(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Optional Psychology (Paper -1 & Paper -2) Exam Paper - 2016

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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Optional Psychology (Paper -1 & Paper -2) Exam Paper - 2016

Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains

Year: 2016

Subject: Psychology

Psychology Paper 1
Section-A

1. Answer each of the following questions in about 150 words: 10x5=50 marks

(a) Explain how the fundamental understanding of psychology is helpful in the resolution of societal problems. 10 marks
(b) How can confounding variables invalidate the apparent results of an experiment? 10 marks
(c) "Cognitive psychologists often use computer as an analogy to explain the relation between cognition and brain." Discuss. 10 marks
(d) Identify the most important changes that occur during adolescence. 10 marks
(e) What do you understand by amnesia ? Illustrate the types of amnesia with reference to the case of "H.M.'s brain operation". | 10 marks

2.(a) Discuss, with suitable examples, the key characteristics of within-group and between-groups designs. 15 marks
(b) Describe the processing of sensory input and explain how it is selected, organized and interpreted. 15 marks
(c) Show your acquaintance with the cognitive approach to classical conditioning and describe how classical conditioning principles can be used to solve everyday problems. 20 marks

3.(a) Give a critical appraisal of interference theory of forgetting and show how the process of retrieval inhibition influences forgetting. 20 marks
(b) Describe the phenomenon of subliminal perception and explain it with reference to the concepts of backward marking and visual priming. Do you think that the effect of the phenomenon of subliminal perception can be generalized ? 15 marks
(c) Critically evaluate Erikson's stages of Psychosocial development. 15 marks

4.(a) Describe the parenting styles that are used in raising a normal child. 15 marks
(b) 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. 15 marks
(c) Explain the phenomena of implicit and explicit memories. Also critically evaluate Tulving's model of long-term memory. 15 marks

SECTION B

5. Answer each of the following questions in about 150 words : 10x5=50 marks

(a) Describe the characteristics of Gardner's theory of intelligence. 10 marks
(b) Explain different types of psycho-active drugs and patterns of their use. 10 marks
(c) Discuss cognitive dissonance theory of attitude change. 10 marks
(d) Explain the contribution of Salovey and Mayer with regard to the concept of emotional intelligence. 10 marks
(e) What is meant by attribution ? Describe, citing examples, the phenomenon of attributional augmentation, 10 marks

6.(a) Explain the components of attitude and examine the methods of attitude formation. 15 marks
(b) Distinguish between mundane and exceptional creativities and citing suitable research evidences, describe the confluence approach to creativity. 20 marks
(c) Are projective tests really projective in nature ? Describe Rorschach and TAT tests and comment on their reliabilities. 15 marks

7.(a) Critically examine the metacognitive processes in problem solving. How do functional fixedness and mental set interfere in solving the problems effectively? 15 marks
(b) Explain motivational concepts with reference to homeostatic models. 15 marks
(c) Describe the physiological changes that are accompanied by shifts in consciousness in the process of sleep. Also discuss major sleep disorders. 20 marks

8.(a) Give a comparative account of information processing models of intelligence proposed by Sternberg and J.P. Das. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the Indian approach to personality as evident in tri-gunas. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the components of language acquisition citing the average age at which these are demonstrated by a child. 15 marks

Psychology Paper 2
Section-A

1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks

(a) In what ways psychological tests are useful in assessing individual differences ? Answer with examples. 10 marks
(b) How can psychological well-being of service professionals be promoted ? Discuss. 10 marks
(c) Is Herzberg's theory relevant for understanding work motivation in Indian organizations? Explain. 10 marks
(d) Examine some important psychological principles underlying effective teachinglearning process. 10 marks
(e) Discuss the usefulness of small groups in community interventions for social development. 10 marks

2.(a) Examine the role of situational factors in criminal behaviour. 15 marks
(b) Analyze the factors determining the efficacy of psychological tests. Discuss the limitations in the use of psychological tests. 15 marks
(c) Discuss how the process of group decision making can be used effectively in bringing about social change. 20 marks

3.(a) Evaluate the role of social agencies in rehabilitation of mentally and socially challenged persons. 15 marks
(b) How is competency mapping made use of for human resource development in modern organizations ? Illustrator. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the salient features of psychodynamic therapies and evaluate their role in the prevention of mental illnesses. 20 marks

4.(a) Critically evaluate whether the principles of participatory management are equally effective in bureaucratic organizations as in industrial organizations. 15 marks
(b) How do lifestyle variables influence quality of life of an individual in different life domains ? 15 marks
(c) What psychological factors will explain lack of social integration involving religious groups in India ? Discuss. 20 marks

SECTION 'B'

5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) Discuss the efficacy of behaviour therapies in the prevention of mental illnesses. 10 marks
(b) What biological factors explain mental disorders ? Discuss. 10 marks
(c) Illustrate the signiticance of value education in schools and comment on its relevance for personality development of children. 10 marks
(d) Discuss the role of psychologists in organizing tertiary level rehabilitation programmes. 10 marks
(e) What role can media play in the promotion of small family norm in the Indian culture ? 10 marks

6.(a) Does need for affiliation come in the way of economic development of the tribal people ? Discuss. 15 marks
(b) Evaluate the psychological consequences of social media in interpersonal relationships 15 marks
(c) What role can psychologists play in the development and implementation of the "Skill India' scheme of the Government of India ? 20 marks

7.(a) How can psychological theories be put to use to inoculate people against their impulsive buying behaviour ? 15 marks
(b) Discuss the role of cognitive and behaviour therapies in improving the performance of sports persons. 15 marks
(c) Analyze the impact of crowding on mental health. Discuss the psychological measures that can be adopted to reduce the stress resulting from crowding. 20 marks

8.(a) What factors account for gender differences in India? Suggest some psychological measures to reduce gender differences. 15 marks
(b) How can human engineering be put to use in devising instruments that are used by the defence personnel posted in the border areas ? Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the process of prejudice formation. State the psychological strategies that can be adopted for conflict resolution. 20 marks