UPSC Mains 2023 Psychology Optional Paper II questions

27 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Psychology Optional PYQs

1. Compare directional and non-directional therapies with reference to their effectiveness.

2. Give a comparative analysis of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

3. Explain the nature and significance of biofeedback therapy.

4. Explain the nature of dyslexia. How can it be diagnosed?

5. "Appreciating diversity is considered as a core value for a community psychologist in India." Justify.

6. Discuss the biopsychosocial model of health. Suggest relevant actions to prevent illness.

   15 marks

7. Explain the assumptions of behaviour therapy. Discuss various techniques of behaviour therapy to treat phobia.

   15 marks

8. WATT STAT Explain the characteristics of standardized psychological tests. Highlight the limitations of psychological tests.

   20 marks

9. Explain Maslow's need hierarchy theory. Critically evaluate the same.

   15 marks

10. Explain the strategies for rehabilitation of intellectually challenged person.

    15 marks

11. Discuss the role of a psychologist in rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence with special reference to India.

    20 marks

12. Discuss the importance and applications of ecological theory for programme implementation of saving the girl child.

    15 marks

13. Describe the applications of psychological principles in the field of marketing. Cite illustrations from Indian context.

    20 marks

14. Explain with suitable examples the psychosocial consequences of prolonged deprivation.

15. What are the measures to achieve social integration?

16. Explain the role of mass media in fostering societal values.

17. What psychological interventions can be planned to improve the performance of athletes?

18. How does self-fulfilling prophecy work in case of traditional Indian women?

19. Discuss the steps to be taken to reduce the incidence of school dropouts among deprived groups.

    15 marks

20. Discuss the psychological strategies for handling the intergroup conflict.

    15 marks

21. What is achievement motivation? Discuss how family and cultural factors contribute to enhance achievement motivation.

    20 marks

22. Discuss the psychological and social effects of pornography addiction.

    15 marks

23. Discuss the strategies for promoting positive mental health among defence personnel.

    15 marks

24. What is pro-environmental behaviour? Design an intervention plan for developing pro-environmental behaviour among schoolchildren.

    20 marks

25. To what extent individual's life experiences are relevant for understanding terrorism?

26. Discuss the psychological consequences of population explosion. Suggest some techniques to enhance awareness among people for population control.

    15 marks

27. How does gender socialization in India lead to gender discrimination?

    20 marks