All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Psychology 2023 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2023Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Therapies and psychological disorders (1)Health psychology and psychological testing (1)Motivation and rehabilitation psychology (1)Applied psychology and social issues (1)Social psychology and applied issues (1)Social issues and motivation (1)Mental health and environmental psychology (1)Social issues and gender psychology (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorycompareTherapies and psychological disorders
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Compare directional and non-directional therapies with reference to their effectiveness. (10 marks)
(b) Give a comparative analysis of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. (10 marks)
(c) Explain the nature and significance of biofeedback therapy. (10 marks)
(d) Explain the nature of dyslexia. How can it be diagnosed? (10 marks)
(e) "Appreciating diversity is considered as a core value for a community psychologist in India." Justify. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) निदेशात्मक तथा अनिदेशात्मक चिकित्साओं की तुलना उनकी प्रभावशीलता के संदर्भ में कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) मनोविदलता के सकारात्मक तथा नकारात्मक लक्षणों का एक तुलनात्मक विश्लेषण प्रस्तुत कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) जैव प्रतिपुष्टि (बायोफीडबैक) चिकित्सा के स्वरूप तथा सार्थकता की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) वाचनवैकल्य (डिस्लेक्सिया) के स्वरूप की व्याख्या कीजिए। इसका निदान कैसे किया जा सकता है? (10 अंक)
(e) "भारत में एक सामुदायिक मनोवैज्ञानिक के लिए विविधता की सराहना एक बुनियादी मूल्य के रूप में मानी जाती है।" न्यायोचित ठहराइए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with named studies and tools.
Directional: therapist-led, structured, goal and technique driven
Non-directional (Rogers): client-led with empathy and unconditional positive regard
Effectiveness by problem type with evidence
Common factors and integrative practice
Positive: hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech and behaviour
50MexplainHealth psychology and psychological testing
(a) Discuss the biopsychosocial model of health. Suggest relevant actions to prevent illness. (15 marks)
(b) Explain the assumptions of behaviour therapy. Discuss various techniques of behaviour therapy to treat phobia. (15 marks)
(c) Explain the characteristics of standardized psychological tests. Highlight the limitations of psychological tests. (20 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) स्वास्थ्य के जैव मनोसामाजिक प्रारूप (मॉडल) की चर्चा कीजिए। रोगों की रोकथाम के लिए प्रासंगिक कार्रवाई का सुझाव दीजिए। (15 अंक)
(b) व्यवहार चिकित्सा की अवधारणाओं की व्याख्या कीजिए। डरभीति के उपचार के लिए व्यवहार चिकित्सा की विभिन्न प्रविधियों की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) मानकीकृत मनोवैज्ञानिक परीक्षणों की विशेषताओं की व्याख्या कीजिए। मनोवैज्ञानिक परीक्षणों की सीमाओं पर प्रकाश डालिए। (20 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Biopsychosocial Model of Health. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive coverage of all parts with specific examples and named studies
Engel's model against the biomedical model
Biological, psychological and social factors with their interaction
Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention
Relevant actions with Indian examples
Behaviour learned by conditioning and observation; behaviour is the problem
Present-centred, goal-oriented and empirical
Systematic desensitisation (Wolpe) and graded exposure
Flooding, modelling and virtual-reality exposure
Standardisation and objectivity
Norms, reliability and validity
Cultural and linguistic bias with the need for Indian norms
Response bias, limited sampling, outdated norms and misuse
50MdiscussMotivation and rehabilitation psychology
(a) Explain Maslow's need hierarchy theory. Critically evaluate the same. (15 marks)
(b) Explain the strategies for rehabilitation of intellectually challenged person. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the role of a psychologist in rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence with special reference to India. (20 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) मैस्लो के आवश्यकता पदानुक्रम सिद्धांत की व्याख्या कीजिए। इसका आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(b) बौद्धिक रूप से चुनौतीपूर्ण व्यक्ति के पुनर्वास हेतु रणनीतियों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) विशेष रूप से भारतीय संदर्भ में घरेलू हिंसा के पीड़ितों के पुनर्वास में मनोवैज्ञानिक की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Psychology Paper 2. (a) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, evidence-based, with specific Indian context and named theories.
Five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization (Maslow 1943)
Deficiency vs growth needs and prepotency
Evidence: Wahba and Bridwell 1976 found weak support for strict order
Cultural and sample limits; Alderfer ERG as alternative
Early identification and intervention (DEIC under RBSK)
Behaviour modification and skills training; special and inclusive education
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Family support, guardianship (National Trust Act 1999) and community-based rehabilitation
Prevalence and law: NFHS-5 about 29%, PWDVA 2005, BNS Section 85 (IPC 498A)
Assessment, safety planning and trauma-focused therapy
Linkage with Protection Officers, legal aid, shelters, livelihood
Indian barriers: stigma, economic dependence, dowry; ethics of no forced reconciliation
(a) Discuss the importance and applications of ecological theory for programme implementation of saving the girl child. (15 marks)
(b) Explain Bandura's theory for understanding criminal behaviour. (15 marks)
(c) Describe the applications of psychological principles in the field of marketing. Cite illustrations from Indian context. (20 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) बालिकाओं को बचाने के कार्यक्रम के कार्यान्वयन के लिए पारिस्थितिक सिद्धांत के महत्व तथा अनुप्रयोगों की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(b) अपराधिक व्यवहार को समझने हेतु बैंडूरा के सिद्धांत की व्याख्या कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) विपणन के क्षेत्र में मनोवैज्ञानिक सिद्धांतों के अनुप्रयोगों का वर्णन कीजिए। भारतीय संदर्भ में दृष्टांत उद्धृत कीजिए। (20 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Psychology Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise theory application with specific Indian examples and named studies
50M150wCompulsoryexplainSocial psychology and applied issues
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Explain with suitable examples the psychosocial consequences of prolonged deprivation. (10 marks)
(b) What are the measures to achieve social integration? (10 marks)
(c) Explain the role of mass media in fostering societal values. (10 marks)
(d) What psychological interventions can be planned to improve the performance of athletes? (10 marks)
(e) How does self-fulfilling prophecy work in case of traditional Indian women? (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ दीर्घकालीन वंचन के मनोसामाजिक परिणामों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) सामाजिक एकीकरण को प्राप्त करने के क्या उपाय हैं? (10 अंक)
(c) सामाजिक मूल्यों को बढ़ावा देने में जनसंचार माध्यमों की भूमिका की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) एकल खिलाड़ियों (एथलीटों) के प्रदर्शन में सुधार हेतु किन मनोवैज्ञानिक हस्तक्षेपों की योजना बनाई जा सकती है? (10 अंक)
(e) परंपरागत भारतीय महिलाओं के मामले में स्वयं-पूर्ण भविष्यवाणी (सेल्फ-फुलफिलिंग प्रोफेसी) कैसे कार्य करती है? (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Define > Theory or model > Evidence > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definitions, named theories/studies, specific examples, clear application to Indian context.
Named evidence: Spitz 1945, Harlow 1958, Bowlby 1951, Bucharest project
Cognitive consequences: low IQ, language delay
Emotional and social consequences: learned helplessness, attachment problems, aggression/withdrawal
Indian example: orphanage or street children; Anganwadi/ICDS or foster care as remedy
Intergroup contact (Allport 1954) and superordinate goals (Sherif 1954)
Cooperative learning (Aronson jigsaw) and equity measures
Constitutional/legal and institutional measures: Arts 14-17, NIC 1961, NFCH 1992, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Actors: schools, Panchayats, civil society, state
Social learning (Bandura), cultivation (Gerbner 1976), agenda-setting (McCombs and Shaw 1972)
Entertainment-education
Indian examples: Hum Log 1984-85, Swachh Bharat 2014
Limit: stereotypes, fake news; media literacy
Assessment and goal setting (Locke and Latham)
Imagery and arousal regulation: relaxation, biofeedback, Yerkes-Dodson/Hanin IZOF
Attention control, routines, self-talk and cognitive restructuring
Team cohesion; actors: sports psychologists at SAI/NSNIS with coaches
Merton 1948 definition; Rosenthal and Jacobson 1968
Stepwise cycle: belief, differential treatment, internalisation, low achievement taken as proof
Stereotype threat (Steele and Aronson 1995; Spencer et al. 1999)
Breaking the cycle: Beaman et al. 2012 women Pradhans
(a) Discuss the steps to be taken to reduce the incidence of school dropouts among deprived groups. (15 marks)
(b) Discuss the psychological strategies for handling the intergroup conflict. (15 marks)
(c) What is achievement motivation? Discuss how family and cultural factors contribute to enhance achievement motivation. (20 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) वंचित समूहों में बच्चों द्वारा विद्यालय छोड़ने की परिघटना में कमी लाने हेतु किए जाने वाले उपायों की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(b) अंतःसमूह संघर्ष के समाधान के लिए मनोवैज्ञानिक रणनीतियों की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) उपलब्धि अभिप्रेरणा क्या है? उपलब्धि अभिप्रेरणा बढ़ाने में परिवार और सांस्कृतिक कारक कैसे योगदान करते हैं, इस पर चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Psychology Paper II (Educational & Social Psychology). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, named theories (Atkinson, Allport), Indian context, balanced analysis.
50MdesignMental health and environmental psychology
(a) Discuss the psychological and social effects of pornography addiction. (15 marks)
(b) Discuss the strategies for promoting positive mental health among defence personnel. (15 marks)
(c) What is pro-environmental behaviour? Design an intervention plan for developing pro-environmental behaviour among schoolchildren. (20 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) पॉर्नोग्राफी की लत के मनोवैज्ञानिक तथा सामाजिक प्रभावों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(b) सुरक्षा कर्मियों में सकारात्मक मानसिक स्वास्थ्य बढ़ाने हेतु रणनीतियों की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) पर्यावरण-अनुकूल व्यवहार क्या है? स्कूली बच्चों में पर्यावरण-अनुकूल व्यवहार को विकसित करने के लिए एक हस्तक्षेप योजना तैयार कीजिए। (20 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Define > Theory or model > Evidence > Application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) derive: given > assumptions > stepwise derivation > result > check Full marks: Precise definitions, named theories (TPB, Dopamine), specific Indian context, structured plan with evaluation.
Not a DSM-5 diagnosis; ICD-11 compulsive sexual behaviour disorder; frequent use is not addiction
Psychological effects: shame, anxiety, depression, moral incongruence, unrealistic scripts
(a) To what extent individual's life experiences are relevant for understanding terrorism? (15 marks)
(b) Discuss the psychological consequences of population explosion. Suggest some techniques to enhance awareness among people for population control. (15 marks)
(c) How does gender socialization in India lead to gender discrimination? (20 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) आतंकवाद को समझने के लिए व्यक्ति के जीवन अनुभव किस सीमा तक प्रासंगिक हैं? (15 अंक)
(b) जनसंख्या विस्फोट के मनोवैज्ञानिक परिणामों की चर्चा कीजिए। जनसंख्या नियंत्रण के प्रति लोगों में जागरूकता को बढ़ाने की कुछ प्रविधियों का सुझाव दीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) भारतवर्ष में लैंगिक समाजीकरण किस प्रकार लैंगिक भेदभाव की ओर ले जाता है? (20 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Psychology Paper II: Social & Applied Psychology. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, evidence-based, specific to Indian context, clear structure