Psychology 2024 Paper I 50 marks Distinguish

Q7

(a) Distinguish between psychoanalytic and humanistic approaches to personality. Discuss in detail the recent developments in the applications of these approaches. (20 marks) (b) Citing relevant examples, explain how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation differ. Referring to relevant studies, describe the factors influencing intrinsic motivation. (15 marks) (c) Discuss the functions of REM sleep and major theories of dreaming. (15 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) व्यक्तित्व के मनोविश्लेषणात्मक और मानवतावादी उपागमों के बीच विभेद कीजिए। इन उपागमों के उपयोग को लेकर हुए नये विकासों की विस्तार से विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) प्रासंगिक उदाहरणों का उद्धेख करते हुए यह समझाइए कि आंतरिक और बाह्य प्रेरणा कैसे भिन्न होती हैं। प्रासंगिक अध्ययनों का उल्लेख करते हुए, आंतरिक प्रेरणा को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) आर० ई० एम० निद्रा के प्रकार्यों और प्रमुख स्वप्न-सिद्धांतों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)

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Directive word: Distinguish

This question asks you to distinguish. 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 'distinguish' in part (a) demands systematic differentiation followed by integration of recent developments. Structure: brief introduction framing personality, motivation and sleep as interconnected domains; body with ~40% word allocation for (a) covering Freudian psychoanalysis vs Rogers/Maslow humanism with contemporary applications like psychodynamic therapy and positive psychology interventions; ~30% each for (b) contrasting intrinsic-extrinsic motivation with Deci-Ryan studies and Indian educational examples, and (c) REM functions (memory consolidation, emotional regulation) with Freud, Hobson, Solms theories; conclusion synthesizing how these domains inform holistic mental health approaches in Indian context.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Clear distinction between psychoanalytic (Freud, unconscious conflict, id-ego-superego, psychosexual stages) and humanistic (Rogers' self-actualization, Maslow's hierarchy, unconditional positive regard) approaches on determinism vs free will, past vs future orientation, pathology vs growth focus
  • Part (a): Recent developments—neuropsychoanalysis (Solms, fMRI studies of unconscious processes), brief psychodynamic therapies (ISTDP), positive psychology interventions (Seligman, PERMA model), growth mindset applications in Indian education (NCERT SEL programs)
  • Part (b): Conceptual distinction with examples—intrinsic (curiosity-driven learning, flow states) vs extrinsic (grades, salaries, token economies); Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) on autonomy, competence, relatedness
  • Part (b): Studies on intrinsic motivation—Deci's cognitive evaluation theory (1971, 1975), Lepper et al.'s overjustification effect, Indian studies on autonomy-supportive teaching in tribal schools; factors like challenge-skill balance, immediate feedback, choice
  • Part (c): REM functions—memory consolidation (Stickgold, emotional memory reprocessing), brain development (infant REM proportion), thermoregulatory hypothesis; theories—Freud's wish-fulfillment, activation-synthesis (Hobson & McCarley), neurocognitive model (Solms), threat simulation theory (Revonsuo)
  • Part (c): Contemporary relevance—REM deprivation studies, PTSD treatment implications, Indian research on sleep patterns in shift workers

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Precise definitions: for (a) accurately contrasts deterministic unconscious dynamics with phenomenological self-concept; for (b) correctly distinguishes autonomous vs controlled motivation; for (c) accurately describes REM physiology and distinguishes between physiological and psychological dream theories without conflationGenerally correct definitions but some imprecision—e.g., conflating humanistic with existential, or treating all motivation as extrinsic; minor errors in REM sleep stages or confusing activation-synthesis with Freudian theoryFundamental conceptual errors—e.g., describing psychoanalysis as client-centered, or confusing intrinsic motivation with internalized extrinsic motivation; gross misrepresentation of REM functions or dream theories
Theory & studies cited20%10Comprehensive citation: for (a) Freud's structural model, Anna Freud's defense mechanisms, Rogers' 19 propositions, Maslow's B-values; for (b) Deci (1971, 1975), Ryan & Deci (2000 SDT), Lepper et al. (1973), Amabile's work; for (c) Aserinsky & Kleitman, Dement, Hobson & McCarley (1977), Solms (2000), Stickgold (2005); includes Indian studies where relevantCites major theorists but misses specific studies—e.g., mentions Deci without experimental details, or names dream theories without originators; limited contemporary referencesSparse or incorrect attribution—e.g., attributes humanistic theory to Freud, or cites no empirical studies; relies on textbook generalizations without specific researcher names or dates
Application examples20%10Rich contextualization: for (a) ISTDP in Indian clinical settings, positive psychology in Army psychological support, Mann Ki Baat mental health parallels; for (b) NEP 2020 autonomy provisions, BYJU's gamification critique, tribal education programs; for (c) sleep hygiene in Indian Railways, dream interpretation in traditional healing, PTSD treatment for disaster victimsSome relevant examples but generic—e.g., 'therapy' or 'school' without specificity; limited Indian context; examples not clearly linked to theoretical distinctionsAbsent or inappropriate examples—e.g., confusing applications across approaches, or providing no concrete instances; examples contradict theoretical principles
Multi-perspective analysis20%10Sophisticated integration: for (a) evaluates both approaches' limitations (psychoanalysis' unfalsifiability, humanistic's cultural bias) and convergence in contemporary integrative therapies; for (b) analyzes interaction of intrinsic-extrinsic factors and cultural variations in motivation; for (c) weighs competing dream theories against neuroscientific evidence; connects all three parts to biopsychosocial modelBasic comparison without critical depth—e.g., lists strengths/weaknesses without synthesis; acknowledges multiple dream theories but doesn't evaluate relative evidence; limited cross-part integrationOne-sided or absent analysis—e.g., uncritical advocacy of one approach, or treating theories as mutually exclusive without evaluation; no attempt to connect sub-parts or assess contemporary validity
Conclusion & evaluation20%10Synthesizes three domains into coherent framework for Indian mental health policy—e.g., integrative personality assessment, motivation-aware educational reform, sleep health in occupational settings; acknowledges emerging trends (digital therapeutics, AI in dream research); proposes research agenda or policy recommendation with specific relevanceSummarizes main points without synthesis; generic conclusion about 'holistic approach'; no forward-looking element or policy relevanceAbsent, abrupt, or repetitive conclusion; no integration across sub-parts; contradicts earlier analysis or introduces new unsupported claims

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