Are you an aspiring civil services candidate preparing for the UPSC Mains examination? If you’ve chosen psychology as your optional subject, you’re in for a rewarding and intellectually stimulating journey. One of the crucial topics you’ll need to master is “Attitudes, Values, and Interests.” To excel in this subject, it’s essential to understand the past trends and the types of questions that have been asked in previous years. In this blog series, we will take a deep dive into the UPSC Mains’ Psychology Optional paper, specifically focusing on the topic of Attitudes, Values, and Interests. We’ll explore questions from 2013 to 2023, offering insights, strategies, and expert tips to help you prepare effectively. Whether you’re a psychology enthusiast or looking to boost your UPSC score, this blog series will provide invaluable insights to help you succeed in this competitive examination.
Studying Attitudes, Values, and Interests in the context of the UPSC Mains not only requires a solid grasp of psychological theories but also a comprehensive understanding of their practical applications in various aspects of governance and administration. By reviewing previous year questions, we can identify recurring themes, important concepts, and the depth of knowledge expected by the UPSC examiners. This series aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge and approach to tackle these questions with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your preparation or looking to refine your knowledge, the exploration of past questions in this blog series will serve as a valuable resource for your UPSC Psychology Optional journey. So, let’s delve into the fascinating world of Attitudes, Values, and Interests and unlock the keys to success in this competitive examination.
Attitudes, Values and Interests Psychology – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
1. 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.
2. Describe different psychological measures of values and outline a programme for fostering values. Among school-going children.
3. Discuss A-B-C components of attitude. Describe the procedure of development of a tool for measurement of attitude.
4. What is the role of social categorization in the formation of prejudice ? Suggest some strategies to reduce prejudice.
5. What makes a persuasive attempt effective ? Discuss.
6. Which rehabilitative strategies can be employed by the organisations to handle the workplace violence ?
7. As a psychologist, develop a programme to bring about attitudinal change in favour of small family norm.
8. Discuss cognitive dissonance theory of attitude change.
9. What is meant by attribution ? Describe, citing examples, the phenomenon of attributional augmentation.
10. Explain the components of attitude and examine the methods of attitude formation.
11. 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 determine his behaviour or the behaviour determine his attitude. Explain.
12. According to Bandura, human beings often demonstrate impressive capacity for the self-regulation of their own behaviour. Evaluate.
13. In what way can dissonance be an effective means for changing attitudes and behaviour.
14. Explain the concepts of self-serving bias and fundamental attribution error. How do they affect problem solving?
15. Discuss the significance and correlates of values. Comment on the impact of social media on values.
16. “Stereotypes can lead to the development of prejudice and discrimination.” Explain citing examples from Indian context.
17. Illustrate that values can be best fostered during childhood. Discuss different methods for fostering moral & ethical values among school-going children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Psychology a popular optional subject for UPSC Mains?
A: Yes, Psychology is a relatively popular optional subject for the UPSC Mains examination. Many aspirants choose it due to its practical applications and its relevance in understanding human behavior, which can be beneficial in various administrative roles.
Q: What is the syllabus for the Psychology optional paper in UPSC Mains?
A: The UPSC paper comprises two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II. Paper-I covers topics such as the fundamentals of psychology, human development, and social psychology. Paper-II includes subjects like psychological testing, motivation, and environmental psychology, among others.
Q: How can I effectively prepare for the Psychology optional paper in UPSC Mains?
A: To prepare for the paper, it’s essential to understand the syllabus thoroughly. Reading standard textbooks, practicing previous year questions, and seeking guidance from experienced educators or mentors can greatly enhance your preparation.
Q: What is the significance of previous year questions for UPSC Psychology optional?
A: Previous year questions are crucial for preparation as they help candidates understand the exam’s pattern and focus areas. Analyzing these questions can guide you in tailoring your study strategy and mastering the subject.
Q: Are there any career prospects with a Psychology optional paper in UPSC?
A: Yes, there are career prospects beyond the UPSC examination with a background in this subject. The knowledge gained from studying psychology can be valuable in various administrative and policymaking roles, especially when dealing with issues related to human behavior, public health, education, and social welfare.
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