Q1
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 प्रश्न 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)
Directive word: Compare
This question asks you to compare. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'compare' in (a) sets the analytical tone for all five parts. Allocate approximately 30 words (20%) per sub-part, with slightly more for (a) and (e) which require evaluative depth. Structure each 150-word response as: definition (20%), core content (60%), and brief evaluative conclusion (20%). For (a) contrast directive vs non-directive techniques; (b) use tabular comparison for symptoms; (c) emphasize clinical significance; (d) cover assessment tools; (e) ground justification in Indian multicultural context.
Key points expected
- (a) Directional therapies (directive, therapist-led like CBT) vs non-directional (client-centered, Rogerian); effectiveness comparison through symptom reduction vs self-actualization outcomes
- (b) Positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech/behavior—excesses) vs negative symptoms (alogia, avolition, anhedonia, flat affect—deficits); neurobiological correlates (dopamine hyperactivity vs hypofrontality)
- (c) Biofeedback as operant conditioning of autonomic responses; significance in anxiety, hypertension, migraine; Indian applications in yoga-integrated interventions
- (d) Dyslexia as specific learning disorder with phonological processing deficit; diagnosis via NIMHANS SLD battery, Dyslexia Screening Test-J, discrepancy between IQ and achievement
- (e) Diversity appreciation addressing India's caste, tribal, linguistic, religious pluralism; Swachh Bharat, DMHP, and community mental health programs requiring culturally competent practice
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 20% | 10 | Precise definitions across all parts: correctly identifies Rogers' non-directive principles, distinguishes positive/negative symptoms with accurate examples, defines biofeedback mechanism, specifies phonological core deficit in dyslexia, and articulates diversity dimensions in Indian context | Generally accurate definitions with minor errors—may conflate negative symptoms with depression, oversimplify biofeedback as relaxation, or treat diversity generically without Indian specificity | Fundamental conceptual errors: confuses directional/non-directional approaches, misclassifies symptoms, describes biofeedback as placebo, or ignores learning disorder criteria entirely |
| Theory & studies cited | 20% | 10 | Cites Rogers (1951) for non-directive; Andreasen's negative symptom scale; Miller's biofeedback research; Shaywitz et al. for dyslexia neuroimaging; and Dalal, Pande, or Indian community psychology frameworks for (e) | Names major theorists without elaboration—mentions Rogers, Skinner, or Bleuler without connecting to specific findings or Indian research | No theoretical grounding or incorrect attributions; cites Freud for cognitive therapies or confuses schizophrenia symptom classifications |
| Application examples | 20% | 10 | Specific applications: CBT for OCD vs Rogerian therapy for adjustment disorders; biofeedback in NIMHANS stress clinics; dyslexia remediation through CBSE accommodations; community programs like MANAS in Karnataka for diverse populations | Generic clinical examples without Indian context—mentions Western studies or hypothetical scenarios without grounding in Indian mental health infrastructure | No practical application or irrelevant examples; suggests psychoanalysis for schizophrenia or confuses dyslexia with intellectual disability |
| Multi-perspective analysis | 20% | 10 | Integrates biological-psychological-social perspectives: neurotransmitter bases for schizophrenia symptoms, behavioral-cognitive mechanisms in biofeedback, educational-societal factors in dyslexia, and intersectionality in community psychology; notes limitations of each therapy type | Two perspectives evident but not integrated—describes biological and psychological separately without synthesis; treats parts in isolation | Single perspective dominance or confusion—purely biological reductionism for schizophrenia, or purely social explanation without neurobiological acknowledgment |
| Conclusion & evaluation | 20% | 10 | Evaluative synthesis: judges contextual effectiveness (directive for acute symptoms, non-directive for insight); notes schizophrenia symptom treatment asymmetry; assesses biofeedback's evidence base; evaluates dyslexia early intervention; critically appraises diversity challenge in resource-limited Indian settings | Descriptive summary without evaluation—restates content without comparative judgment or critical stance on limitations | Missing conclusion, abrupt ending, or unsupported assertions; makes efficacy claims without evidence or ignores contraindications entirely |
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