfying society? 20
18. Examine the status of Psychology in the family of Social Sciences. 20
19. Briefly discuss the environmental factors affecting vigilance. 20
20. How far would you justify the view that contemporary psychology is by no means a
unified field of study? Give your answer with reference to tough minded approach based
on hard date as opposed to tender minded approach based on rational principles. 60
21. What are the steps in Scientific Method? Considering these steps how far do you
justify the place of Psychology in Science? Give your comments with examples from the
subject matter of Psychology. 20
22. Describe the different approaches to the study of psychology. Do you think by
applying scientific methods the view points of various approaches can be reconcile, in
understanding the different aspects of living organism-both animal and human? 60
23. Critically comment on the following: 1. Tolman claims his system to be genuine
behaviourism 2. That it is molar than a molecular types of behaviourism. 60
24. Explain the main areas of application and the limitations of psychology in the social
and economic development of society. 60

METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

What are the various kinds of threats to the validity of experimental research? Illustrate
your answer with the help of examples. 20
2. Discuss the criteria of question-writing in a survey research. 12
3. Suggest a plan of an experimental study to evaluate the effect of compensatory
education on academic achievement of school-going students from low income group.
10
4. Examine the concerns for control, measurement and artifacts, and also indicate the
threats they pose to the development of scientific psychology. 30
5. Under what conditions would a researcher prefer to use focused group discussion
over interviewing? 10
6. In what ways does an experimental design differ from a quasi-experimental design?
10
7. What are the problems a researcher is likely to face in making causal inferences if the
researcher were to
use a single-group pre-test-post-test design? 30
8. The History of psychology show 'mind-body' approach as one of the popular ways of
explaining behaviour. Discuss how this is being revisited in modern psychology. 20
9. The level at which an information is processed has a bearing on recall of that
particular information. Discuss in the light of experimental studies. 20
10. How do psychologists use case study and survey to describe behaviour? Indicate
their advantages and disadvantages. 20
11. State the basic differences between a field experiment and a laboratory experiment
especially with regard to the external-internal validity of the findings. 20
12. Discuss the factors that jeopardize experimenter's power of scientifically evaluating
the effect of independent variable in carrying out any research. 20
13. Differentiate between applied and fundamental research. Discuss major steps in
psychological researches. 60
14. What is the basic difference between the experimental and correlational methods of
psychology? 20
15. Why is psychological experiment described as observation under controlled
conditions? Explain, with illustration, the difference between control-groups and within-
subjects designs of experiment. 60
16. Analyse the salient features of a laboratory experimental design. 20
17. What are the drawbacks of Ex-Post-Facto design of research. 20
18. What would be the major methodological orientation for doing research in
Physiological psychology, Social Psychology and Counselling Psychology? 60
19. Maturation and learning as determinants of behaviour. Give suitable examples. 20
20. Theory-testing vs Theory-developing research. 20
21. What do you mean by the S-0-R paradigm? 20
22. Describe the essential features of an experiment in psychology giving suitable
examples. Discuss the limitations of the experimental method. 60
23. Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of cognition that explains how mental
processes are organised and function. Explain. 20
24. Explain the concept of economic motive and discuss its influence on behaviour. 20
25. Describe the case history method and its importance in clinical diagnosis. 20
26. Compare & contrast-armchair theorising and experiment, armchair theorising and
naturalistic observation. 20
27. What are the salient features of a laboratory experiment? Illustrate how you would
plan to conduct a laboratory experiment to ascertain the effect of a narcotic on student's
academic performance. 20
28. Field experiment and field study. 20
29. Discuss the role of extraneous variables in social research. How can they be
controlled? 20
30. Discuss the salient features of field experiment in psychology. Illustrate how, you
would plan to conduct a field experiment on any Psychological problem of rural India. 60
31. Explain briefly the nature of discrimination and generalization processes. Illustrate a
typical experiment in respect of each of these processes. 20
32. Discuss the behaviouristic interpretation of the process of problem solving with the
help of suitable experiments. How does the behaviouristic interpretation differ from that
of the Gestalt view? 60
33. Describe the nature and types of variables in psychological experiments. Discuss the
problem relating to single and multiple variables in psychological experimentation.
Illustrate your answer. 20
34. Discuss the role of set in thinking with experimental evidences. Do mental sets
guarantee correct thinking? 20
35. Discuss the advantages and limitations of quantification and measurement of human
behaviour. Illustrate your answer with examples. 20
36. Examine the implications of 'experiment or effect' in laboratory experiments. Explain
whether you can control such effects. 20
37. Discuss the problems relating to experimental design both in laboratory and field
situations in establishing cause and effect relationship. Does measurement in correlation
studies provide any help in indicating cause effect relationship? 20
38. Examine the problems and difficulties of experimental method in studying human
behaviour. Suggest remedies. 20
RESEARCH METHODS

1. Describe the uses of factor analysis in psychological research and indicate different
types of rotations used in it. 10
2. In what ways 'within factorial design' differs from 'between factorial design'? 10
3. What are the multivariate techniques used in psychological research? Indicate their
uses. 15
4. Critically evaluate the cognitive approach to the study of psychological phenomena.
10
5. What do you understand by 'effect size' and 'statistical power' ? Explain their
significance. 15
6. Describe the basic elements of observation and bring out the implications of the
dimension of participation in observational research. 15
7. Bring out the difference between 'sampling error' and 'error in sampling'. How
'sampling error' is reduced ? 12
8. Discuss the three basic conditions for using 't' -test of significance. Describe at least
five different uses of 't'-test with examples. 20
9. In which way IRT is an improvement over classical test theory ? Compare the two
approaches and critically evaluate Rasch's model of IRT. 30
10. Compare LISREL programme with that of SPSS in the analysis of multivariate data.
12
11. With suitable examples distinguish between exploratory type and confirmatory type
factor analysis. How do you examine the significance level of factors loadings? 20
12. Discuss the use (s) of SPSS programme in psychological testing. 20
13. Grounded theory takes a case rather than variable perspective. Elaborate this
statement. 20
14. Can Item Response theory be called a latent trade theory? Describe the
mathematical functions that are used in this theory and explain the various models
related to the theory (6o).
15. Define the scales used in psychological measurement and distinguish between
parametric and nonparametric statistics. Illustrate the relative significance of these
statistics by citing relevant research problems. 60
16. Describe experimental designs as the strategy to control variance. Present a
classification of experimental designs and specify problems associated with matched
group designs. 60
17. Amongst the two statistical techniques ANOV A and regression, which statistical
method is superior? Discuss the advantages of regression statistical technique 20
18. Explain the usefulness of 'interview' as a methodof data collection. State the
precautions that you would take for its effective use. 20
19. What can be done to move from correlational inferences to causal inferences? 20
20. Evaluate questionnaire as a tool for collecting data for psychological research. Offer
suggestions for increasing its utility as a research tool. 20
21. Describe the basic assumptions of regression analysis and explain what happens
when these assumptions are violated. 20
22. Describe the decision rules employed by an individual for maximizing his gains. Also
explain the uses of ROC curves. 20
23. How experimenter effects and demand characteristics influence the findings of an
experimental study? 20
24. What does the reliability coefficient of a test indicate? Describe the approaches to
the estimation of reliability. 60
25. What are the essential criteria for conducting a true experiment? Explain by giving a
suitable example. 2. Operational definitions of learning facilitate scientist's activity.
Discuss. 20
26. Describe the steps involved in construction and standardisation of psycho-metric
tests 20
27. Evaluate the problems of Validation of General Intelligence Tests with reference to
Cross Cultural data. 20
28. How do you establish reliability and validity of a test? Does reliability guarantee
validity? 20

DEVELOPMENTAL

1. Present an outline of the ecological perspective as an innovative approach to facilitate

developmental outcomes. 10
2. Discuss the main aspects of cognitive and moral development during adolescence.
15
3. How do genes affect development ? 10
4. Discuss the importance of early relationship for developmental outcomes in the light of
researches by Bowlby and Anisworth. 20
5. Bring out the key developmental challenges faced by adolescents in the cognitive and
social domains. 25
6. ''Every function in the child's development appears twice : first on social level and
later, on the individual level. "-Vygotsky. Discuss the above statement and indicate your
own position on this proposition. 10
7. Describe the role of epigenetic model in determining human behaviour. 12
8. Examine the impact of cultural factors on socialization process among children. 20
9. What is social constructionism? How does it challenge the mainstream psychology?
20
10. How does the brain mediate between the genotype and the phenotype for
psychological characteristics? 10
11. Critically evaluate the role of parenting style, peer group and media in identity
formation during adolescence. 30
12. What are the stages of cognitive development according to Piaget? 10
13. Briefly suggest how well-being of the elderly can be promoted. 10
14. Discuss the stages of psychosexual development according to Freud. 10
15. What is psychological well being? Discuss various methods in promoting
psychological well being across major stages of the life span. 60
16. Bring out the differences in the concepts of growth, maturation and development in
human behaviour. Use suitable example in your answers. 20
17. Critically examine the notion of life-span development. Determine the impact of
cultural factors on child rearing practices. 20
18. Discuss in detail the critical periods in human development. Give the suggestions to
handle these critical periods effectively in Indian settings. 6o
19. Discuss in detail the influence of child-rearing practices on the growth and
development of an individual. 60
20. Discuss fully the relative roles of genetic and environmental factors in determining
human behaviour. Cite findings of related studies in support of your answer. 60
21. Describe the process of emergence of self-concept during late childhood. Citing
suitable illustrations from Indian social milieu explain the impact of child rearing practices
on the emergence of selfconcept. 60
22. How do models help in the process of socialization? 20
23. How can the contributions of heredity and environment be isolated in the study of
human behaviour. 20
24. Giving an account of Piagets's theory of cognitive development bring out the
difference in the modes of thinking at different stages of development. 60
25. Analyse the relative contributions of heredity and environment in the development of
human behaviour. Illustrate your answer from real life situations. 60
26. Explain that endopsychic conflicts, even though they do not become conscious, draw
a great deal of nervous energy which could otherwise be used for creative activities. 20
27. Discuss in detail the contribution of nature and nurture in the development of human
behaviour giving suitable examples. Give your views in this regard. 60
28. Roger's concept of the fully functioning person and Maslow's notion of self
actualization. 20
29. Analyse the process of early socialization. Discuss the effects of exclusive mothering
and substitute care on the child's later personality development. 60
30. Discuss the statement: Heredity sets the limits and environment provides
opportunities to reach that limit. In your discussion cite important studies on families, on
twins, and on foster home children. 60
31. What can we inherit? Discuss the various difficulties in isolating the hereditary
characteristics from the acquired ones, in some crucial cognitive and personality
structures? 60
32. Evaluate the effects of sensory and environmental deprivation on the development of
animal and human abilities and behaviour based on experimental evidences. Does it
affect the genetic potentialities of an organism? 60

SENSATION ATTENTION AND PERCEPTION

1. Explain the concept of 'sensory adaptation' and discuss its uses in day-to-day life. 10
2. Is perception a constructive process? Explain in the light m studies on illusions and
constancies. 15
3. Compare template matching and feature detection accounts of pattern recognition.
15
4. Why our representations of the external world are not entirely accurate ? 15
5. Discuss the 'pay-off matrix' in relation to the signal detection theory. 12
6. Describe Broadbent's filter theory of attention. Why this elegant theory turned out to
be inadequate ? Comment upon the alternate approaches. 30
7. What is McCrary-Hunter 'invariance hypothesis' ? Discuss the shape and
characteristics of serial position error curve in tenus of 'in variance hypothesis'. 20
8. Evaluate 'duplicity theory' of vision. Cite experimental evidences in support of this
theory. 20
9. What do illusions tell about the nature of perception? 10
10. Contrast bottom-up and top-down theories of perception. 10
11. How does signal-detection theory envisage the decision process? In what other
areas of psychology can it be applied? 30
12. What is sensory adaptation? Explain with examples. 10
13. Discuss the role of monocular and binocular cues in depth perception. 20
14. Perception of size is explained from visual angle perspective. Evaluate its adequate.
20
15. 4. Distinguish the application of signal detection theory. In the selection process of
defense personal. How do you get and interpret ROC Curve. 20
16. What are the theoretical and practical implications of research on signal detection
and vigilance? Discuss in the light of experimental studies. 20
17. Explain the concept of perceptual organization. What are the processes which
influence it? Support your answer with theoretical constructs. 20
18. Is there a conceptual continuity between sensation and perception? Explain the role
of contextual constraints in the inferential nature of the psychological construct of
perception. 60
19. What is attention? Discuss factors influencing attention. 20
20. Explain in detail the role of Bottom-up and Top-down process in recognition with the
help of suitable examples. 6o
21. What is perception? Discuss biological factors in perception. 60
22. How is attention different from perception? Describe the role of various factors that
influence attention. 6o
23. What is perceptual organization? Describe its various factors with tine help of
examples. 60
24. Attention develops from unfocussed scanning to focussed planfulness. Discuss
giving illustrative examples. 20
25. Is subliminal perception a myth or a reality? Answer citing relevant experimental
evidence. 20
26. Explain why is the humanistic perspective called the third force in psychology. 20
27. Discuss the characteristic features of perception and bring out the significance of
redundancy and feature detectors in it. 60
28. How can the phenomenon of perceptual defence be demonstrated experimentally?
20
29. How is perception of inanimate objects different from the person perception? 20
30. Explain the scanning and the focusing strategies in attainment of concepts. 20
31. What are perceptual styles? Evaluate attempts to conceptualise them as personality
variables. 60
32. Is person perceiption a critical variable in human interaction? Illustrate your answer.
20
33. Do the principles of perceptual organisation point to their inborn nature? Cite
experimental evidences in this context. 60
34. Why do Figural-After-Effects take place? 20
35. Relationship between emotions and perception with special reference to perceptual
defence. 20
36. Explain the rationale in using perception as a medium for studying personality. Cite
major findings of research in this area. 60
37. Define perception. Differentiate between different types of perceptual distortions. 20
38. Citing experimental evidence describe how values determine one's social perception
60
39. How does signal detection theory differ, classical psychophysics? Discuss 20
40. Though the model of Hebb has many shortcomings in the field of perception and
certainty cannot be called a satisfactory general theory, it probably goes further in
suggesting the way towards such a theory than do other conceptions that lack its
denotational clarity and boldness of design? Discuss. 60
41. Critically examine the role of non-cognitive factors in perception 20
42. What do you understand by term 'National Character' Critically examine the present
Indian National Character according to your perception. 20
43. On the basis of experimental evidence discuss whether the phenomenon of
perceptual defence is an experimental artifact and indicate the kind of mechanism that
the phenomenon presupposes. 60
44. Explain and illustrate the terms stimulus generalization, response generalization and
mediated generalization. Does the phenomenon of stimulus generalization represent a
failure of association? Give experimental evidence. 20
45. Discuss the nature of perceptual organization. Show whether it is innately
determined or acquired. Cite experimental evidence in support of your answer. 20
46. Describe signal detection theory and explain how it proposes an improvement over
classical Psychological Physics. 20
47. Citing some important studies, discuss the motivational determinants of Perception.
Elucidate the electrical field theory to explain visual figural after effect. 60
48. How do you measure the RL and DL of any sense modality? What is the Weber-
Fechner Law? Has it got any relevance in real life situation? 20
49. External determinants of stimulus may lead to attention but internal determinants
make perception meaningful. Discuss. Describe the factors responsible for wrong
perception. 60
50. How does classical psychoph3.-sics differ from modern psychophysics?
Differentiating between the two, discuss Ste.ven's power law. 60
51. Examine the physiological and physical mechanism of colour 1,ision. Critically
evaluate the various theories of colour perception. 60
52. Describe perception of movement and depth 20
53. Describe the nature and components of signal detection theory. 20
54. 'We see things as we are, not as things are.' Elaborate the various implications of
this statement. 60
55. Explain the plasticity of visual system. 20
56. There is no single theory of vision which attempts to account for all the visual
phenomena-Discuss with experimental evidence. 60
57. Name and explain the types of errors which affect the study of sensory thresholds.
20

LEARNING

1. Distinguish between 'social learning' and 'conditioning'. 10

2. What are the distinctive features of probability learning? How useful is it in real life?
15
3. Describe different reinforcement schedules and indicate their effects on the strength
of learning. 10
4. With suitable examples, critically evaluate both primary and secondary reinforcements
and bring out their role in establishing conditioning. 20
5. Distinguish between negative reinforcement and punishment. Indicate the limitations
of punishment in the context of learning. 10
6. Discuss the consequences of learned helplessness as demonstrated in classic
experiment on dogs. Find out its parallels in real life. 20
7. Comment on the impact of immediate and delayed reinforcement on leaming. 10
8. Discuss various characteristics of probability learning. Prepare an experimental
design of probability learning following 'Bernoulli Sequence' When is the behaviour of the
subject labeled as 'gambler's fallacy' 60
9. Explain Bandura's theory using a suitable social learning task. Extend research
support to your answer (6o).
10. Using the procedure of programmed learning, how would you conduct 'anger-
reduction' training for a group of individuals who have been assessed high on anger?
The training procedure needs to be as per the instructional design model (60).
11. What do you mean by S-R and S-S conditioning? Discuss the question with the help
of relevant experimental evidences. 60
12. Show how self-efficacy and outcome judgments influence the process of social
learning. Answer with relevant experimental studies 20
13. Citing relevant research study, discuss the significance of modeling in social
learning. 20
14. Explain the nature of 'operant conditioning' Evaluate its various uses in shaping
human behaviour. 60
15. Differentiate between learning and training. Discuss Pavlovian learning theory with
the help of experimental evidence. 60
16. What is observational learning? How does it differ from other forms of learning? Give
three examples to explain its nature. 60
17. Discuss the role of vicarious reinforcement in social learning and modelling. 20
18. Explain how operant conditioning be used to establish behaviour which is not
spontaneously emitted by an organism. 60
19. What is the importance of discrimination and generalization in learning? 20
20. Describe, in brief, the typical classical and operant conditioning experiments.
Comment on the nature of reinforcement in the two. Are they basically different? 60
21. Delineate the principles involved in programmed learning. Is it feasible to programme
higher form of learning. 20
22. Can We sustain the statement that much of our behaviour is the result of classical
and operant cnditioning? 60
23. What is the relation between Discrimination learning and Generalization? 20
24. Is there any relation between process of socialization and the social learning
theories of personality? 60
25. Nature of and theory underlying programmed learning and its implications for
teaching. 20
26. What is culturally conditioned behaviour? Give examples 20
27. Give an adequate description of the classical and the operant conditioning situations
and compare them with respect to the nature of reinforcement and the ldnd of responses
that are learned. 60
28. What difference would it make in our educational procedure if there were little or-no
transfer of learning? Discuss the scope of programmed learning in curriculum of certain
courses for students. 60
29. . What is cognitive approach to learning? How do latent learning, insight and
imitation differ from each other? Illustrate cognitive approach to learning. 60
30. Give everyday example of instrumental reward conditioning and instrumental
eversive conditioning. 20
31. Critically evaluate Tolman's views on reward expectancy, place learning and latent
learning. 20
32. What methods would you employ to study discrimination learning? Explain the
phenomena of transposition. And how is it explained by relational theory? 60
33. Within the framework of operant conditioning experiments discuss major types of
schedules of reinforcement and their impact on the modification of behaviour. 60
34. Operational definitions of learning facilitate scientist's activity.discuss. 20
35. Distinguish between Classical and Instrumental conditioning on operational and
theoretical grounds. 20
36. How does discrimination learning differ from learning by instrumental conditio-ning?
Give your comments with relevant experimental evidences on the associative as
opposed to relational type of explanations of discrimination learning. 60
37. What are the essential features of S-R approach in learning skills? Can it explain all
complex learning in human beings? If not suggest other approaches supposed to
account for human learning. 60
38. What is the role of modelling in learning? Is any imitation a part of modelling
mechanism? 20
39. How does Pavlovian conditioning differ from the Sldnnerian type? What is the nature
and role of reinforcement in both the types of conditioning? 60
40. Describe the processes and factors involved in operant conditioning. Illustrate how
certain types of daily behaviour can be brought under control through operar
conditioning. 60
41. Discuss the nature and kinds of reinforcement in learning process. Examine the
different theories propounded by Psychologists to interpret the phenomenon of
reinforcement. 60
42. How do the experimental findings of Harlow (1949) with monkeys; and Lewinsoni
and Rees (1963) with young children, explain the phenomenon of the learning set? 20
43. S S connections or mental map in animal learning. 20
44. Explain the lowest common denomination of learning Guthrie's system. 20
45. What is probability learning? Give examples for this kind of learning from human and
animal behaviour 20
46. In what respects do the major learning theories differ from one another. 60

MEMORY

1. Distinguish between single-process theory and dual-process theory of short-term

memory. 20
2. What is the role of constructive and reconstructive processes in human memory?
Explain. 15
3. What factors contribute to the encoding of information into LTM ? 10
4. Describe and evaluate the modal model of short-term memory. 20
5. Compare Sperling's experiments with that of Neisser's experiments in the study of
sensory
memory. What did these two experiments prove? 20
6. On what grounds are STM and LTM distinguished? 10
7. How the principles of encoding help enhancing the use of mnemonic devices? 10
8. How does level of processing model differ from multistore and working memory
models? Explain. 30
9. How would you process information for maintaining it for long-term usage? 10
10. Discuss the levels of processing framework of memory and the relevant supporting
research evidence. 30
11. Explain anterograde amnesia with special reference to the classical case of HM. 10
12. Prepare an experimental design following Sperling's technique to study iconic
memory. What does the experiment prove? 30
13. What is the meant by 'echoic memory' How long does this memory last? Discuss
with experimental evidence. 20
14. Representational knowledge can be investigating neurocognitively through the
studies of amnesia Elaborate this statement (60).
15. Discuss the role of repression and interference in forgetting. 20
16. Critically evaluate the efficacy of multi store and multi componential models of
memory in the light of relevant experimental evidence 60
17. How far is it correct to state that working memory presents the most complete
description of a multicomponent nature of the Short-term memory? Describe the
components of working memory with suitable examples. 60
18. Explain the basic processes involved in remembering and also highlight the
phenomenon which may occur when any one of the basic processes fails to operate
properly. 20
19. Can human memory be improved? If yes, what techniques would you recommend?
Explain how each technique proposed by you can bring about improvement in memory.
60
20. Present a critical appraisal of stage versus process models of memory and citing
suitable studies show how elaborative processing and self-generation improve memory.
60
21. What is Reminiscene? Discuss this phenomenon in terms of interference processes.
20
22. What role does extinction play in long-term-memory? 20
23. Discuss the information-processing approach to the study of memory. How does it
differ from other approaches? Describe the three interacting systems of memory implied
in the approach. 60
24. is reminiscence a fact or a misnomer? Answer with relevant findings in support. 20
25. Explain the causes of forgetting. Is it a necessary aspect of learning process? Justify
your answer with examples. 60
26. Explain the various stages of the information processing models of memory. What
are the characteristics of each stage and how each stage is related to one another? 60
27. . On what basis can it be asserted that there are two systems of memory? Discuss
their importance to retention. 20
28. What are the various stages involved in the processing and storage of information in
human memory? Discuss. 60
29. Discuss the localization of functions in the brain with particular reference to memory
functions as propounded by Brodmann. 20
30. Evaluate the two-process theories of Memory. 20
31. Explain the processes and principles of reconstruction in remembering with
experimental evidence. Can you understand better by some of your day-to-day intriguing
experiences in the light of this theory? Illustrate your answer. 60
32. Explain with suitable experimental evidences that the failure to remember is basically
an interference phenomenon. 60
33. Examine the statement that forgetting is more due to dynamic motivational factors of
personality rather due to more disuse or lapse of time. 20
34. Coming to think of the vast array of materials you have learnt, how do you retain and
recall them as xvill? What psychological and physiological mechanisms are involved? 60

THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

1. How do novices differ from experts ? 10

2. What has been learned through experiments about the strategies and knowledge base of
experts? Discuss. 10
3. Discuss various dimensions of thought processes in relation to concept. 12
4. Enumerate various methods of problem solving. Critically evaluate their advantages and
limitations also. 20
5. Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning, and give reasons for the preference
of scientist towards inductive reasoning. 10
6. How is the information we hold about ourselves organized and interpreted? 10
7. Discuss the role of heuristics in reasoning. 10
8. What is non directive thinking? Discuss different dimensions of thoughts processes in relation
to concept and creativity? 20
9. How do concepts help problem solving? Discuss the factors which influence concept
formation. 20
10. Explaining the nature of problem solving, discuss its strategies with the help of suitable
examples. 60
11. Discuss the nature of problems and problem solving. Illustrate the process of problem-solving
with appropriate examples. 6o
12. Explain the concept of problem space and describe the methods in solving multi-step
problems. 20
13. How do convergent and divergent thinking differ? Nan it be integrated in higher form of
creative thinking? 20
14. Highlight with examples the strategies of concept formation in children. 60
15. Explain covergent and divergent thinking. 20
16. What is conflict resolution? How best can it be attained? Give suitable examples. 20
17. How are rules useful in solving problems? How do people make decisions about an uncertain
situation? 20
18. Citing relevant experiments elucidate facilitative as well as fixating effects of set in problem-
solving. 60
19. Convergent and Divergent thinking. 20
20. Discuss, with reference to suitable experimental studies, the role of positive and negative
instances in concept formation, and explain the strategies of concept learning. 60
21. What is the concept of Concept? Discuss any model of concept learning. 20
22. What is information processing analysis of thinking? Cite recent experimental evidences in
this context. 20
23. Distinguish thinking as a problem-solving behaviour from sensory motor learning. Discuss the
role of 'set' in thinldng. 60
24. What is concept learning? Describe the various factors affecting concept attainment. Does
Information processing model help in understanding conception formation better? 60
25. Examine the role of set in thinking. 20
26. Describe the techniques for the study of concept formation in children. 20

MOTIVATION AND EMOTION

1. Discuss the role of various neural and physiological processes in emotional

experiences. 10
2. What is the role of cognitive factors in determining emotional functioning? Discuss. 15
3. Bring out the role of left and right hemispheres in emotional experience. 15
4. What is intrinsic motivation ? Why it gets reduced if the person gets external reward
for undertaking a task that he or she loves ? 20
5. Is facial expression of emotion innate or acquired ? Support your answer with suitable
evidence. 12
6. Evaluate various factors which influence intrinsic motivation. 12
7. How would you measure emotion of an individual ? Discuss the effect of emotion on
behaviour. 20
8. How does arousal theory explain human motivation? 10
9. What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation? Explain with the help
of examples. 10
10. What are the functions of emotions? 10
11. Discuss the role of cognition in experiencing emotion in the light of experimental
studies. 30
12. How is emotional competence assessed? Discuss the efforts of emotion on
behaviour. Cite experimental evidence. 20
13. Present a critical appraisal of the cognitive evaluation theory of intrinsic motivation
and describe those studies that bring out that achievement responsibility, interest and
competence are independent of extrinsic motivators. 60
14. ow are instinct, drive and arousal theories of motivation different from incentive
theory? Describe incentive theory of motivation giving at least three relevant examples.
60
15. State the various psychological explanations of human motivation. Explain in detail
the cognitive approach to motivation and emotion. 6o
16. Motivation is a goal-directed behaviouR'Discuss the statement highlighting the steps
involved in the process of motivation. 60
17. 'Human behaviour is elicited by expectations of desirable outcomes.' Discuss this
statement to bring out the cognitive aspects of human motivation. 60
18. Is it correct to state that the theoretical conceptualization of achievement motivation
is not adequate enough to describe the economic development of India? 20
19. Elaborate the statement that James's theory of emotion, followed by its criticism by
Cannon, stimulated a great deal of empirical research while Lange's theory of emotion
influenced the activation theories of emotion. 60
20. Illustrate and discuss the salient features of motivated behaviour. 60
21. State and evaluate the Drive-reduction theory of motivation. Has it any relevance to
homeostasis? 20
22. How do one's values motivate his behaviour? Illustrate your answer. 20
23. In terms of motivational properties how would you rank attitudes and values? 60
24. how do values motivate human beings? Answer giving suitable examples from
research. 20
25. Give a complete psychoanalytic account of human motivation. Is it adequate, in your
opinion? 60
26. State the various types of social motives the individual develops. How social motives
are important in helping us to understand the behavioural differences among people? 60
27. Why is it incorrect to say that homeostasis is a single motivational factor? How many
separate factors are included in it? 20
28. Elucidate the concept of approval motive and discuss its influence on behaviour. 20
29. Tendency to succeed is a multiplicative function of motive to achieve success,
probability of success and incentive value of the goal. Discuss. 60
30. Examine the implication of Expectancy Value theory of motivation in the light of
experimental evidence concerning achievement oriented behaviour in man. 20
31. What are the characteristics of motivated behaviour? Give a critical account of Drive
theory and Need hierarchy theory of motivation. 60
32. Discuss the physiological bases of any two biogenic motives. 60
33. Critically evaluate the concept of homeostasis and drive reduction theory of
motivation. 20
34. Examine and evaluate the different theories of emotion citing experimental
evidences. What role do the cognitive factors play in rousing and sustaining emotions?
60
35. How is endocrine system related to emotional syndrome? Can it explain the whole
process of emotional arousal and control? 20
36. Discuss the principal functional properties of drive both innate and acquired. Analyse
the motivational components underlying acquired drives with illustrations. Do acquired
drives have any relevance in social planning? 60
37. Critically examine the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion. 20
38. Cite experimental evidences in support of cognitive theory of emotion. Do you think it
explains the phenomenon satisfactorily? 20
39. Elucidating the concepts of need, drive and incentive, discuss the problems involved
in measuring motives in human beings. 60
40. Describe emotions in terms of their basic dimensions 20
41. Briefly explain the main principles which determine and affect human motivation,
citing illustrations taken from day-to-day life. 60
42. Examine the physiological affects of emotional arousal, the external influences, and
the internal control of emotions in the light of the fact that they (emotions) are significant
in making life exciting, challenging and demanding? 60

INTELLIGENCE AND APTITUDE

1. Describe the problems in the assessment of intelligence of children with special

needs. 10
2. What are the key components of emotional intelligence? How can parents and
teachers help facilitate its development in school-going children? 20
3. Explicate Sternberg's view of intelligence and bring out its implications for schooling.
10
4. Compare ·multi-factor' theory of intelligence with that of theory of 'multiple
intelligences'. 20
5. Critically evaluate the relationship between intelligence and creativity. Cite
experimental evidences in support of your answer. 20
6. Compare the model of fluid and crystallized intelligence with the two factor theory of
Spearman. 10
7. Describe and evaluate the model of intelligence proposed by J. P. Das. 30
8. Discuss the constituents of emotional intelligence. 10
9. Distinguish between IQ and deviation IQ. 10
10. Critically assess Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence. 30
11. Distinguish between 'intelligence' and 'aptitude' tests. Lists commonly measured
aptitudes and their tests. 30
12. Describe the PASS model of intelligence and show the grounds on which it has
challenged the 'g' theory. 20
13. Show how and to what extent emotional intelligence is an amalgamation of
emotional orientation, regulation and control. 20
14. Discuss different methods for measuring intelligence. 20
15. What are the determinants of intelligence? Support your answer with research and
observational evidences. 20
16. Is intelligence different from aptitude? Discuss Spearman's theory of intelligence. 60
17. Describe in detail the Thurstone's method of scale-construction. 20
18. What is emotional intelligence? Has it revolutionized our knowledge of human
abilities? Describe the method of measuring it. 60
19. Describe the three-level hierarchical model of cognitive ability as followed in the
fourth revision of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. Is it necessary to administer all
subtests of the fourth revision of Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale on any one subject?
Discuss. 60
20. What is the theoretical and utilitarian justification of the concepts of aptitude and
intelligence 60
21. Explain the concept of intelligence quotient. Has it outlived its utility for explaining
individual differences? Is the concept of emotional quotient (EQ) more useful in this
regard? 60
22. What specific role does social intelligence play in the management of people? 20
23. What is the relation of creativity, artistic aptitude and intelligence? 20
24. How are intelligence and creativity interrelated? 20
25. State the contributions of Francis Galton to mental testing. 20
26. Write briefly on the nature and development of intelligence and on the factors that
influence the development of intelligence 60
27. Outline the necessary steps for developing a test for the measurement of scientific
aptitude or intelligence. 20
28. As you observe people about you, are you able to determine differences in their
ability to do abstract, mechanical and social tasks? How would you investigate
mechanical and social intelligence? How would the knowledge of these factors serve as
an encouragement to children who do not possess high abstraction ability? 60
29. Define intelligence and discuss critically Spearman's two-factor theory. What are the
latest views on the structure of human abilities. 20
30. How is creativity related to intelligence? Discuss the earlier and contemporary trends
of research on creativity. 20
31. What are the various problems of measuring intelligence by means of intelligence
tests? Give suitable illustrations. 20
32. Why is the index of validity of a test generally of a lower range in comparison to its
reliability? Explain the models of establishing Validity of an intelligence test. 20
33. Explain the term intelligence Viz-a-viz creativity. Discuss different factorial theories of
intelligence along with you own evaluation of these theories. 60
34. Is it possible to separate creativity from intelligence? Cite evidences. How do you
measure creativity as different from intelligence? 20
35. Discuss the various theories regarding the levels of ability components of
intelligence. How are they related to age and mental development of an individual? 60
36. What is the factorial theory of intelligence? Do measuring techniques also vary
depending on the implications of this theory? 20
37. Discuss the issues of racial and cultural differences in the intelligence. 20
38. Discuss the measurement techniques of abilities. aptitudes and achievement. How
do you assure reliability and validity of these tests? 60
39. Evaluate the genetic study of genius. 20
40. Evaluate the views of Jensen and Piaget on intelligence. 20
41. Examine the findings of sex differences in aptitudes and explain the reasons for the
differences 20
42. Discuss the relationship between high intelligence and creativity in the light of the
studies made on the subject. 20
43. Discuss the limitations in using conventional IQ Tests on unsophisticated and
illiterate population in India. Suggest corrective measures.20
44. What is intelligence? How is its organization explained? 60
45. Give examples with explanations for the 2-factor theory of intelligence. 20
46. Explain Guildford's model of human intellect and point out its contribution to our
understanding of creativity. 60

PERSONALITY

Briefly discuss the evolution of psychoanalytic theory as reflected in the works of Fromm,
Erikson and Sudhir Kakar. 20
2. What is the situationalist critique of trait psychology ? 10
3. Explain correspondence bias. Is it universal or culturally variable ? 15
4. Is self-serving bias universal in attribution process? Comment. 10
5. Describe the Indian approach to personality as reflected in the principle of three
Gunas. 15
6. What is the essence of a projective technique ? Critically evaluate perceptive,
apperceptive and productive projective tests in the measurement of personality. 30
7. What are the 'big five' personality factors? Critically examine their conceptual basis.
30
8. Critically evaluate the relative merits and demerits of psychometric measures of
personality and intelligence. 60
9. Describe pattern of attribution that are used by persons in supporting their interaction.
20
10. Give a comparative account of `Self as conceived by Adler and Rogers (60).
11. What are the key assumptions of projective tests? Indicate the problems
encountered in determining their reliability and validity. 20
12. . The scientific theories of traits have an intuitive appeal because their basic unit of
analysis, personality traits, are very similar to simple nonscientific folk understandings of
personality. Critically evaluate this statement in the light of theoretical developments in
the trait approach of personality. 60
13. Critically evaluate the psychosocial theory of personality development. 20
14. What is personality? Discuss Freudian approach to personality. 20
15. State the trait and type approaches to personality. Is there a reconciliation in the two
in Eysencldan approach? 20
16. Is personality consistent? Give your answer with the support of relevant studies. 20
17. Is aggression an innate tendency or an externally elicited behaviour? Answer with
suitable examples to substantiate your view. 20
18. Elucidate Rogers 'concept of a fully functioning person' Indicate the importance of
self-concept and anxiety in his account of human personality. 60
19. Erikson's theory of psycho-social development parallels Piaget's theory of cognitive
development. Elaborate. 20
20. Which model of man is most suited and relevant to behaviour modification? 20
21. Elucidate Freud's conceptualization of human personality. Discuss its implications for
counselling therapy. 60
22. Do the projective techniques of personality assessment have an edge over
psychometric tests? Cite experimental evidences in this context. 60
23. Can you relate the `Gana' theory of personality with any Western model of
personality? 20
24. Briefly, describe various projective measures of personality. Evaluate each of them.
60
25. Discuss the effectiveness of projective technique in the measurement of personality.
Give suitable examples. 20
26. People tend to conform to group norms of thought and behaviour. Conformity
pressures can create situations in which the information obtained from personal modes
conflicts with information obtained from social modes. Explain. 60
27. How did the Neo-Freudians improve upon the orthodox Freudian analysis of
personality?20
28. What are the strengths and weaknesses of a type approach to the study of
personality? Illustrate with reference to Jung's theory and to Sheldon's. 60
29. Bring out the difference between surface and source traits of personality. How has
Cattell identified the latter empirically? 20
30. Point out the main differences in the approaches of Western and p=edantic theories
of personality. 20
31. 1. Discuss the utility of psychometric vs. Protective tests in personality assessment.
20
32. What kind of relationship exists between culture and personality? Examine critically
the concept of personality in Indian thought. 60
33. Compare and contrast All port's trait theory and Freud's psychoanalytic theory with
respect to their concept of personality, assumptions concerning human nature, empirical
validation and application. 60
34. The complex action and interaction of pituitary and adrenal glands with nervous
system play a crucial role in the integration of bodily responses. Discuss. Is this
syndrome in any way connected with personality development?60
35. Examine the view that endocrine system is the basic key for understanding the total
personality. 20
36. Discuss the value of co-twin studies in understanding the influence of genetic factors
in the development of personality. 60
37. Examine the role of endocrine and social learning mechanisms in the formation of
personality. 60
ATTITUDE VALUES AND INTEREST

1. Discuss the roots of gender-related prejudice in the Indian society. Why is it so

resistant? 15
2. What is ethnocentrism ? How is it reflected in psychological research ? 10
3. What is the role of social categorization in the formation of prejudice ? Suggest some
strategies to reduce prejudice. 25
4. What makes a persuasive attempt effective ? Discuss. 20
5. Discuss A-B-C components of attitude. Describe the procedure of development of a
tool for measurement of attitude. 30
6. Compare the Indian and western constructions of ‘Self’ with reference to cross-cultural
studies and bring out their implication for well-being. 30
7. Describe different psychological measures of values and outline a programme for
fostering values. Among school-going children. 30
8. What is likely to happen if a person is asked to behave in a manner contrary to the
attitude the person holds? Explain on the basis of a theory. 10
9. Khap Panchayats have been in the news recently because of their opposition to
same-'gotra' marriages. What psychological constructs would explain their behaviour?
30
10. Discuss nature, formation and measurement of attitude. Can attitude be changed?
Substantiate your answer citing research finding. 60
11. Distinguish between aptitude and interest and describe methods of their
measurement. 20
12. Do attitudes influence behaviour? If yes, when and how? Give your answer in the
light of relevant research studies. 60
13. Present an account of the attributes of the creative thinking and explain the factors
tat impede creativity. 20
14. race the common linkages between interests and values. Describe the factor
analytical studies of the structure of interests and values. Also delineate upon those
strategies that ought to be adopted for fostering values in the Indian socio-cultural
milieu. 60
15. Citing experimental studies, discuss cognitive-dissonance theory of attitude change.
60
16. Discuss the significance of attitudes, interests and values in human life. Explain the
usefulness of different procedures of attitude measurement. 6o
17. Describe the meaning of creativity and discuss the was for fostering creative talents.
20
18. How attitudes are formed? Discuss its various components. 60
19. Citing experimental evidences discuss how social learning, social comparison and
genetic factors influence formation of attitudes. Also explain how trivialisation reduces
cognitive dissonance. 60
20. Discuss the problems encountered in the use of verbal statements as the items of
attitude scales. 60
21. Can attitudes be changed? Discuss the factors to be considered in changing
attitudes. 20
22. Explain the role of dissonance arousal in prejudice. 20
23. Describe the cognitive, the effective and the behavioural components of attitudes
and state their effect on behaviour 60
24. Critically examine the significance and difficulties involved in the measurement of
social attitudes. 20
25. Thurston and Likert attitude scales. 20
26. Explain the characteristics of pre-existing attitudes as factors in attitude modification.
60
27. The human infants of different societies are biologically similar and born a social. It is
the culture that makes them different and social. Elucidate with reference to the process
of socialization. Give suitable examples. 60
28. Briefly discuss either Balance or Cognitive Dissonance theory of attitude change. 20
29. Give your comments on prediction of behaviour from the knowledge of attitudes.
Discuss cognitive dissonance approach and assimilation contrast approach to attitude
change 20
30. Describe the various steps in constructing and standardizing an attitude scale on a
given population. Does sampling procedure create any difficulties in this context? 20

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

1. Commenting on bilingualism and multilingualism in the Indian context, outline a

language policy relevant to schooling. 15
2. Considering some successful advertisements witnessed by you, describe the key
factors that enhance the effectiveness of communication. 15
3. What are the processes of language production ? 10
4. Discuss the modifications of Chomsky's 'transformational generative grammar'. 12
5. What is meant by effective communication ? Evaluate various sources of effective
communication. 20
6. How does language differ from other forms of communication? Referring to relevant
studies, document children's progress from non verbal communication to the use of
language. 30
7. Compare Chomsky's innate mechanism view with Skinner's view of language
development. 30
8. Comment on Chomsky's theory of transformational Generative grammar and discuss
its later modifications. 20
9. Describe the phase of language acquisition and show how critical period hypothesis
explains the process of language acquisition (6o)
10. What is effective communication? Discuss the role of message and communicator
variables in ensuring effective persuasive communication 60
11. The mand and the tact functions`of language development proposed by Skinner are
not powerful enough to explain why particular utterances are produced at particular
times. Discuss in the context of Chomsky s rebuttal of Sldnnerian theory of language
development. Also explain Chomsky's theory of language development. 60
12. Discuss properties and structure of human language.60
13. Explain the role of language in communication. Give a brief theoretical account of
language development. 20
14. What is communication? Describe the processes involved in communication. 4.
Describe the meaning of creativity and discuss the was for fostering creative talents. 20
15. State and critically evaluate Slobin's cognitive theory of language development. 20
16. Elucidate the main features of Skinner's and Chomsky's theory of language
development and indicate their application. 60
17. In order to have effective communication how far should one learn the body
language and relate it to verbal communication? 60
18. Between brain-maturation and reinforcement, which one offers a more satisfactory
explanation of language acquisition? 20
19. What is communication? Discuss the importance of language and other effective
modes of communication. 60
20. Describe the effective methods of communication giving suitable examples. 20
21. Analyse the process of communication. Highlight the importance of effective
communication between students and teachers in the university set-up: 60
22. Briefly describe the main factors responsible for effective communication. 60
23. Analyse the process of communication and discuss the various strategies for making
communication more effective. 20
24. Discuss the paradigms of transfer of training giving suitable examples. How do you
distinguish between the term transfer of training and transposition 20

CONTEMPORARY

What are the main types of meditation? Describe their effects on cognitive functioning.
10
2. Compare the limits of artificial intelligence and human information processing system.
Discuss their implications for human performance. 15
3. How the psychoanalytic view differs from physiological or cognitive view of dream ?
25
4. What are the requirements to be met by psychological assessment tools for offering
accurate and useful measure of psychological constructs ? 15
5. Enumerate different stages of sleep. Discuss the effects of sleep deprivation on
cognitive performance. 20
6. Elaborate upon the salient developments in consciousness studies and indicate the
effect of ‘meditation’ on psychological functions. 30
7. What is REM sleep and how is it related to dreaming? 10
8. What are the different stages of sleep? How are these stages assessed
experimentally? Citing relevant research studies discuss the effects of sleep deprivation
on cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions. 60
9. Artificial Intelligence and cognitive psychology have a symbolic relationship. Elaborate
this statement. 20
10. In view of increasing computer-human interface discuss its impact on human
behaviour. 20
11. Examine the notion of meditation. What are its cognitive implications? Explain. 20
12. Citing relevant example, describe extra-sensory perception. 20
13. Explain the use of computers in psychologicalexperiments and tests. Illustrate with
examples. 20
14. Give a detailed description of computer applications in psychological studies and
research. Cite relevant examples in support of your answer. 60
15. Explain and evaluate the view that hypnosis represents 'dissociated experience and
dissociated control. 20
16. Contemporary research has done much to inform us about the dark kingdom of
sleepwakefulness .Comment. 20
17. Discuss the importance of military psychology highlighting the functions of
psychologists in the aviation sphere. 20
18. Detail the correlates of Rapid Eye Movements (REM) in sleep. 20
19. Discuss the view that the mechanistic model of man is an oversimplification of the
facts of behaviour. Examine the concept of integrated model with a view to present a
balanced picture. 60
20. What is the difference in the altered state of consciousness through meditation and
hyonotic trance? 20
21. Can the Cybernetic model of behaviour explain problem solving behaviour? 20
22. How does sleep and sensory deprivation affect behaviour of individuals who go for
aviation and space flights? 60
23. Can computer ever acquire human-like ability to think, remember and solve
problems? Discuss fully with illustrations. 20
24. What do you mean by altered states of consciousness? Describe the ways in which
they can be acquired. 60
25. Dream is the guardian of sleep. Explain. 20
26. Describe the physical and psychological problems of man in aviation and space
flight. 60
27. Computer programme is the artificial intelligence 20
28. Explain meditation and how far it is useful today for therapeutic purpose. 20
29. . Murray's theory possesses the unique feature of a simultaneous emphasis upon
the importance of the past of the organism and the present context within which
behaviour takes place. Discuss 60
30. Discuss the nature and complexities of altered states of consciousness which are
produced by hypnosis, drug Use and meditation. 60

MISCELLANEOUS

1. What psychological techniques can be used to enhance cleanliness in public places?

15
2. How is self related to culture? Discuss in the light of studies on self-construal and
individualism-collectivism. 20
3. What is meant by rule learning? Describe some important rules along with description
of the concepts related to each rule. 15
4. What are the criteria to identify creativity? How can a teacher promote creativity in the
classroom setting? 30
5. You are the head of an office in which employees habitually come late and leave
early. Suggest a behaviour modification plan for such employees. 20
6. How can biological aging be modified with the help of environmental factors? 30
7. How do task similarity and modality influence dual-task performance? 30
8. Discuss different the concept of N Ach and methods which have been used to
measure it. 30
9. Is national character a valid concept? 20
10. Critically examine the optimistic conclusions of humanistic theories regarding human
nature and existence. 20
11. Specify the human problems associat3> ed with space flight. Give experimental
evidences. 20
12. Dose the organizational man lead to the alienation in comparison to the Humanistic
man? 60
13. How is national character developed? Explain its need and importance in present
day political situation. 60
14. describe an integrated model of man acceptable to the modern society. 20
15. Distinguish between physical and environmental stress and state the generalised
responses. Is it possible to overcome this?60
16. Explain the different models of man and their implications for behavioural change. 60
17. Attempt a description of the characteristics of the gifted and indicate how those could
be identified and developed. 60
18. What is national character? Explain the role of heredity in developing national
character. 20
19. Describe the implications of the different models for behavioural changes. 20
20. Discuss the implications of the Humanistic Man Model for behaviour change. Will this
model be suitable in the present-day world? 60
21. Critically examine the human problems in aviation and space flight. 60
22. Which model of man do you consider to be most appropriate in the present social
context? Give your reasons. 60
23. Why is it difficult to unravel the relative importance of maturation and training in most
human performance? Give concrete illustrations 20
24. Discuss the implications of the Organizational Man and the Humanistic Man Models
for behaviour change. 20
25. Pituitary gland is the master gland. In light of this statement narrate the functions of
pituitary gland. 20
26. Enumerate the similarities and differences in the functioning of the two cerebral
hemispheres in human beings and explain the phenomenon of cerebral dominance. Cite
experimental evidences in this context 20
27. Two children of same parents happen to be different in mental equipment and
behaviour patterns. Can you explain this phenomenon on the basis of polvgenic model
of inheritance? 20
28. Examine how the central care, the lymbic system and the outer core of the human
brain constitute a complex system that maintains the integrity of the organism. 20
29. Do you agree with the view that heredity and environmental influences constitute an
interactional end-product of complex mainfolds of many specific influences Indicate in
this context evidences based on studies on animals and human beings. 60
30. It is suggested that the biological requirements of man are of much less importance
in behaviour than are his psychological needs. Examine this point of view. Describe the
various psychological needs. 60
31. Evaluate the methods of study used in brain localisation. 20
32. . Discuss the relationship between the various divisions of the autonomic nervous
system, and their functions in an emergency situation. 60
33. Throw light on the role of glands-in emergency action of the organism. 20
34. . Describe experimental evidences on the fluctuations of two brain hemispheres 20
35. Examine whether the central nervous system develops in a fixed way or that its
development can be changed by systematically manipulating the environment. Does this
mean that the brain can be either impaired or improved? 60
36. Examine the utility of introspective data in the study of behaviour. 20
37. What are the main patterns of localization of functions in the brain? 20
38. How could the knowledge of psychology be usedin developing a national character?
Answer with appropriate examples. 20
1. Psychological measurement of individual differences
a) Explain how the concept of individual differences emerged and state its importance for
vocational guidance. (2017-10)
b) What is the role of item validation in psychometric scaling? Briefly describe the steps
involved. (2017-20)
c) In what ways psychological tests are useful in assessing individual differences? Answer with
examples. (2016-10).
d) Analyze the factors determining he efficacy of psychological tests. Discuss the limitations in
the use of psychological tests. (2016-15)
e) How will you go about constructing a test for assessing aptitude for civil services? Discuss
the details. (2015-20)
f) What are some important ethical principles that psychologists must adhere to while making
use of psychological tests? (2015-15)
g) What factors can impede fair assessment of individual differences? Examine in the light of
addiction research evidences. (2014-10)
h) What different types of norms will a psychologist need to develop a test of general mental
ability for use in India? (2014-15)
i) What is the purpose of item analysis? How would you carry it out for a test of aptitude?
(2014-20)
j) How will you ensure that a newly constructed personnel selection test measures that it
purports to measure and predicts what it intends to predict? (2013-10)
k) Identify the ethical and non-ethical uses of psychological tests especially measuring
individual differences. Provide suitable examples. (2013-15)
l) Explain the characteristics of the standardized psychological tests. Discuss the major steps
in developing Self Report Personality Inventory. Illustrate your answer with a suitable
example. (2012-30)
m) Critically evaluate internal consistency and stability coefficients as indices of reliability.
(2011-20)
n) Explain the role of case study in understanding the learning disabilities in school children.
Prepare a Performa for the case study of a dyslexic child. (2010-30)
o) You have been asked to establish convergent and discriminant validity of the civil services
(preliminary) test. How would you do it? (2009-20)
p) What are the methodological differences between a „constructed‟ and a ‟standardized‟
psychological test? (2009-20)
q) Enumerate the methods of accessing validity of a personality inventory and highlight their
significance. (2008-20)
r) Explain the characteristics and types of standardized psychological tests. Critically comment
on their utility and limitations. (2007-60)
2. Psychological wellbeing and mental disorders
a) Explain psychopathic personality and state how it is related to deviant behavior. (2017-10).
b) Explain how hallucinations and delusional contents differ in paranoid and non-paranoid
schizophrenia. (2017-15).
c) How can psychological well-being of service professionals be promoted? Discuss. (2016-10)
d) How do lifestyle variables influence quality of life of an individual in different life domains.
(2016-15)
e) What biological factors explain mental disorders? Discuss. (2016-10)
f) How can „Ashtanga yoga‟ help in fostering holistic health? Support your answer with
research evidences. (2015-10)
g) Substance abuse is a growing phenomenon among Indian youths. Discuss the psychological
causes of and intervention measures for substance abuse. (2015-10)
h) How can psychological knowledge be put to use in changing the behaviour of children
inclined to consume „junk food‟. (2015-10)
i) Psychologists have recently identified a disorder they term „internet addiction‟ what are its
presenting features‟? How can those suffering from this addiction be helped? (2015-15)
j) Discuss how happiness may influence psychological wellbeing and health. (2014-15)
k) How will you distinguish between anxiety and mood disorders? (2014-10)
l) Reflect on the major issues and contradictions related to the understanding of well-being.
Discuss with reference to current social trends. (2013-10)
m) Reflect on the possibility of fostering positive mental health through indigenous therapies
along with cultural practices. (2013-20)
n) What do you understand by personality disorders? Distinguish between schizoid personality
disorder and schizophrenia. (2012-12)
o) Define „learned helplessness.‟ How can this concept be used to explain depressive
disorders? (2012-20)
p) Explain the delusional disorders and highlight their distinguishing features. (2011-20)
q) Discuss the various aspects of subjective well-being as propounded by positive psychology
movement. (2011-30)
r) Explain paranoid and schizoid personality disorders. (2011-30)
s) Enumerate the different types of phobias encountered in clinical practice. Explain the
application of behaviour therapy in handling these phobic disorders. (2010-30)
t) Compare gender differences in prevalence of substance abuse in india. (2009-20)
u) Comment on the role of cognitive factors in the experience of stress. (2009-20)
v) Distinguish between alcoholism and social drinking and discuss the factors contributing to
alcoholism. (2008-20)
w) What are the substance abuse disorders? Explain etiological factors underlying them.
Indicate the strategies for rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse disorders.
(2007-60)
3. Therapeutic approaches
a) Explain the concept of incongruence in person-centred therapy. (2017-10)
b) Explain the behavioural cognitive therapy by Ellis with the steps involved in it. (2017-15)
c) Explain reciprocal inhibition in behavior therapy and point out its theoretical basis. (2017-20).
d) Discuss the salient features of psychodynamic therapies and evaluate their role in the
prevention of mental illness. (2016-20)
e) Discuss the efficacy of behavior therapies in the prevention of mental illness. (2016-10)
f) Elucidate the learning principles underlying behaviour therapies. Examine the relative
efficacy of behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy in helping students overcome social
anxiety. (2015-15)
g) What is meant by unconditional positive regard? (2014-10)
h) What therapy will be most efficacious in case of someone who is suffering from depression?
Give reasons in support of your answer. (2014-15)
i) Discuss the theoretical basis of behaviouristic approaches of psychotherapy. (2014-15)
j) What are the necessary conditions required in client centered therapy? Discuss the
therapeutic process involved in it. (2013-15)
k) Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychodynamic therapies in the treatment
of mental disorders. (2012-12)
l) Explain the assumptions underlying cognitive therapy. Critically comment on its utility in the
treatment of mental disorders. (2012-20)
m) Critically evaluate the effectiveness of Beck‟s cognitive behaviour therapy in treatment of
different types of depressions. (2011-30)
n) Explain person –centered therapy and state its limitations with suitable examples. (2011-30)
o) Discuss the efficacy of biofeedback therapy in the management of mental health. (2011-20)
p) In which way eastern traditional wisdom has contributed to dealing with psychological
illness? (2010-20)
q) Discuss the challenges encountered by guidance and counseling movement in India. (2010-
30)
r) „In diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, it is more important to know which person has the
disease rather than the disease he has‟. Express your agreement or otherwise with the
statement with justifications and discuss its implications for psychotherapy. (2010-60)
s) Comment on the limits of psychotherapeutic methods. (2009-20)
t) Discuss the salient features of behaviour therapy. Comment on its applicability on Indian
community. (2008-20)
u) Explain the nature and advantages of client centered therapy. Critically evaluate its utility in
treating various psychological problems. (2008-60)
v) Short note: Assumptions underlying client centered therapy and their evaluations. (2007-20)
4. Work psychology and organizational behaviour
a) Critically evaluate the role of self-report personality inventories in personnel selection. (2017-
10)
b) Distinguish between content and process theories of motivation. Comment on the
applicability of Maslow‟s theory of work motivation in the Indian context. (2017-15).
c) Discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by multiculturalism and diversity in today‟s
organizations. (2017-10)
d) Critically evaluate whether the principles of participatory management are equally effective in
bureaucratic organizations as in industrial organizations. (2016-15).
e) Is Herzberg‟s theory relevant for understanding work motivation in Indian organizations?
Explain. (2016-10)
f) How is competency mapping made use of for human resource development in modern
organizations? Illustrate. (2016-15)
g) Do you think that efficacy of personnel selection can be improved by using multiple
methods? (2015-15)
h) To what extent would you agree that human resource development is more about inculcation
of human values and less about development of competencies? (2015-10)
i) Explain psychological characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. (2014-20)
j) Can leaders be trained? What will be the essential components of a leadership training
program for the civil servants? (2014-20)
k) To what extent do you think that the principles of management derived from the study of
industrial organizations can be applied to improve the functioning of bureaucratic
organizations in India? (2014-10)
l) What is your understanding of organizational politics? Discuss how it impacts decision
making processes in bureaucratic organizations? (2013-15)
m) Discuss the psychological implications of „glass ceiling effect‟ from the perspective of an
administrator. (2013-15)
n) What bases of power are used by successful leaders to exercise influence within
organizations? Discuss. (2013-15)
o) Explain the models of sensitivity training. Relate them to organizational development. (2012-
20)
p) Explain vroom‟s expectancy theory of work motivation and link this theory with variable pay
programs. (2012-20)
q) What is glass ceiling effect? Explain the causal factors underlying it? What remedial steps
can be taken by the employing organizations to minimize the glass ceiling effect? (2012-20)
r) Compare procedural and distributive justice, and present their effect on employee‟s
motivation. (2011-30)
s) Differentiate between managerial effectiveness and efficiency, and discuss the factors
influencing them. (2011-30)
t) Provide comparison between transformational and transactional leadership for their
relevance to Indian organizations. (2011-20)
u) Evaluate the applications of Equity theory and Porter Lawler‟s theory in modern
organizations. (2010-20)
v) What are the merits of „sensitivity training groups‟ as a training program in organizations?
(2009-20)
w) Evaluate the applications of any two theories of work motivation in modern organizations.
State the importance of participatory management in Indian industry. (2007-60)
x) Short note: Advertising and marketing (2006-20)
y) What do you mean by personnel selection and training? Explain the uses and importance of
psychological tests in the industry. (2006-60)
5. Application of psychology in educational field
a) Elaborate the process of spotting and nurturing gifted children in the Indian context. (2017-
15).
b) Examine some important psychological principles underlying effective teaching-learning
process. (2016-10)
c) Illustrate the significance of value education in schools and comment n its relevance for
personality development of children. (2016-10).
d) Discuss some strategies for dealing with academic underachievement in Indian schools.
(2015-10)
e) Why do teaching-learning processes in Indian class rooms be teacher-centered? If
knowledge is viewed as a constructive process, what kind of classroom would be suitable for
rural Indian schools? (2015-20)
f) Enumerate the factors that can impact upon teaching learning process in rural India.(2014-
10)
g) How can teachers help in meeting the educational needs of a child suffering from ADHD?
(2014-15)
h) What are the psychological disadvantages of learning in the distant mode through IT
compared to classroom learning? (2014-20)
i) How would you identify gifted children? Explain with examples. (2013-10)
j) Reflecting on the status of education in India, state whether it can help in reducing the gap
which has been experienced due to social inequality. (2013-20)
k) Comment on the present practices related to educational guidance and counseling programs
in Indian schools and colleges. Highlight the problems in implementing and strengthening
these programs in social context. (2012-12)
l) Discuss different learning disabilities and their educational and psychological consequences.
Suggest relevant remedial measures in this context. (2012-30)
m) Discuss the process of selection of „gifted children‟ on the basis of psychological tests. Make
recommendations for their proper schooling. (2011-20)
n) Bring out the need for value education in personality development of students during
schooling. (2011-20)
o) What are the techniques and devices used in improving memory to ensure better academic
achievements? Discuss. (2011-30)
p) Short note: Career counseling in current scenario. (2007-20)
q) Discuss the application of psychological tests in the selection of creative students. Elucidate
their limitations. (2010-20)
r) Should children with learning disabilities learning disabilities be taught in mainstream
schools? Critically examine. (2009-30)
s) Describe the various techniques used in improving memory. Discuss their merits and
demerits for teaching students in undergraduate courses. (2008-60)
t) Short note: Training for improving memory and better academic achievement. (2006-20)
u) What are the important psychological principles responsible for effective teaching and
learning processes? Discuss in detail as to how gifted and retarded can be trained. (2006-
60)
6. Community psychology
a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of group decision-making over decisions made
by individuals. (2017-10).
b) In the light of various theories of leadership, what kind of leaders will be effective in bringing
about social change? (2017-15)
c) What is the role of the community in handling social problems? Prepare a plan for invoving
the community to handle crime against women. (2017-20)
d) Discuss the usefulness of small groups in community interventions for social development.
(2016-10)
e) Discuss how the process of group decision making can be used effectively in bringing about
the social change. (2016-20)
f) What is the phenomenon of „group think‟? How can it influence the quality of decision
making? (2015-10)
g) Discuss the implications of employing group decision making in issues involving
development in Indian cultural context. (2014-15)
h) Discuss the steps that could be taken to improve the quality of group decision making.
(2013-10)
i) Identify the factors in arousal of community consciousness and also the strategies for
handling social problems keeping in view some of the recent protests movement in India.
(2013-20)
j) Discuss the merits of the role of small groups in social actions and community handling of
social problems. (2013-12)
k) Discuss critically the relevance of community psychology in India for eradication of
superstitions. (2010-30)
l) Discuss the psychological significance of „group decision‟. How can this be applies in
fostering mental health in a community? (2009-60)
m) Sort note: Role of community psychologist in social change. (2007-20)
n) Short note: role of community psychology in social change. (2006-20)
o) Describe the concept of community psychology. Explain some important factors responsible
for arousing community consciousness and action plan in handling social problems. (2006-
60)
7. Rehabilitation psychology
a) Discuss the importance and requirements of orthogenic schools in the context of pre-
delinquent adolescents. (2017-15).
b) A large number of people all over the world are forces to leave their homeland because of
violence. What are the psychological problems faced by such victims of violence? Discuss a
plan for their rehabilitation. (2017-10).
c) Examine the role of situational factors in criminal behavior. (2016-15).
d) Evaluate the role of social agencies in rehabilitation of mentally and socially challenged
persons. (2016-15).
e) Discuss the role of psychologists in organizing tertiary level rehabilitation programmes.
(2016-10)
f) What role can psychologists play in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes
in relation to terminal illness such as coronary heart disease and cancer? (2015-10)
g) What specific role can psychologists play in the management and rehabilitation of persons
suffering from HIV/AIDS? (2015-15)
h) What rehabilitative strategies can be employed by the organizations to handle the work
place violence? (2014-10)
i) State the challenges the psychologists are likely to face in rehabilitation of criminals. (2014-
15)
j) Discuss the relative efficacy of psycho-social and community-based rehabilitation models in
case of the physically challenged. (2013-15)
k) Discuss how the major role of rehabilitation psychologists is primarily as a „facilitator or
adjustise behaviour‟ rather than as „symptom eradicator.‟ (2012-12)
l) Identify the physical and psychosocial consequences of being a victim of violence. Explain
the nature of counseling and rehabilitation services a psychologist can render to the victim of
violence. (2012-20)
m) Discuss the role of social agencies in rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS victim. (2010-20)
n) Discuss the psychological and cognitive problems of AIDS patients. Explain the facilities
essential for their rehabilitation. (2008-60)
o) Describe various psychosocial factors contributing to violence. Suggest strategies to be used
for rehabilitation of victims. (2008-20)
p) Short note: Rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS victims. (2008-20)
q) Short note: Rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse. (2006-20)
8. Application of psychology to disadvantaged groups
a) What is relative deprivation? Explain its consequences on adolescent behavior in the current
Indian scenario. (2017-15).
b) Explain the psychological, socio-cultural and economic consequences of belonging to a
disadvantaged group. Suggest the steps to educate and motivate disadvantaged groups
towards development. (2017-20).
c) Socioeconomic and educational disadvantage have been viewed from „deficit‟ and
„difference‟ perspective. Citing examples of each approach, discuss the difference between
the two and their implications. (2015-10)
d) Tribal children in India are disadvantaged partly because of the neglect of their language
and culture in education. How can education for tribal children be reformed to deal with such
disadvantages?(2015-20)
e) What psychological conditions keep the poor in socially disadvantaged state? (2014-15)
f) What psychological knowledge would you put to use for social inclusion of the stigmatized?
(2014-15)
g) How can adverse consequences of social disadvantage be alleviated? (2014-15)
h) Define self fulfilling prophecy. Can it affect the students‟ performance belonging to special
categories? (2013-10)
i) “Poverty alleviation is a dream spread with ulterior motives.” Do you agree? Justify your
views. (2013-15)
j) Explain the psychosocial consequences of being a part of socially disadvantaged groups
especially with reference to self-concept, identity, motivation and achievement. Give
examples from Indian context. (2012-20)
k) Distinguish between prejudice and discrimination. Explain the variables moderating the
manifestation of prejudice into over-behaviour. (2012-20)
l) Can deprivation be source of motivation? Discuss the psychological measures relevant to
deal with the negative consequences of prolonged deprivation. (2011-30)
m) Analyze the motivational deficits in the disadvantaged and the deprived groups. Suggest
remedial measures for overcoming these deficits. (2010-20)
n) What psychological principles can be used to improve the effectiveness of poverty
eradication programs? (2009-20)
o) What, in your view, are the psychological problems that physically challenged people are
more prone to? (2009-30)
p) Discuss the psychological consequences of „prolonged‟ as well as „relative‟ deprivation.
(2009-40)
q) Short note: Educating and motivating the disadvantaged groups towards development.
(2007-20)
r) Are the concept of disadvantage, deprivation and social deprivation synonymous? Suggest
some important strategies for educating and motivating disadvantaged towards
development. (2006-60)
9. Psychological problems of social integration
a) What do you understand by intergroup attitudes? Why are such attitudes considered to be a
social phenomenon? (2017-20).
b) Discuss how social integration can be promoted in India in the light of intergroup contact
hypothesis and cross categorization research. (2017-15)
c) What psychological factors will explain lack of social integration involving religious groups in
India? Discuss. (2016-20)
d) Discuss the process of prejudice formation. State the psychological strategies that can be
adopted for conflict resolution. (2016-20)
e) According to social identity theory, social categorization and differentiation processes are
implicated in intergroup conflict. Evaluate the theory against available research evidences.
(2015-20)
f) Religious violence in India has shown only a marginal decline. What social and
psychological factors explain it the most? (2015-15)
g) Explain how creation of super-ordinate goals can help in resolving social conflicts. (2014-10)
h) Identify relevant indices for understanding the emergence of in-group and out-group
processes. Discuss with help of a suitable theoretical framework. (2013-20)
i) Is religion in India at the root of social conflicts? Discuss and provide suitable ways to deal
with such conflicts. (2013-15)
j) Justify with examples how the insights derived from studies on „intergroup hypotheses would
be useful in promoting harmonious relations among different castes and in maintaining social
order. (2012-12)
k) Clarify the relationship between stereotypes and prejudices, and examine their impact of
social integration. (2011-30)
l) What is „intergroup contact hypothesis?‟ Discuss its implications and limitations in reducing
prejudices. (2010-30)
m) „Prejudice is a consequence of socialization and learning.‟ Discuss this statement and
suggest measures to reduce prejudice in Indian context. (2010-30)
n) What psychological processes are associated with „self fulfilling prophecy?‟ (2009-20)
o) What processes create out-groups? To what extent can developing super-ordinate goals and
norms promote inter group cooperation and reduced conflicts between groups?(2009-60)
p) Short note: Psychological strategies for handling prejudice. (2007-20)
10. Application of psychology in information technology and mass media
a) What are the psychological consequences of the fast development in information technology
on adolescents? (2017-10).
b) Which psychological and cultural factors will facilitate the success of „Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao‟ programme? How can this programme be promoted through information technology
and mass media? (2017-15)
c) Explain the role of mass media in value development. How can the mass media and
information technology be used for promoting pro-social values? (2017-15)
d) How can psychological theories be put to use to inoculate people against their impulsive
buying behavior? (2016-15)
e) Discuss the psychological mechanisms by which television viewing affects aggression and
consumer behaviour in children. (2015-10)
f) Discuss the influences of information technology in modifying the career perspectives of
young adults with special reference to the values of life. (2013-15)
g) What are the psychosocial components of advertising and marketing? Identify and discuss
relevant ethical considerations. (2012-30)
h) Discuss critically the utility of IT and mass media in the context of distance learning. Throw
light on strength and limitations of distance learning. (2012-20)
i) Detail out the relationship between IT, Mass media and their psychological consequences
with suitable examples. (2011-30)
j) Critically examine distance education in light of mass media and IT. Comment on the role of
psychologists in this regard. (2010-30)
k) Discuss the psychological consequences of recent development in information technology
with special reference to cognitive and social development. (2010-30)
l) Critically evaluate the research finding relating to the influence of media on aggression and
violence. (2008-20)
m) Discuss the role of IT in the process of formal education. Critically evaluate its effectiveness
of motivating a learner. (2008-60)
n) Short note: Fostering values through mass media and IT. (2007-20)
o) Describe the role of psychologists in present scenario of IT and mass media boom. Suggest
some of the important techniques in making IT more popular in rural areas. (2006-20)
11. Psychology and economic development
a) Explain the characteristics of entrepreneurial behavior. Discuss critically as to how
entrepreneurial behavior can be cultivated through training. Cite evidence in the Indian
context. (2017-20).
b) Does need for affiliation come in the way of economic development of the tribal people?
Discuss. (2016-15)
c) What role can psychologist play in the development and the implementation of the „Skill
India‟ scheme of the Government of India? (2016-20)
d) Critically evaluate the relationship between economic growth and human well-being in the
light of contemporary research on happiness. (2015-15)
e) What is the relationship that has been found between need for achievement, need for
affiliation and need for power with economic development? Discuss the relevance of these
findings in the context of Indian society. (2015-20)
f) What social and psychological factors come in the way of population control in India? (2014-
10)
g) What psychological motives have retarded economic development in India, according to
some psychologists? Discuss. (2014-20)
h) What psychological knowledge can be used to develop a program for women entrepreneur?
(2014-20)
i) Discuss the key determinants of consumer behaviour in India. How do cultural values
influence it? (2013-15)
j) Discuss how cognitive and motivational factors influence entrepreneurial behaviour. (2013-
10)
k) Can achievement motivation be included as a base of training for economic growth and
development of a country? Discuss the contribution of McClelland and his team in this
context. (2012-12)
l) Comment on the effectiveness of training programmes for developing entrepreneurship and
achievement motivation. (2010-20)
m) Discuss various rights of consumers. Critically evaluate the effect of consumer awareness
on consumer behaviour. (2008-20)
n) Discuss the contribution of David McClelland in the field of motivation. Discuss the salient
features of conductive environment for enhancement of achievement motivation. (2008-60)
o) Explain the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour. How can people be motivated and
trained for entrepreneurship and economic development? Comment on utility of such
programmes. (2007-60)
p) Short note: Identify effective measures for motivating and training people for
entrepreneurship and economic development. (2006-20)
12. Application of psychology to environment and related field
a) Explain the effects of short-term and chronic exposure to noise on the performance on
cognitive tasks. (2017-10)
b) Explain the effects of rapid scientific and technological growth on environmental degradation.
Discuss the role of psychologists in reducing environmental degradation. (2017-15)
c) Analyze the impact of crowding on mental health. Discuss the psychological measures that
can be adopted to reduce the stress resulting from crowding. (2016-20).
d) How are indigenous knowledge systems related to environmental degradation? Mention
some psychological processes underlying environmental attitudes and values. (2015-10)
e) It has been found that cultural factors can be used to facilitate social change. What cultural
factors can be made use of, and how, in making success of the governmental program
called “Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan”? (2015-20)
f) How is population growth in India affected by psychological processes of attribution, beliefs
and values? Discuss the possible implications of these processes for population education in
India. (2015-15)
g) As a psychologist, develop a program to bring about attitudinal change in favour of small
family norm. (2014-10)
h) India rates very high on carbon emission. What use can be made of psychological
knowledge to reduce the level of carbon emission in India? (2013-10)
i) What psychological approach/approaches can be used to persuade those who oppose
family planning on religious grounds? (2013-15)
j) How can psychological principles be used to conserve water. Develop a plan. (2013-10)
k) Define the notion of environmental pollution. How would you explain the impact of scientific
and technological innovation on environmental degradation from a psychological
perspective? (2012-20)
l) Explain the consequences of short-term and long-term exposure to noise. How does noise
affect our social behaviour? Cite the impact of crowding in this context. (2012-30)
m) Explain the social factors and myths that demotivate people from following small family
norms. Suggest relevant motivational strategies in this context. (2012-20)
n) State the salient features of man-environment relationship. Discuss their implications for
architects in designing built-environment. (2010-30)
o) What are the psychological consequences of crowding? (2009-20)
p) What psychological principles can be used to protect our environment? (2009-20)
q) What psychological explanations would you offer for India‟s failure in reducing its population
growth rate significantly? (2009-60)
r) Discuss the psychological effects of noise pollution. Support your answer with recent
research findings. (2008-20)
s) Explain the psychological consequences of population explosion and high population
density. How can we motivate people towards small family norms? (2007-60)
t) Short note: Impact of rapid scientific and technological growth on degradation of
environment. (2006-20)
u) Short note: Psychological consequences of population explosion and density. (2006-20)
13. Application of psychology to other fields
a) Military psychology
i. What is man-machine system? In this context, explain the applications of human
engineering in designing the display systems of aircraft. (2017-15)
ii. How can human engineering be put to use in devising instruments that are used by
the defence personnel posted in the border areas? Discuss. (2016-15)
iii. Indian soldiers defend the country in extreme and, at times, hostile physical
environments. What kind of psychological problems are they likely to experience?
(2015-15)
iv. Indian Defence personnel tend to experience depression, sometimes leading to
suicides. What type of psychological interventions can foster positive mental health in
them? (2015-15)
v. How can psychological the resilience of personnel of the armed forces be enhanced?
Discuss (2013-10)
vi. What is a man-machine system in the context of human engineering? Highlight the
applications of human engineering in defence with reference to equipment design.
(2012-20)
vii. As a psychologist, how would you design a training program for the defence
personnel for operating in low intensity conflict areas? (2009-20)
viii. Discuss and critically evaluate the contribution of military psychology in defence.
(2008-60)
ix. Explain the role of military psychologists in defence. Discuss the importance of
human engineering in defence. (2007-60)
x. Short note: Role of military psychologists in defence. (2006-20)
b) Sports psychology
i. Discuss the role of cognitive and behavior therapies in improving the performance of
sports persons. (2016-15)
ii. Explain hoe cohesiveness can be promoted in sport teams by using psychological
principles. (2017-10)
iii. What role can mental imagery play in enhancing the performance of sportspersons?
Discuss. (2014-10)
iv. Discuss how the psychological training given to sports persons can be useful for
administrators with reference to maintaining team spirit and group morale. (2013-10)
v. Explain the context of „team cohesiveness‟ in the context of sports. How can
teamwork be improved through the application of sports psychology. (2012-12)
vi. Examine the role of „mental plus muscle‟ practices in training of athletes. (2011-30)
vii. How can psychologists help sportspersons in enhancing their performance on the
field? (2010-20)
c) Media influences on pro and anti-social behaviour
i. What role can media play in the promotion of small family norm in the Indian culture?
(2016-10)
 ii. Evaluate the psychological consequences of social media in interpersonal
relationships. (2016-15).
iii. What explanations are offered by the psychological theories about the manner in
which media influences anti-social behaviour? (2013-20)
iv. How can media contribute to pro-social behaviour by applying principles of
psychology? (2008-20)
d) Psychology of terrorism
i. What psychological factors keep the group of terrorist cohesive? (2014-15)
ii. Discuss the relative significance of group factors versus personality factors in
explaining the behaviour of terrorists. (2013-20)
iii. „Terrorism begins in the minds of young people and it is in their mind that lasting
solutions to the problem is to be sought.‟ Comment on this statement and suggest
the remedial measures. (2010-30)
iv. Short note: Application of psychology in combating terrorism. (2007-20)
v. What do you mean by psychology of terrorism? Explain some of the important
strategies to deal with terrorism and insurgency. (2006-60)
14. Psychology of gender
a) What factors account for gender differences in India? Suggest some psychological
measures to reduce gender differences. (2016-15)
b) Does the notion of self-fulfilling prophecy relating to achievement satisfactorily explain
gender differences in achievement? (2015-15)
c) “Glass ceiling effects in organizations are rooted in socialization and family.” Discuss with
reference to the psychological basis of gender role development. (2015-15)
d) What are gender stereotypes in India? How do they feed into gender discrimination? (2014-
15)
e) What lessons can be drawn from psychological research to promote gender equality in the
workplace? (2013-15)
f) What are the causes of domestic violence? How is the „belief in just world‟ used to
rationalize this violence? (2012-12)
g) Discuss the components of gender sensitivity training. Indicate its importance in context of
management of workforce diversity. (2012-12)
h) Discuss the challenges of managing gender biases in Indian society. (2011-30)
i) Is gender difference dichotomous or does it constitute a continuum? Explain in light of
research in masculinity- feminity. (2010-20)
j) Evaluate the contribution of psychology in dealing with the issue of gender discrimination.
(2009-20)
Based on the qualitative nature of the subject matter under consideration, the entire syllabus
of psychology can be grouped into following three broad categories, which is followed by an
elaborate description of each:

• Core psychology
• Applied psychology
• Research methods in psychology and psychometry

Core Psychology: This is the heart and soul of psychology and is what usually conjures up in
mind when one hears the word “psychology”. It deals with such things as major theories,
personalities, studies etc in psychology. It covers the entire paper1 of the syllabus (except the
chapters on “methods of psychology” and “research methods), and the portion on
psychological disorders and therapies from paper2 (abnormal psychology in short).

How good you perform overall in psychology depends on how well you have mastered this
portion of the syllabus. It forms the bedrock of all your psychological knowledge on which will
rest the knowledge of the other two areas of syllabus—so spend a good deal of your time here.

Following is the list of books that I personally came across, and which you will too in all
likelihood, during my three odd years’ of preparation. These books deal with this area of the
syllabus (core psychology):

• Robert A. Baron
• Saundra K. Ciccarelli & J. Noland White
• Clifford T. Morgan, Richard A. King et al. (popularly known as just “Morgan and King”)
• Atkinson & Hilgard
• Braj Kumar Mishra (it’s nothing but junk in my opinion; stay away from this)
• Books on specific topics (social psychology by Robert A. Baron; abnormal psychology by
James N. Butcher et al.)
• Psychology NCERT, 11th and 12th (preferably old editions)

If you are terrified to see such a long list of books, don’t be! This is just a list of books to
let you know what all lies out there—only a handful of them are to be actually read.

Here is what you are supposed to do: first off, you need to pick a book which will serve as your
fundamental book which you will learn all basic psychology from. This fundamental book in my
opinion should be either Baron or Ciccarelli, and NOT any other book in any case (ignore all the
books I mentioned above). I would suggest you to go with Baron, since this is what most people
do, although ciccarelli is just as good, if not more. Since this book will lay the base of all your
psychological knowledge, multiple and meticulous readings of this book will be required—the
salience of this point cannot be overstated. Although one book will cover preponderant (some
90%) of this part (core psychology) of the syllabus, some topics will either not be found, or the
coverage might not be of desired quality or depth, in which case you need a secondary book. So
if Baron is your fundamental book, Ciccarelli should serve as your secondary source. And treat
your secondary source as secondary—do not wind up reading the secondary source just like the
fundamental one (I say this because it’s easy to go adrift, and it happened with me). These two
books, in tandem, with unequal stress (far more stress on the fundamental book), will cover all
the basics.

I want to make a brief comparison between these two most important books (Ciccarelli and
Baron) at this point. I have seen both books at close quarters and can well vouch for their
superlative quality. I mention below topics covered well in one book with respect to the other.

Chapters well covered in Ciccarelli: states of consciousness (although refer Baron for dreams and
hypnotism sections); personality (at least a few portions of it); social psychology (many important
concepts not found in Baron will be found here)

Chapters well covered in Baron: developmental psychology; sensation, attention and perception;
thinking and problem solving; intelligence and aptitude.

Other chapters not mentioned above (e.g., learning, memory etc.) are covered well in both the books, so
you can do them from any—I recommend Baron since it’s your fundamental book anyway.

Other books that I mentioned above are either not to be used at all, or are to be used very, very
sparingly. For example, psychology NCERTs will be required for topics on Indian perspective on
psychology—eg, Indian view of personality and self, PASS theory of intelligence, yoga,
meditation etc. Typically one question is asked from this area, and it is not covered in foreign
books (Baron, Ciccarelli etc.). NCERT should also be used for the “language and
communication” chapter, since it’s not covered entirely in either of the two basic books,
although the coverage in NCERT itself is below par. You can also see other books for selected
topics for other chapters, but it’s better to stay off them in my estimation.

A word of caution is in order here: DO NOT make Morgan & King as your fundamental book! I
have read this book entirely (I will spare you the details as to why), only to discover to my
chagrin that it was an exercise in futility! Not that anything is wrong with the book per se—on
the contrary, it is one of the most hallowed books in all psychological literature, and rightly so.
The only problem is that it is miserably out of date. The latest study that has been quoted in
this book is from 1985, if my memory serves me right. Much has happened in psychology since
that has found its way in the mainstream psychology textbooks as well as the UPSC syllabus. So
steer clear of this book. That said, this book can, however, help in these sections which are not
covered in other books: Chomsky’s theory of transformative grammar; critical period
hypothesis in language acquisition; biofeedback (covered comparatively better here in this
book).

There are some grey areas in the UPSC syllabus which will never be found in any book, let alone
Ciccarelli or Baron—at least, I never did! Such areas include, for example, the chapter on
language and communication (not covered well in both the books); the concepts in syllabus like
signal detection and vigilance (covered in baron but very briefly); probability learning;
metamemory; artificial intelligence; difference between expert and novice (from the thinking
chapter);measurement of emotion; measurement of attitude, value and interest (although it is
covered in A.K. SINGH; more on that later); theories of attitude change (although it can be
found in the book on social psychology by Baron); computer applications in the psychological
laboratory and psychological testing, psychocybernatics, intersensory perception; concept of
well being, positive health, happiness disposition; indigenous therapies like yoga and
meditation (you can see NCERT for these); biofeedback therapy (Morgan and King covers it
well) etc. Their might be some others too beside these, but I think I have covered most of them.

For such topics, I have to say few things. First, such topics aren’t too many. Second, google the
terms and make notes out of these. Third, questions from these areas tend to be very
repetitive; so make sure to browse through the past question papers to keep a watchful eye on
such topics (eg, metamemory, difference between expert novice etc. are often asked). Fourth, I
will try to attach a few handouts/ pdfs, if possible. Language and communication chapter isn’t
covered well in both the basic books that I mentioned. For this, I am attaching a book on
developmental psychology by Shaffer and Kipp. Chapter 9 of this book (Development of
language and communication skills) covers the language part in greater depth. You can have
the entire chapter printed, but initial few pages of the chapter, that cover the theories of
language acquisition, are highly recommended (I did only this much from this chapter; rest of
the things on language I did from Ciccarelli and NCERT). See if you can put rest of the chapter to
any productive use.

To conclude, this (core psychology) is the most important portion of the syllabus—not as much
because it might fetch you good marks in the syllabus that it covers(it might well not!) as due to
the fact that it lays the foundation of your entire psychology optional. How well you apply
concepts in paper2 (which basically what paper 2 is all about) is contingent on your hold on
basic psychology. So read your basic book multiple times until the concepts seep well and firmly
into your memory. The nugget of wisdom “read one book hundred times than hundred books
one time” applies very aptly here.

Applied Psychology: This part of the syllabus covers all but first three chapters of the paper2,
viz. “psychological measurement of individual differences”, “psychological well being and
mental disorders”, and “therapeutic approaches”. As the name itself indicates, we are to apply
the psychological knowledge to different areas, eg. education, societal problems, rehabilitation
of the mentally ill, work place etc. As I said in the foregoing discussion too, you are better
placed to tackle this portion if you have mastered the basic psychology.

You might be tempted to know what book has to be referred for this portion; but let me tell
you their is absolutely no book to speak of for this area! I have searched all and sundry for a
good book, but all in vain (and trust me when I say I have gone to great lengths for searching
it)—none perhaps even exists! However, a “book” by Smark Swain (a formerly successful
student in this exam) does exist, but in all fairness it’s more like notes of a good student, and
not a standard textbook. In any case, all of us, inclusive of me and those who succeeded before
me, are highly indebted to Smarak sir. I want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest
gratitude to him on the behalf of entire UPSC psychology community, for without his book
paper2 would have been really in shambles!

Having said that, their do exist books for particular chapters, eg. work psychology and
education psychology. These areas of psychological applications have become sub-disciplines of
psychology in their own right, and full-fledged text books exist for them. But you would be
better off without them in my opinion. Besides, I will share what’s relevant. But for other areas
(eg, community psychology, psychology of economic development, environmental psychology,
and the like) no book will be found—at best research papers or articles on psychology websites
or Wikipedia (this is useful source, given used sparingly) will be found.

The glaring paucity of books in this area of syllabus had been a constant thorn in my side for at
least half of my UPSC journey. It niggled me so much that at times I even called into question
my very decision of having taken psychology optional. But now that I am past my preparation
phase, in retrospect, I can well say that this supposed predicament was in fact a blessing in
disguise. I say this because paper2 is in fact easier than paper1, and requires far, far less labour,
given you know how to go about. You will be as much delighted to know as I myself was that in
my first mains exam (I reached the interview stage here), I scored better in paper2—135 in
paper1 and 145 in paper2, to be precise! In my third and final attempt too, when I have got
finally what all of us want, I scored handsomely in paper2 (150 marks). So the cardinal point
that I want to deliver is that paper2, far from being your weakness, can be your strength—I
explain below just how.

Here are the broad contours of the strategy for paper2 (applied psychology):

• First off, master the basic psychology. Multiple revisions of your basic book from
paper1 will be required before you can “feel” how to “apply” the psychological
knowledge in applied psychology. The sound foundation laid here will surely stand you
in good stead for approaching applied psychology.
• Stop hunting for books, and purchase Smarak Swain. Read the entire book except the
chapter (es) on psychological disorders and therapies (which are already covered in
Baron/ Ciccarelli). Reading this book can at times feel very boring and insipid exercise—
but you have to endure a bit, as we don’t have much option. The concepts do not flow
here as elegantly as they did in Ciccarelli or Baron. Anyhow, the book has good qualities
to its credit too. First, it covers all the things mentioned in syllabus very systematically.
Second, the coverage of topics is fairly good and many new concepts are presented.
The author hasn’t said the things in the book out of thin air as one might possibly
suspect; he has pieced together things from various standard sources. You can verify
this any time by seeing any standard source on the topic (I have myself discovered this
fact time and again). Third, you will learn here how to apply basic psychology in
different chapters.
So, in a nutshell, read this book religiously, and revise it multiple times.

• There are certain chapters in paper1 which specifically have many applications in
specific chapter (es) of paper2. So try to apply the concepts from these chapters
specifically. I mention them below:
1. Learning and memory: has application in educational psychology,
particularly the chapter on memory.

2. Psychological disorders and therapies: has application in rehabilitation

psychology and community psychology (social psychology is also helpful in
this chapter).
 3. Social psychology: has application in community psychology, psychology of
disadvantaged, psychology of social integration (greatest application here),
environmental psychology, psychology of economic development, terrorism
psychology, psychology of gender etc. Social psychology is by far the most
important chapter when it comes to applying concepts of psychology in
paper2. This is because many chapters in applied psychology aim at
changing the social/ group behaviors of people (eg, how to get people to
have a positive attitude towards small family, or to conserve water), which
falls within the domain of social psychology. So cover this chapter from both
Baron and Ciccarelli, although avoid repetition while doing so.

• Next Is the writing practice. Although writing practice is essential in paper1 too, it’s
more so for paper2. That’s because the writing skills in applied psychology call for
innovation, creativity and thinking-on-your-feet ability, which comes but with practice.
Unlike in paper 1, here, by and large, there is no right or wrong answer to a question; it
all depends on what all psychological techniques you have incorporated in the answer.
When posed with a question, you might often feel you don’t know the answer to the
question, but you do—just try to think from different psychological angles; try to draw
on the knowledge from Ciccarelli or Baron; and think of points mentioned in smarak
swain. Almost as a rule, you have to attempt each and every question and reach up to
its word limit. You might feel you are writing garbage, but you are not (now you know
how this paper is blessing in disguise)—just make sure you are somehow including
psychological jargon in your answer and tackling the question from different
psychological angles to make the answer more well-rounded. You will definitely fetch
marks (given basic psychology and smarak swain have been mastered well).

• I have made notes for the most important areas in applied psychology which I attach
here. These notes have been made from different sources—Wikipedia, my own
knowledge from basic psychology and smarak swain, and notes handed over by Mukul
Pathak sir who is a renowned psychology faculty in Delhi (searching his voluminous and
haphazardly-arranged notes was like searching for a needle in haystack). Notice in the
notes how I have used different psychological techniques for different topics—you
have to develop the knack of doing the same. Also notice that some psychological
techniques used cut across different chapters. These are the general techniques which
can be used for a variety of questions. Also, these notes are to complement smarak
swain, so many new things might be found, although I have included points from
smarak swain at times for the sake of orderly organization.
However, these notes are
very personal to me, written for my personal usage. There might be things which you
might not understand, since they were supposed to make sense to me and not anybody
else. For example, at times I would just write a technical term, leaving it unexplained.
That’s because I already know what that means. At such times, feel free to look up the
internet, particularly articles on Wikipedia, which I myself have used profusely. I just
hope you find the notes useful.

It’s paradoxical that this paper, which at one point seemed like my
Achilles heel, would eventually go on to become my weapon. Personally speaking, while
writing the mains exam or the test in the test series, I felt at much ease in paper2 as
compared to paper1. My brain felt less encumbered with information, and l liberally used
points that came to my mind then and there, almost as if I had to just fill the pages, as it
were! But honestly, it earned me good marks, and I always felt confidant in this paper. I
think that was because of my perseverant and honest hard work. Hard work just pays off I
guess in ways that we don’t quite comprehend.

Research methods in psychology and psychometry: Comparatively much smaller portion,

it covers the following chapters:

• Methods of psychology (chapter 2 of paper1)

• Research methods (chapter 3 of paper1)
• Psychological measurement of individual differences (chapter 1 of paper 2)

The first two of these can be studied together (both deal with research methods in
psychology), while third one is to be done separately (it covers psychometry).

This part of the syllabus covers two broad areas, viz. research methods in psychology, and
psychometry. By research methods is meant what kind of methods do psychologists deploy
to study behavior and then reach a meaningful and scientific conclusion—these methods
are required to be known by you. A psychological research is a long drawn out process,
consisting of many stages. One of the stages is to apply statistical techniques on the data
collected in the study on behavior, from which emerges the hidden information in the data.
Some statistical techniques are specifically mentioned in the syllabus (e.g., t-test, ANOVA
etc.)—we are expected to know them too. Psychometry (dealt by the chapter1 of paper 2,
ie psychological measurement of individual differences), on the other hand, deals with
measurement in psychology. Various psychological traits like intelligence, attitude,
aptitude etc. are measured using what is called a “psychological test”. Here you are
required to know what are the characteristics, types, use and misuse, limitation etc. of
psychological tests.

This entire part of the syllabus is notorious for giving tough time to students—not because
of the lack of books this time (in fact, there is a copious amount of them), but because of
its perplexing nature. Of particular notoriety is the part on statistical techniques. However,
overall, it’s not as difficult as students generally think. Typically some four-to-five questions
might be asked in all (both papers), and it certainly cannot be overlooked.

As for the book source, Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioural
Sciences by A.K. Singh (you can find it online), is by far the most important source.
Technically, it covers practically the entire portion well, except for the portion on statistical
techniques, which, although covered, is mentioned very briefly and with no background of
statistics, making it hard for us to understand the already intricate concepts. So for the
statistics part (which is a very minor portion, and the one that you could well skip if worse
comes to worse), I suggest Statistics for Psychology by Aron, Coups, and Aron (I will attach
the soft copy), which is a splendid book. There are other books too on the statistics portion
(I will attach the soft copies), but it is advised to stay away from them. Even Aron and
Coups is to be used very minutely and carefully, since we are looking for some handful
topics spread out in the entire book!
A few words of wisdom now on how to cover A.K. Singh. To give you a bird’s eye-view, a
good command on the subject matter will require you to cover some one-third of the book
spread over different chapters, although only three or four chapters will suffice if you are
hard pressed for time. The book can be divided into two parts—the first half covers
psychometry, and the second covers research methods. Coming to psychometry first, the
most important chapter here is Test Construction (2nd chapter of the book), which covers
the basics of psychological tests (properties, uses, limitations, ethical issues in testing). This
is a very easy but important chapter, and should be on your tips. It covers many aspects of
testing which are directly mentioned in the syllabus and which are directly asked too in the
exam. The following chapters in the book deal with specific aspects of testing like item
analysis, validity, reliability, norms etc. of a psychological test (item response theory given
in “item analysis” chapter should be read well, as should be the reliability and validity
concepts in the following chapters). You just need to read the basics of all these things
from these chapters, and not the entire chapter (see the past question papers; you will get
an idea what to read).

Now coming to the psychological research part, which is the second half of the book. Here
the Social Scientific Research chapter (15th chapter of the book) is very important, and
walks you through the types of psychological research and their basics. This chapter should
be done well. Just like in psychometry, the following chapters deal with the specific aspects
of psychological research. Only two are important in my opinion—20th chapter (variables)
and 21st chapter (research design). Research design (covered in 21st chapter) forms a very
important part of the syllabus, and the basics of different kinds of research designs (e.g.,
between-group design, within-group design, factorial design etc.), should be well known to
you. This chapter, however, delves somewhat deeply into each research design, which is
not required. Just make sure you understand the basics of each research design, and the
distinction of one from the other. Intrinsic to the process of research design is a statistical
test (t-test, ANOVA, etc.) to be done on the data collected as guided by the research design
at hand. Basics of these statistical tests should also be known, as the syllabus specifically
demands. Understanding this chapter (particularly the statistical tests) can be a tricky
affair—that’s where Aron and Coups comes in (more on that later). 16th chapter (single
subject experimental design) could also be skimmed through, since single-subject
experimental design is also a kind of research design. “Chapter W1” of Aron and Coups
(Overview of the logic and language of psychological Research), towards the far end of the
book, is also a good read to understand the basics of research design.

To sum up, chapters in AK Singh that are to be fully read are: chapter 2 and 15. Chapters to
be read partly (just make sure you understand the basics here; you can skip the details. See
the past question papers to get an idea) are: chapter 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 (see the basics of how to
measure aptitude, value, interest etc.; they are mentioned in paper1), 12 (here, see the
basics of data collection techniques like survey, observation, interview etc.), 16, 20 and 21.

Few things now about Aron and Coups (soft copy attached). The subject matter of the book
is: how statistical techniques are used in the process of psychological research. Our aim
here is to understand the rudiments of some statistical techniques mentioned in the
syllabus (t-test, two way ANOVA, correlation and regression, factor analysis), and some
other things not explicitly mentioned in the syllabus, but nonetheless asked (e.g., effect
size, statistical power etc.). The concepts are presented in a very easy-to-understand
manner, sometimes the same things being said repetitively from oblique angles,
supplemented with copious examples. The only problem is what we are looking for is
spread out, literally, in the entire book! This could eat into lot of your time; so use the book
at your discretion. But I do recommend reading the 4th chapter of this book that introduces
you the all-important concept of hypothesis testing, which is central to psychological
research. You will feel at once what on earth is this psychological research all about! The
chapter isn’t as big as it seems—just understand what hypothesis testing is and how it is
done. I leave on you how to cover the statistical techniques mentioned in the following
chapters. I myself could cover only some of them from this book as it was taking lot of time
and not yielding commensurate benefits. But for someone who has good amount of time,
the book can be put to good use.

Two topics—focus groups and grounded theory—will not be found in either of the two
books. For these, I will attach a few pages extracted from a standard textbook, or possibly
the book itself, in case you want a little background on qualitative research (both focus
groups and grounded theory are qualitative research methods, as distinct from
quantitative research methods). There is a third topic by the name brainstorming, on
which, I am afraid, I do not have any source to suggest—I myself never did it. Try googling
it.

With this I conclude my rather elaborate psychology strategy. Part of the reason
why I have written it so long is that I myself felt a conspicuous lack of guidance in
psychology during my preparation days, and I had to carve my own path out. I have learnt
many things during the course of three years, some the hard way! For example, I went to
great lengths to find a good book for paper2, which never existed in the first place; I read
entire Morgan and King only to realize I shouldn’t have; towards the end, I amassed a good
deal of books, but all came gradually spread over great length of time. I am pretty sure
things would have been starkly different had I had them right from the start. To top that
all, filtering the relevant from the irrelevant felt like an arduous exercise (particularly in
psychological research and psychometry). I just hope my strategy helps you circumvent
these, and possibly other, pitfalls, and save you both labour and time. That said, I firmly
believe it takes all sorts to make a world. So if my strategy, or a part of it thereof, doesn’t
go down your throat well, DO NOT be afraid to do your own thing! After all, not all
successful students in psychology had the same path as mine. That’s true not just for
psychology, but the entire preparation. But at the same time no man is an island—you do
need help. So keep your eyes and ears always open, and, to quote Rig Veda, let the good
ideas come from all sides! With this, I extend my heartfelt wishes in your endeavours!