Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper 2021

Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper 2021:

There are Eight questions divided into Two Sections. Candidate has to attempt Five questions in all. Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, any Three are to be attempted choosing at least One question from each section.

Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper- I

Section- A:

1:- Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) What are the limits of Intuition and common sense? Why do psychologists emphasize on scientific methods? Discuss.

(b) State the role of psychologist in resolving interpersonal conflicts and social unrest.

(c) Discuss the challenges during group brainstorming process.

(d) Describe the role of mass media in shaping the behaviour of adolescents. Support it with appropriate examples.

(e) With reference to the concept of memory construction evaluate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in judicial trial.

2:- (a) How do basic and applied research differ? Explain how knowledge from basic research helps solve practical problems. (20)

(b) Discuss the factors causing cognitive decline in the elderly. (15)

(c) Describe the bottom-up and top-down processing of sensory information. (15)

3:- (a) How much nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental factors) contribute to a person’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development? (20)

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

(c) Explain the importance of cognitive neuropsychology and socio-cultural perspective in understanding human behaviour. (15)

4:- (a) Why is selective attention important? Discuss the theories of selective attention. (20)

(b) Which method is most appropriate to investigate gender differences in aggressive behaviour at the work place? Elaborate. (15)

(c) Describe the role of schemas and mnemonic devices in expertise and exceptional memory. (15)

Section- B:

5:- Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) “Some psychological measures can be reliable but not valid”. Elaborate it with examples.

(b) IQ scores predict success in academic, job and other life outcomes. Evaluate.

(c) What is self-efficacy? Discuss the potential benefits of enhancing self-efficacy.

(d) Formal operational thought is not universally achieved. Discuss.

(e) Give a critical appraisal on the practice of using aptitude tests to predict professions for high school children.

6:- (a) Are we born with personality? Critically evaluate with theoretical interpretation. (20)

(b) Describe the strategies of effective communication training. (15)

(c) Discuss the physiological basis of emotion and its measurement. (15)

7:- (a) Which approaches to motivation are more commonly used in an organization? How these approaches might help to sustain or increase motivation? (20)

(b) Describe different types of Meditation and its effect on health and well-being. (15)

(c) Discuss the use of computer application in the various domains of practice in Psychology. (15)

8:- (a) Humans strive to assign causes to actions of self and others and fall into traps of biases and errors. Critically discuss. (20)

(b) Discuss the cognitive and motivational determinants of the belief in extra sensory perception. (15)

(c) Give a comparative analysis of the behaviouristic and nativistic perspective to language development. (15)

Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper- II

Section- A:

1:- Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Discuss the psychological tests used for the selection of defence personnel.

(b) What are the steps to be taken to promote gender-friendly environment at workplace?

(c) Describe the different methods for making a psychological test reliable.

(d) What roles do the social agencies play in the rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS patients?

(e) Discuss the role of community psychology for handling community mental health problems.

2:- (a) Explain the major steps to be taken for the training of children with learning disabilities. (15)

(b) Highlight the importance of career counseling in enhancing students’ success in life. (15)

(c) Why is group decision making important for social change? What errors and biases occur during the process of group decision making? (20)

3:- (a) What are the different types of psychological tests for personality assessment? (15)

(b) Describe the main tenets of cognitive therapy. Compare it with psychoanalytic therapy. (15)

(c) Is prejudice inevitable? Discuss the techniques for reducing caste prejudice. (20)

4:- (a) How does power in organizations tend to concentrate in the hands of a few persons? Discuss the tactics used to gain power. (15)

(b) Write about the strategies for motivating students belonging to disadvantaged groups for their development. (15)

(c) Describe the different types of anxiety disorders. What are the behavioural approaches to treat such patients? (20)

Section- B:

5:- Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Explain the factors affecting the work motivation within work organization in India.

(b) What are the consequences of being a member of disadvantaged group?

(c) Discuss the methods used by a psychoanalyst to bring unconscious motives into conscious.

(d) Elaborate upon the strategies for inducing pro-environmental behaviour.

(e) What do you understand by mood disorders? Discuss the causes.

6:- (a) How does a self-fulfilling prophecy work? Describe how the gender bias is an example of self-fulfilling prophecy in Indian context. (15)

(b) Elaborate on psychological interventions for improving performance in team games like hockey. (15)

(c) What do you understand by psychology of advertising? How can consumer awareness be enhanced through advertising? (20)

7:- (a) Highlight the psychological consequences of living in high population density area. (15)

(b) Illustrate the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour. How can it be promoted among the youth? (15)

(c) Describe the impact of electronic media on the adolescents’ behaviour. (20)

8:- (a) What are the forms of social conflicts? Explain the methods of resolution of social conflicts. (15)

(b) In the light of post-COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. (15)

(c) What is the need of early identification of mentally challenged children? Write about the strategies for early intervention. (20)


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Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper 2021: Paper- I and Paper- II

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