Psychology – WBCS Main Optional Question Paper

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2023

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three from the following.

1. (a) Write the scope of Psychology in society and academic world.

(b) Discuss with diagram the functions of Brain.       15+25

2. (a) Briefly discuss Movement, Space, Depth and Time perception.   5+5+5+5

(b) What do you mean by Perceptual organization? Critically evaluate Gestalt view of perception.        20

3. (a) What is Intelligence? Critically discuss Spearman’s Two-Factor theory. How it differs from Thurstone theory?      5+25

(b) Write the concept of I.Q. Write the classification and deviation of I.Q.      10

4. (a) Critically write Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development.    25

(b) What are the basic elements of thinking? Write the characteristics of Creative Thinking.       15

5. (a) Write the basic difference between James-Land and Cannon-Bard theory of

emotion.    20

(b) Critically discuss Schachter-Singer theory of emotion.     20

6. Write short notes on any four:       10×4

(a) Weber-Fechner Law

(b) Classical conditioning

(c) Multiple Intelligence

(d) Effect of motivation on behaviour

(e) Types of memory

GROUP-B

Answer any two from the following.

7. Critically write following theories of motivation:       20+20

(a) Maslow

(b) MaClelland

8. Discuss the concept of     15+15+10

(a) Emotional Development

(b) Social Development

Write the contribution of these in child’s wholesome development.

9. Write short notes on:          10×4

(a) Programmed Learning

(b) Prejudice and discrimination.

(c) Concept of value development

(d) Theories of forgetting

PAPER – II        (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three from the following.

1. Critically discuss ‘Topography of Mind’ and ‘Structure of Mind’ according to Freud’. Briefly write Psychosexual stages as proposed by Freud.   15+15+10

2. Write elaborately the clinical features of schizophrenia — it’s probable causes and suggested therapies.       40

3. Critically discuss the characteristics and differences between Psychoanalysis and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.     40

4. Write about:         20+20

(a) Problem of social integration

(b) Delinquency and Crime

5. Write elaborately the clinical features of Mood Disorder — it’s probable causes and suggested management programme.     40

6. Write short notes on any four:            10×4

(a) roger’s theory of personality

(b) Rehabilitation Psychology

(c) Criteria of adjustment

(d) Generalized Anxiety disorder

(e) Steps of test construction

GROUP-B

Answer any two from the following.

7. What are the major criteria of job satisfaction? Write about the sources and types of organizational conflict. How it affects occupational health?   10+20+10

8. Define Leadership. Write the major characteristics, role and quality of a group leader. Write the differences between transactional and transformational leadership.     10+30

9. Write notes on any four of the following:    10×4

(a) Normal Probability Curve

(b) Parametric and non-parametric approach

(c) Hypothesis — types and use in statistics

(d) Research variables

(e) Types of sample

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2022

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three from the following.

1. Define Psychology. Discuss the Experimental and Survey Methods as used in the discipline of Psychology. Discuss the application of Psychology in the field of work and education.    (2+18+20)=40

2. Discuss the determinants of Attention. Differentiate between Fluctuation of Attention and Selectivity of Attention. How Attention differs from Perception? Discuss the monocular cues of Depth Perception.    (10+10+10+10)=40

3. Discuss the Atkinson-Shiffrin’s Model of Memory. Differentiate STM and LTM, Echoic and Iconic Memory. Illustrate on Procedural Memory.     (10+20+10)=40

4. Define Intelligence. Discuss Spiritual and Artificial Intelligence. Discuss Gardner’s Theory of Intelligence.     (2+20+18)=40

5. Distinguish between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation. Which is Psychologically more significant in work life? Justify. Discuss Maslow and McClelland’s theory of Motivation.   (10+10+20)=40

6. Discuss in detail Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development.        40

GROUP-B

Answer any two from the following.

7. ‘Emotional Intelligence is as important as  General Intelligence’ — Justify.       40

8. Discuss the Role of Prejudice and Stereotypes in Cross-Cultural Interaction.       40

9. “Is exploring students’ career interests still a necessity?’ — What is your opinion?    40

10. ‘Human value is a global challenge’ — Narrate.       40

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three from the following.

1. Define personality. Discuss in detail Erikson’s stages of personality development.  5+35=40

2. (a) Discuss the characteristics of a sound psychological test.   

(b) Discuss the steps of test construction.       20+20=40

3. (a) Write on the DSM 5’s classification of Mental Disorders.

(b) Discuss the different types of Schizophrenia with the symptoms.       20+20=40

4. Discuss in detail client-centered therapy and its applications.      40

5. Discuss the uses of Job Analysis. Discuss the steps of Job Analysis. Write on Interview as a method of Job Analysis.         10+15+15=40

6. Define Leadership. Discuss the characteristics of a good leader. Write on transactional and transformational leadership.        5+10+25=40

7. Discuss the psychological factors behind crime and delinquency.         20+20=40

GROUP-B

Answer any two from the following.

8. ‘Individual is a product of Nature and Nurture’ — Justify.     40

9. Write on the Role of Technology in the Teaching learning Method.     40

10. Differentiate between Parametric and Non-Parametric sampling. Write on the different non-parametric sampling methods. Give examples with suitability for their applications.   10+30=40

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2021

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three from the following.

1. Why is attention selective in nature? Explain with the help of suitable theoretical perspectives. Also discuss the different determinants of attention with suitable examples.    10+15+15=40

2. How does operant conditioning? Critically discuss—

(a) Trial and error theory.

(b) Theory of Insight learning         20+10+10=40

3. Critically discuss the SOI model of intelligence. How does it differ from Gardner’s viewpoint? Mention the applications of the model.        15+15+10=40

4. Define attitude. How does attitude formation take place? Can attitude be changed? If yes, elaborate the process with suitable examples.        5+15+20=40

5. Define sensation. Mention its attributes. How can sensation be measured?  5+20+15=40

6. What is meant by forgetting curve? How does forgetting take place in accordance with different theoretical notions?         15+25=40

7. What is meant by interest? Differentiate it from achievement. How can interest be measured?       10+10+20=40

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions         

8. “Cognitive and moral development run parallel to one another.” Justify with the help of suitable theoretical perspectives.          40                                                                          

9. As a psychologist, mention how can the social taboo of casteism and untouchability be curbed.      40                                                                                                                      

10. ‘Perception of time is ubiquitous.’ Justify.        40     

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions

1. Explain the meaning of ‘Ego Psychology’ as enunciated by Eric Erikson. Write what you know about “man’s eight stages of ego development” as put forward by Erikson.  10+30=40

2. What is a ‘psychological test’? Discuss the characteristics that must be there in a good psychological test. What are the major categories of tests in the field of psychology?   6+26+8=40

3. Distinguish between ‘distress’ and ‘eustress’. Examine the nature of relationship between distress and physical health. What is coping behaviour? State the names of at least three such.         10+20+6+4=40

4. What is meant by motivation? Discuss the two well known theories of motivation as put forward by Herzberg and Alderfer.       10+30=40

5. Write notes on any two:              20+20=40

(a) Nature-Nurture controversy

(b) Causes of abnormal behaviour

(c) Client-centered therapy

(d) Research variables and their control

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.

6. Define a ‘group’. Delineate the structure of a group. Discuss the special characteristics of a family as a primary group in society.          8+16+16=40

7. Differentiate crime from delinquency. Discuss the causes of delinquency in society.   10+30=40

8. Write notes on any two:           20+20=40

(a) Parametric and Non-parametric statistics

(b) Personnel Selection and Job Analysis

(c) Psychosocial problems related to old age.

(d) Substance abuse disorders

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2020

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions.

1. What is perception? What are the different types of perception? Discuss the Gestatt view of perception.        5+15+20=40

2. What is trial and error learning? Explain the factors behind trial and error learning. State the laws of learning as proposed by Thorndike. How is trial and error learning different from insightful learning?        5+10+20+5=40

3. What is memory? Classify memory into different types and explain in details with examples. Suggest some strategies to enhance memory.       5+25+10=40

4. Discuss in detail about the two factors of emotion. Describe the experiment that validated this theory. How is it different from earlier theories of emotion?     15+15+10=40

5. Discuss the theory of multiple intelligence citing suitable examples. How is it different from earlier theories of intelligence? State the application of the theory of multiple intelligence.  20+10+10=40

6. (a) What is problem solving? What are the methods used to solve problems? Discuss the barriers to problem solving.        5+15+10=30

(b) Is problem solving always straight forward? Discuss the process by which we come up with new ideas and solutions.       4+6=10

7. Critically discuss Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Why is this theory still relevant today? State its applications.       25+5+10=40

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.

8. Discuss the three forms of social bias viz. Prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination. Delineate the basic processes underlying such biases. State the different ways of reducing prejudice.     15+15+10=40

9. What is interest? How is it measured? Why is interest important in the field of psychology?       15+15+10=40

10. Discuss different aspects of social and emotional development in adolescence. How do these changes influence their transition to adulthood?        25+15=40

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions.

1. Discuss Sigmund Freud’s Topographical theory of mind and Structural theory of mind. How are they related?       30+10=40

2. Delineate, with the help of a hypothetical case example, the clinical features of Major Depression. What are the etiological factors of Major Depression?          20+20=40

3. What is a standardized test? Describe with examples, the steps for constructing a standardized psychological test.       5+35=40

4. (a) When does stress occur? What are the different types of stress? Discuss the major consequences of stress.       (5+5+10)+20=40

5. Discuss the major principles and stages of Client Centred Therapy. Describe a hypothetical case of Anxiety disorder and demonstrate the applicability of Client Centred Therapy for this case.       15+15+10=40

6. (a) What is Normal Probability Curve? Describe the characteristics of a Normal Probability curve.

(b) Define sampling. Describe with suitable examples different sampling techniques for psychological research.           (5+10)+(5+20)=40

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.

7. (a) Critically discuss Herzberg’s theory of motivation, delineating its implication in organizations.

(b) How can you motivate and train people for entrepreneurship?          20+20=40

8. Describe the psychological problems related to old age, with special reference to Indian geriatric population. Provide suggestions for management of such problems at personal, familial and community levels.        25+15=40

9. (a) “Casteism in India is presently one of the biggest threats to social integration” — Do you agree? Justify your answer.  

(b) Suggest psychologically informed intervention at policy level and in socio-personal spheres for reducing the negative consequences of caste based discrimination.  20+20=40

10. Write notes on any two:         20×2=40

(a) Rehabilitation Psychology

(b) Nature-nurture debate in psychology

(c) Leadership styles and characteristics of a good leader

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2019

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions.

1. (a) Differentiate between sensation and perception, giving suitable example.

(b) What is depth perception? Discuss in this context, the monocular and binocular cues of depth perception.

(c) Enumerate with suitable examples the laws of perceptual organization. 5+(5+20)+10=40

2. (a) What do you understand by IQ and DIQ?

(b) Discuss with suitable illustration the basic tenets of Guilford’s theory of structure of intellect.

(c) Critically discuss Gardner’s theory of Multiple intelligence.   15+15+15=40

3. (a) Discuss, with examples and evidences, Jean Piaget’s stages of cognitive development.

(b) What is creativity? Delineate with examples, the major characteristics or skills associated with creativity.        25+(5+10)=40

4. Discuss with experimental evidences the theories of Trail and Error learning and Insight learning. Comment on their relative applications in different spheres of life.(15+15)+10=40

5. (a) What is memory? Discuss the different types of memory with suitable examples.

(b) Define learning. How is it related to memory?

(c) what is forgetting? Explain the curve of forgetting with diagram.

(d) What do you understand by programmed learning?              (5+10)+(5+5)+(5+5)+5=40

6. (a) What do you understand by the cognitive theories of emotion? Discuss critically in this context, the Schachter-Singer Theory of emotion.

(b) What is motivation? Discuss, with suitable examples , the relation between emotion, motivation and behaviour.       25+(5+10)=40

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.

7. Distinguish between stereotype and prejudice. Show your acquaintance with any one measure of prejudice. Discuss, with reference to Indian context, some social psychological techniques of reducing prejudice.         10+10+20=40

8. (a) “Career success is an integrated function of ability, intest and value”. — Justify.

(b) Discuss with examples Kohlberg’s stages of moral development.     15+25=40

9. What is social development? Delineate the characteristics of social development from middle childhood upto end of adolescence. Comment on the role of school and peer group during these phases of social development.            5+25+10=40

10. What do you understand by the terms ‘puberty’ and ‘adolescence’? Discuss in detail the physical and emotional development of the child during these phases of life. Comment on the role of parents to promote healthy development during these phases.    10+20+10=40

PAPER – II        (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions.

1. (a) What is defense mechanism? Classify into different types with examples.

(b) Discuss Freud’s understanding of Psychological Disorders.          (10+15)+15=40

2. What is stress? Discuss the GAS Model by Selye. Explain the causes and consequences of stress.         5+10+25=40

3. Classify Anxiety Disorders into different types. Explain the psychological etiology of Anxiety Disorders.         15+25=40

4. What are the basic tenets of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? Discuss the process and strategies of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. State its application in Depression.   10+20+10=40

5. Write short notes on any two:         20+20=40

(a) Eysenck’s Theory of Personality

(b) Causes of abnormal behaviour

(c) Sources and types of conflict in organisations

(d) Rehabilitation

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.

6. What is motivation in Organizational Psychology? Discuss and compare the different theories of motivation. State the utility of motivational theories in Organizational Behaviour.        10+20+10=40

7. What is old age? What are the commonly encountered problems of old age? How can we help people with old age problems?        5+25+10=40

8. (a) State the properties of the normal probability curve. 

(b) Discuss and compare parametric and non-parametric statistics with examples.   15+25=40

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2018

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions:

1. Define attention. Narrate the determinants of attention. What is meant by “Fluctuation of Attention”? Is it natural? Comment. Why does it occur?        5+20+5+5=40

2. Define learning. In what way learning by operant conditioning differs from learning by classical conditioning? Compare the underlying psychological processes of these two kinds of learning.        5+20+15

3. What is sensation? Validate: “Psychophysics deals with relationship between stimulation  of sense organs and corresponding psychological experience”. In this context discuss what do you know about:

(a) Fechner’s law

(b) Weber’s law and

(c) Weber ratio along with mathematical formulae and appropriate diagrams.    5+20+15

4. Explain the words “memory” and “memory traces”? How messages from internal and external environment are stored and how their retrieval occurs? Delineate the theories of forgetting.        10+10+20

5. (a) What is meant by intelligence?

(b) Write what do you know about the different categories of intelligence.

(c) Explain the concept of IQ and how it is measured by Stanford-Binet test of intelligence. In this context briefly describe mentally challenged children.        5+10+25

6. State how emotions affect children’s personal and social adjustments. Describe briefly different aspects of emotional development of children.            15+25

7. What is motivation? Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Give a comparative account of Maslow’s and McClelland’s theories of motivation.         5+10+25

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.

8. What is meant by the term “attitude”? How does it differ from “beliefs” and “prejudices”? How it is developed in humans? Describe how it can be measured?           5+10+10+15

9. Define morality. How does it differ from ethics? Distinguish between “moral”, “immoral” and “unmoral” behaviours. Enumerate in this context, how morality is learned. 5+5+15+15

10. What is a “growth spurt”? By what factors, from birth to adolescence, physical development is governed in humans? Decipher the impact of visible/prominent aberrations in physique, during the growing a, upon psychological well-being of the child.     5+15+20

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer any three questions:

1. Critically evaluate the development of personality as conceptionalised by Erikson. Compare his theoretical position with that of Sigmund Freud.       30+10

2. What are the major clinical features of Schizophrenia? Critically discuss its etiological factors with the help of suitable research evidences.       16+24

3. Define a group. What are the major types of group ? Discuss the structure and function of a group.          6+7+27

4. Who is a delinquent? Discuss the major causes of delinquency. What remedial measures can be taken up to manage the social evil of delinquency?          8+12+20

5. Write short notes on any two:      20+20

(a) Criteria of adjustment

(b) Client-centered Therapy

(c) Psychological test construction

(d) Occupational health hazard

GROUP-B

Answer any two questions.                                                                                               

6. What is the need for adequate personnel selection in an organization? Discuss the different methods of personnel selection. How can organizational climate in India be improved?        8+12+20

7. Explain the concept of individual differences in the classroom. As a psychologist, explain how can you ensure effective teaching learning in the classroom set up?         15+25

8. What are research variables? Discuss their different types and explain the concept of confounding. How can confounding of research be prevented?          8+12+20