PAPER-III

PSYCHOLOGY
Note This paper is of two hundred marks containing four sections. Candidates are required to attempt the questions contained in these sections according to the detailed instructions given therein.

SECTION I

Note This section consists of two essay type questions of twenty marks each, to be answered in about five hundred words each. ×
20 40 marks)


1. Discuss the contribution of bio-psychology in understanding human behaviour.

OR 3
3

Critically evaluate the reductionistic approach of scientific psychology.

2. In what way Psychology helps in optimising the cognitive potential

OR 3


Discuss the weaknesses and strengths of behaviourism.

SECTION II
Note This section contains three questions from each of the electives/specializations. The candidate has to choose only one elective/specialization and answer all the three questions from it. Each question carries fifteen marks and is to be
answered in about three hundred words. ×
15 45 Marks)


Elective I


3. Examine the psychological methods of prejudice reduction with special reference to caste prejudice in Indian society.

4. Drawing upon classical studies discuss the situational determinants of helping behaviour.

5. Citing empirical studies discuss the influence of media on antisocial behaviour.

Elective II

3. Discuss the factors which can influence physical growth and maturation in adolescence.

4. Describe the cognitive and behavioural components of moral development.

5. Describe the key concepts involved in phonological development.

Elective III

3. Discuss various dimensions of teaching. Explain characteristics of an effective teacher.

4. Which individual differences need special consideration for guidance and counselling in secondary schools Why

5. Discuss various types of motivation. What is the relation between motivation and learning

Elective IV

3. Propose a training plan for stress management for middle level executives.

4. Discuss strategies to improve work culture in a small scale industrial unit.

5. In the light of recent researches discuss procedures of training to improve work culture.


Elective V
3. What do you understand by Community Mental Health Explain various intervention methods in improving it.

4. What are various levels of Mental Retardation Explain functionality and non-functionality at each level.

5. Describe the process of systematic desensitization in the treatment of Phobias.

SECTION III
Note This section contains nine questions of ten marks, each to be answered in about fifty words. ×
10 90 Marks)

6. Differentiate between operant and classical conditioning.

7. Give one multi-stages model of memory and explain it.

8. Describe the basic structure of language.

9. How the strength of power motive can be assessed

10. What is regression argument

11. Describe epigenetic model of human development proposed by Erikson.

12. Why we use rotation in Factor Analysis

13. What is Factorial Validity

14. Give a brief description of non-invasive methods of studying brain.

SECTION IV
Note This section contains five questions of five marks each based on the following passage. Each question should be answered in about thirty words. ×
5 25 Marks)

A positive reinforcer is a stimulus or event which, when it is contingent on a response, increases the likelihood that the response will be made again. A negative reinforcer is a stimulus or event which, when its cessation or termination is contingent on a response, increases the likelihood that the response will occur again. A punisher is a stimulus or event which, when its onset is contingent on a response, decreases the likelihood that the response will occur again. In omission of reinforcement, or omission training, positive reinforcement is withdrawn following a response. This has the effect of decreasing the likelihood of the behaviour leading to the removal of positive reinforcement.
Escape learning is an example of instrumental conditioning based on negative reinforcement.
In avoidance learning, the learned response is made before the onset of a noxious event and thus prevents the learner from being exposed to the noxious event. The noxious event is therefore avoided. Avoidance learning is explained in terms of the concepts of species-typical defense reactions and safety signals. Extinction of avoidance learning is often quite slow.
Punishment decreases the likelihood that a response will be made and is thus involved in learning what not to do. Among the factors involved in the effectiveness of punishment are its intensity, its consistency, the contingency between behaviour and punishment, the strength of the response being punished, and adaptation to punishment. Punishment may be quite effective when it is used to suppress one behaviour while, at the same time, positively reinforcing other behaviours.

15. What is the difference between escape learning and avoidance learning

16. Is punishment equal to avoidance learning

17. What are the variables affecting effectiveness of punishment

18. Compare omission, escape and avoidance training.

19. Evaluate effectiveness of omission, escape and avoidance training.