The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. To excel in the Mains stage of this examination, which is the second phase, candidates often choose an optional subject that aligns with their strengths and interests. Psychology, as an optional subject, has gained popularity over the years due to its interdisciplinary nature and the fact that it can be relatable to various aspects of general studies. To prepare effectively for UPSC Mains 2023, 2022, or any other year, aspirants must make judicious use of previous year papers. These papers offer invaluable insights into the exam pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge required. For psychology optional, going through the previous year papers from 2013 to 2023 can help candidates understand the evolving trends, focus areas, and the level of proficiency expected by the UPSC examiners.
By analyzing the UPSC Mains psychology optional previous year papers from 2013 to 2023, aspirants can identify recurring themes and topics that are frequently asked, allowing them to prioritize their study efforts effectively. Moreover, these papers serve as excellent practice material for honing answer-writing skills, as they showcase the expected format, depth, and conciseness required for scoring well in the psychology optional paper. It’s essential for candidates to not only solve these papers but also to critically evaluate their responses to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, studying previous year papers can help candidates anticipate the kind of questions that might be asked in the upcoming exams and tailor their preparation accordingly. Overall, the strategic use of UPSC Mains psychology optional previous year papers is an indispensable tool for those aspiring to succeed in this demanding examination.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
- The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
- Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
Psychology Optional Question Paper-1 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) What are the limits of Intuition and common sense? Why do psychologists emphasize scientific methods? Discuss.
(b) State the role of a psychologist in resolving interpersonal conflicts and social unrest.
(c) Discuss the challenges during the group brainstorming process.
(d) Describe the role of mass media in shaping the behavior of adolescents. Support it with appropriate examples.
(e) With reference to the concept of memory construction, evaluate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in a judicial trial.
2. (a) How do basic and applied research differ? Explain how knowledge from basic research helps solve practical problems.
(b) Discuss the factors causing cognitive decline in the elderly.
(c) Describe the bottom-up and top-down processing of sensory information.
3. (a) How much nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental factors) contribute to a person’s physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development?
(b) Describe the principles of classical conditioning. Illustrate the application of classical conditioning principles in real life.
(c) Explain the importance of cognitive neuropsychology and socio-cultural perspective in understanding human behavior.
4. (a) Why is selective attention important? Discuss the theories of selective attention.
(b) Which method is most appropriate to investigate gender differences in aggressive behavior at the workplace? Elaborate.
(c) Describe the role of schemas and mnemonic devices in expertise and exceptional memory.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(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 of 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.
(b) Describe the strategies of effective communication training.
(c) Discuss the physiological basis of emotion and its measurement.
7. (a) Which approaches to motivation are more commonly used in an organization? How might these approaches help to sustain or increase motivation?
(b) Describe different types of Meditation and its effect on health and well-being.
(c) Discuss the use of computer applications in the various domains of practice in Psychology.
8. (a) Humans strive to assign causes to actions of self and others and fall into traps of biases and errors. Critically discuss.
(b) Discuss the cognitive and motivational determinants of belief in extrasensory perception.
(c) Give a comparative analysis of the behavioristic and nativistic perspective on language development.
Psychology Optional Question Paper-2 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) Discuss the psychological tests used for the selection of defence personnel.
(b) What are the steps to be taken to promote a gender-friendly environment at the workplace?
(c) Describe the different methods for making a psychological test reliable.
(d) What roles do 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.
(b) Highlight the importance of career counseling in enhancing students’ success in life.
(c) Why is group decision making important for social change? What errors and biases occur during the process of group decision making?
3. (a) What are the different types of psychological tests for personality assessment?
(b) Describe the main tenets of cognitive therapy. Compare it with psychoanalytic therapy.
(c) Is prejudice inevitable? Discuss the techniques for reducing caste prejudice.
4. (a) How does power in organizations tend to concentrate in the hands of a few persons? Discuss the tactics used to gain power.
(b) Write about the strategies for motivating students belonging to disadvantaged groups for their development.
(c) Describe the different types of anxiety disorders. What are the behavioral approaches to treat such patients?
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Explain the factors affecting work motivation within work organization in India.
(b) What are the consequences of being a member of a disadvantaged group?
(c) Discuss the methods used by a psychoanalyst to bring unconscious motives into consciousness.
(d) Elaborate upon the strategies for inducing pro-environmental behavior.
(e) What do you understand by mood disorders? Discuss the causes.
6. (a) How does a self-fulfilling prophecy work? Describe how gender bias is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy in the Indian context.
(b) Elaborate on psychological interventions for improving performance in team games like hockey.
(c) What do you understand by the psychology of advertising? How can consumer awareness be enhanced through advertising?
7. (a) Highlight the psychological consequences of living in a high population density area.
(b) Illustrate the characteristics of entrepreneurial behavior. How can it be promoted among the youth?
(c) Describe the impact of electronic media on adolescents’ behavior.
8. (a) What are the forms of social conflicts? Explain the methods of resolution of social conflicts.
(b) In the light of the post-COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning.
(c) What is the need for early identification of mentally challenged children? Write about the strategies for early intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the significance of Psychology as an optional subject in UPSC Mains?
A1: Psychology is a popular optional subject in UPSC Mains because it offers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, cognition, and the application of psychological principles in various real-world contexts. It enables candidates to approach social and administrative issues with a deeper insight into human psychology.
Q2: How many previous year papers of Psychology optional should I study for UPSC Mains?
A2: It’s advisable to study at least the last five years’ UPSC Mains Psychology optional papers. This will give you a good understanding of the question pattern, evolving trends, and the kind of questions that are frequently asked.
Q3: Are there any specific areas within Psychology that UPSC tends to focus on in the optional paper?
A3: While UPSC can ask questions from a broad range of psychology topics, some areas like developmental psychology, social psychology, and applied psychology are often emphasized. It’s important to have a strong foundation in these areas.
Q4: How can I effectively prepare for the Psychology optional paper in UPSC Mains?
A4: To prepare effectively, you should start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus, reading standard textbooks, and practicing answer writing. Additionally, consider enrolling in a reputable coaching program that specializes in Psychology as an optional subject.
Q5: Can I choose Psychology as an optional subject if I have no prior background in the field?
A5: Yes, you can choose Psychology as an optional subject even if you don’t have a background in the field. Many successful candidates have opted for this subject without prior knowledge. However, a strong dedication to studying and understanding the subject matter is essential for success in the UPSC Mains exam.
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