Introducing the fascinating world of psychology as an optional subject for the UPSC Mains examination! If you’re an aspirant aiming to conquer the coveted civil services, you’ve probably heard that choosing the right optional subject can significantly impact your chances of success. Among the array of options, psychology is gaining popularity for its unique blend of science and human behavior. To assist you on this academic journey, we’ve delved into the past decade’s UPSC Mains examinations from 2013 to 2023, extracting a treasure trove of questions from the “Methods of Psychology” section. In this blog, we’ll explore these questions, dissecting them to provide you with valuable insights and strategies for mastering this topic.
Unveiling the enigmatic world of “Methods of Psychology” in the UPSC Mains, this blog aims to equip you with a deep understanding of the subject’s intricacies. By analyzing previous year questions, we will not only decipher the evolving trends in this topic but also offer you tips and approaches to crack them. Whether you’re an aspiring civil servant with a background in psychology or someone simply intrigued by the human mind, this blog promises to be your guide to success in the UPSC Mains. So, let’s embark on this enlightening journey through the world of psychology and unravel the secrets to mastering this optional subject in the quest for your civil services dream.
Methods of Psychology – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
1. Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.
2. In what ways does an experimental design differ from a quasi-experimental design?
3. Suggest a plan of an experimental study to evaluate the effect of compensatory education on academic achievement of school-going students from low income group.
4. Discuss the criteria of question-writing in a survey research.
5. What is ethnocentrism ? How is it reflected in psychological research ?
6. How far is it correct to state that most of the problems of psychology can be addressed more adequately by adopting quasi-experimental designs?
7. It is believed that non-experimental designs are more relevant for explaining the emerging issues like social evils that are seen prominently in India. Discuss.
8. How can confounding variables invalidate the apparent results of an experiment?
9. Discuss, with suitable examples, the key characteristics of within-group and between-groups designs.
10. How can you use ‘Focus Group Discussion’ to promote use of toilets in rural areas ?
11. Why is the principle of random assignment of participants used in experimental method? How do experimenter effects and demand characteristics influence participants’ behaviour in experimentation? What procedures can be adopted to minimize such pitfalls?
12. Differentiate between the experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Evaluate the applications of quasi-experimental designs in psychological researches.
13. Explain the role of hypothesis in psychological researches with suitable e.g.
14. “Diagnostic and prognostic research are complementary to each other” Explain with suitable e.g.
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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