Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper 2023

Psychology IAS Mains Question Paper 2023:

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.

Section- A:

1:- Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)
(a) How is descriptive type of research different from diagnostic research? Answer the question giving suitable example of each.
(b) “Mental health study is the major trend in Psychological studies in the 21st century.” – Discuss.
(c) What do you mean by subliminal perception? Discuss its role in advertising with the help of suitable example.
(d) Your relative is going through chemotherapy. How your knowledge about learning theories will be helpful?
(e) Discuss the factors facilitating in problem-solving.

2:- (a) Explain in detail the use of computer technology in psychological studies. Give your answer citing appropriate recent work in the field. (20)
(b) Describe multiple intelligence theory and its measurement. (15)
(c) 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)

3:- (a) Describe the factors influencing perceptual organization with reference to past experiences and perceptual readiness. (20)
(b) What do you understand by psychological and physiological basis of motivation? Discuss them giving suitable examples. (15)
(c) Discuss some key ideas from Psychocybernetics. (15)

4:- (a) Compare and contrast between programmed and probability learning and also highlight their advantages and disadvantages. (20)
(b) Do you think that in multicultural society, socialization is a big issue? Give your opinion in this regard and suggest proper socialization mechanism. (15)
(c) Differentiate among a theory, a hypothesis and an operational definition. (15)

Section- B:

5:- Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)
(a) Should the researcher always formulate a hypothesis before collecting data? Justify your answer with appropriate example.
(b) Discuss recent trends in the field of decision-making.
(c) How does gender differences account for behaviour?
(d) What hypothetical ideas lead to the development of projective personality tests?
(e) “Knowledge without use is useless.” Discuss the statement focussing on the application of psychology in resolving societal problems.

6:- (a) In view of Piaget, “Intellectual development takes place through stages which occur in a fixed order and which are universal regardless of social and cultural background.” Critically examine Piaget’s point of view in detail. (20)
(b) Discuss formation of stereotypes and prejudices with the help of suitable examples (15)
(c) Explain how a double-blind experiment is used to overcome experimenter bias and participant expectancy effects.. (15)

7:- (a) How do-intelligence and aptitude differ? Explain the two in the light of ‘g’ and ‘s’ factors of intelligence giving suitable example. (20)
(b) What is the meaning and significance of plasticity of perception? Discuss. (15)
(c) What are the steps for effective communication training? Discuss in detail. (15)

8:- (a) Do childhood experiences affect us in our entire lives? – Elaborate your answer in the light of personality theories. (20)
(b) How can the memory be improved with the help of organization and mnemonic techniques? (15)
(c) “Human behaviour is affected by multiple factors that tend to overlap. As a result of which it is difficult to analyse the cause of behaviour.” – Discuss. (15)

Section- A:

1:- Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)
(a) Compare directional and non-directional therapies with reference to their effectiveness.
(b) Give a comparative analysis of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
(c) Explain the nature and significance of biofeedback therapy.
(d) Explain the nature of dyslexia. How can it be diagnosed?
(e) “Appreciating diversity is considered as a core value for a community psychologist in India.” Justify.

2:- (a) Discuss the biopsychosocial model of health. Suggest relevant actions to prevent illness. (15)
(b) Explain the assumptions of behaviour therapy. Discuss various techniques of behaviour therapy to treat phobia. (15)
(c) Explain the characteristics of standardized psychological tests. Highlight the limitations of psychological tests. (20)

3:- (a) Explain Maslow’s need hierarchy theory. Critically evaluate the same. (15)
(b) Explain the strategies for rehabilitation of intellectually challenged person. (15)
(c) Discuss the role of a psychologist in rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence with special reference to India. (20)

4:- (a) Discuss the importance and applications of ecological theory for programme implementation of saving the girl child. (15)
(b) Explain Bandura’s theory for understanding criminal behaviour. (15)
(c) Describe the applications of psychological principles in the field of marketing. Cite illustrations from Indian context. (20)

Section- B:

5:- Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)
(a) Explain with suitable examples the psychosocial consequences of prolonged deprivation.
(b) What are the measures to achieve social integration?
(c) Explain the role of mass media in fostering societal values.
(d) What psychological interventions can be planned to improve the performance of athletes?
(e) How does self-fulfilling prophecy work in case of traditional Indian women?

6:- (a) Discuss the steps to be taken to reduce the incidence of school dropouts among deprived groups. (15)
(b) Discuss the psychological strategies for handling the intergroup conflict (20)
(c) What is achievement motivation? Discuss how family and cultural factors contribute to enhance achievement motivation. (15)

7:- (a) Discuss the psychological and social effects of pornography addiction. (15)
(b) Discuss the strategies for promoting positive mental health among defence personnel. (15)
(c) What is pro-environmental behaviour? Design an intervention plan for developing pro-environmental behaviour among schoolchildren. (20)

8:- (a) To what extent individual’s life experiences are relevant for understanding terrorism? (15)
(b) Discuss the psychological consequences of population explosion. Suggest some techniques to enhance awareness among people for population control. (15)
(c) How does gender socialization in India lead to gender discrimination? (20)