Are you preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, and have you chosen psychology as your optional subject? If so, you’re likely aware of the rigorous nature of this competitive exam and the importance of thorough preparation. In the UPSC Mains, your optional subject can make or break your chances of success, and psychology is no exception. To help you on your journey to success, we’ve compiled a comprehensive set of previous year questions specifically focused on the “Learning” topic from the UPSC Mains examinations held between 2013 and 2023. In this blog, we will delve into these questions, dissecting their patterns and offering insights to guide your preparation, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle this critical subject effectively.
Psychology as an optional subject in UPSC has been gaining popularity over the years due to its relevance in understanding human behavior, a crucial aspect in public administration. With our detailed analysis of previous year questions, you can gain a clearer perspective on the areas of focus, question types, and the depth of knowledge required. This blog series will serve as a valuable resource for those preparing for the UPSC Mains with psychology as their optional subject, allowing you to refine your approach and increase your chances of success in this challenging examination. So, let’s embark on this journey of unraveling the intricacies of “Learning” in psychology and equip ourselves for the upcoming UPSC Mains examination.
Learning Psychology – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
1. Comment on the impact of immediate and delayed reinforcement on learning.
2. Distinguish between negative reinforcement and punishment. Indicate the limitations of punishment in the context of learning.
3. Discuss the consequences of learned helplessness as demonstrated in classic experiment on dogs. Find out its parallels in real life.
4. With suitable examples, critically evaluate both primary and secondary reinforcements and bring out their role in establishing conditioning.
5. Discuss various, dimensions of thought processes in relation to concept.
6. Describe different reinforcement schedules and indicate their effects on the strength of learning.
7. Enumerate· the factors that can impact upon the teaching-learning process in rural India.
8. What are the psychological disadvantages of learning in the distant mode through IT compared to classroom learning ?
9. How can teachers help in meeting the educational needs of a child suffering from ADHD?
10. Describe the basic elements of observation and bring out the implications of the dimension of participation in observational research.
11. Evaluate the notion of programmed learning and describe its relevance for modem day education with suitable examples*
12. Review Bandura’s social learning theory and evaluate its impact on understanding aggression as a result of media generated violence.
13. 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.
14. Distinguish between negative reinforcement and punishment. Do you think punishment is an effective way to modify behaviour ?
15. How would you apply Operant Conditioning technique for toilet training to a 3-year-old boy ?
16. Which research design would you apply to prove that a particular method of teaching yields best results ? Describe.
17. Examine how probability learning is different from other types of learning Give examples.
18. 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.
19. Define ‘concept’. Illustrate different types of concepts and processes involved in formation of the same.
20. What is vicarious learning? Discuss its applications in acquisition of emotional responses.
21. “Discrimination and generalisation are two complementary processes in skill learning.” Discuss with reference to operant conditioning.
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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