{"id":96907,"date":"2021-03-20T19:24:39","date_gmt":"2021-03-20T13:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.forumias.com\/?page_id=96907"},"modified":"2023-10-26T17:55:39","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T12:25:39","slug":"psychology-optional-upsc-syllabus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/upsc-syllabus\/psychology-optional-upsc-syllabus\/","title":{"rendered":"Psychology Optional UPSC Syllabus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Psychology Optional-Syllabus<\/strong><\/p>\n

PAPER-I<\/h5>\n

Foundations of Psychology<\/strong>
\n1. Introduction :<\/strong> Definition of Psychology; Historical antecedents of Psychology and trends
\nin the 21st centrury; Psychology and scientific methods; Psychology in relation to other social
\nsciences and natural sciences; Application of Psychology to societal problems.<\/p>\n

2. Methods of Psychology :<\/strong> Types of research : Descriptive, evaluative, diagnostic and
\nprognostic; Methods of Research : Survey, observation, case-study and experiments;
\nCharacteristics of experimental design and non-experimental designs; quasi-experimental designs;
\nFocussed group discussions, brain storming, grounded theory approach.<\/p>\n

3. Research methods :<\/strong> Major steps in psychological research (problem statement,
\nhypothesis formulation, research design, sampling, tools of data collection, analysis and
\ninterpretation and report writing); Fundamental versus applied research; Methods of data
\ncollection (interview, observation, questionnaire and case study). Research Designs (Ex-post facto
\nand experimental). Application of statistical techniques (t-test, two-way ANOVA, correlation and
\nregression and factor analysis) item response theory.<\/p>\n

4. Development of Human Behaviour :<\/strong> Growth and development; Principles of
\ndevelopment, Role of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour;
\nInfluence of cultural factors in socialization; Life span development\u2014Characteristics, development
\ntasks, promoting psychological well-being across major stages of the life span.<\/p>\n

5. Sensation, Attention and Perception :<\/strong> Sensation: concepts of threshold, absolute and
\ndifference thresholds, signal-detection and vigilance; Factors influencing attention including set
\nand characteristics of stimulus; Definition and concept of perception, biological factors in
\nperception; Perceptual organization-influence of past experiences, perceptual defence-factor
\ninfluencing space and depth perception, size estimation and perceptual readiness; The plasticity of
\nperception; Extrasensory perception; Culture and perception, Subliminal perception.<\/p>\n

6. Learning :<\/strong> Concepts and theories of learning (Behaviourists, Gestaltalist and Information
\nprocessing models). The processes of extinction, discrimination and generalisation. Programmed
\nlearning, probability learning, self instructional learning, concepts, types and the schedules of
\nreinforcement, escape, avoidance and punishment, modelling and social learning.<\/p>\n

7. Memory :<\/strong> Encoding and remembering; Shot-term memory, Long-term memory, Sensory
\nmemory, Iconic memory, Echoic memory: The Multistore model, levels of processing; Organization
\nand Mnemonic techniques to improve memory; Theories of forgetting: decay, interference and
\nretrieval failure: Metamemory; Amnesia: Anterograde and retrograde.<\/p>\n

8. Thinking and Problem Solving :<\/strong> Piaget\u2019s theory of cognitive development; Concept
\nformation processes; Information processing, Reasoning and problem solving, Facilitating and
\nhindering factors in problem solving, Methods of problem solving: Creative thinking and fostering
\ncreativity; Factors influencing decision making and judgement; Recent trends.<\/p>\n

9. Motivation and Emotion :<\/strong> Psychological and physiological basis of motivation and
\nemotion; Measurement of motivation and emotion; Effects of motivation and emotion on
\nbehaviour; Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation; Factors influencing intrinsic motivation; Emotional
\ncompetence and the related issues.<\/p>\n

10. Intelligence and Aptitude :<\/strong> Concept of intelligence and aptitude, Nature and theories
\nof intelligence-Spearman, Thurstone, Gulford Vernon, Sternberg and J.P. Das; Emotional
\nIntelligence, Social intelligence, measurement of intelligence and aptitudes, concept of I Q
\ndeviation I Q, constancy of I Q; Measurement of multiple intelligence; Fluid intelligence and
\ncrystallized intelligence.<\/p>\n

11. Personality :<\/strong> Definition and concept of personality; Theories of personality
\n(psychoanalytical, socio-cultural, interpersonal, developmental, humanistic, behaviouristic, trait
\nand type approaches); Measurement of personality (projective tests, pencil-paper test); The Indian
\napproach to personality; Training for personality development; Latest approaches like big 5 factor
\ntheory; The notion of self in different traditions.<\/p>\n

12. Attitudes, Values and Interests :<\/strong> Definitions of attitudes, values and interests;
\nComponents of attitudes; Formation and maintenance of attitudes. Measurement of attitudes,
\nvalues and interests. Theories of attitude changes, strategies for fostering values. Formation of
\nstereotypes and prejudices; Changing other\u2019s behaviour, Theories of attribution; Recent trends.<\/p>\n

13. Language and Communication :<\/strong> Human language\u2014Properties, structure and
\nlinguistic hierarchy, Language acquisition\u2014predispotion, critical period hypothesis; Theories of
\nLanguage development\u2014Skinner and Chomsky; Process and types of communication\u2014effective
\ncommu-nication training.<\/p>\n

14.Issues and Perspectives in Modern Contemporary Psychology :<\/strong> Computer application
\nin the psychological laboratory and psychological testing; Artificial intelligence;
\nPsychocybernetics; Study of consciousnessleep-wak schedules; dreams, stimulus deprivation,
\nmeditation, hypnotic\/drug induced states; Extrasensory perception; Intersensory perception;
\nSimulation studies.<\/p>\n

PAPER-II<\/h5>\n

Psychology : Issues and applications<\/strong>
\n1. Psychological Measurement of Individual Differences :<\/strong>
\nThe nature of individual differences. Characteristics and construction of standardized
\npsychological tests. Types of psychological tests. Use, misuse and limitation of psychological tests.
\nEthical issues in the use of psychological tests.<\/p>\n

2. Psychological well being and Mental Disorders :<\/strong>
\nConcept of health-ill health positive health, well being casual factores in Mental disorders
\n(Anxiety disorders, mood disorders; schizophrenia and delusional disorders; personality
\ndisorders, substance abuse disorders). Factors influencing positive health, well being; lifestyle
\nand quality of life; Happiness disposition.<\/p>\n

3. Therapeutic Approaches :<\/strong>
\nPsychodynamic therapies. Behaviour therapies. Client centered therapy. Cognitive therapies.
\nIndigenous therapies (Yoga, Meditation). Biofeedback therapy. Prevention and rehabilitation of the
\nmentally ill; Fostering mental health.<\/p>\n

4. Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour :<\/strong>
\nPersonnel selection and training. Use of Psychological tests in the industry. Training and
\nhuman resource development. Theories of work motivation. Herzberg, Maslow, Adam Equity
\ntheory, Porter and Lawler, Vroom; Leadership and participatory management; Advertising and
\nmarketing; Stress and its management; Ergonomics; consumer psychology; Managerial
\neffectiveness; Transformational leadersip; Senitivity training; Power and politics in organizations.<\/p>\n

5. Application of Psychology to Educational Field :<\/strong>
\nPsychological principles underlying effective teaching-learning process. Learning styles.
\nGifted, retarded, learning disabled and their training. Training for improving memory and better
\nacademic achievement. Personality development and value education. Educational, vocational
\nguidance and Career counselling. Use of Psychological tests in educational institutions; Effective
\nstrategies in guidance programmes.<\/p>\n

6. Community Psychology :<\/strong>
\nDefinition and concept of Community Psychology. Use of small groups in social action.
\nArousing Community consciousness and action for handling social problems. Group decision
\nmaking and leadership for social change. Effective strategies for social change.<\/p>\n

7. Rehabilitation Psychology :<\/strong>
\nPrimary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes\u2014role of psychologists. Organising of
\nservices for rehabilitation of physically, mentally and socially challenged persons including old
\npersons. Rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, criminal
\nbehaviours. Rehabilitation of victims of violence. Rehabilitation of HIV\/AIDS victims, the role of
\nsocial agencies.<\/p>\n

8. Application of Psychology to disadvantaged groups :<\/strong>
\nThe concepts of disadvantaged, deprivation social, physical, cultural and economic
\nconsequences of disadvantaged and deprived groups. Educating and motivating the
\ndisadvantaged towards development; Relative and prolonged deprivation.<\/p>\n

9. Psychological problem of social integration :<\/strong>
\nThe concept of social integration. The problem of caste, class, religion and language conflicts
\nand prejudice. Nature and manifestation of prejudice between the ingroup and outgroup. Casual
\nfactors of such conflicts and prejudices. Psychological strategies for handling the conflicts and
\nprejudices. Measures to achieve social integration.<\/p>\n

10. Application of Psychology in Information Technology and Mass Media :<\/strong>
\nThe present scenario of information technology and the mass media boom and the role of
\npsychologists. Selection and training of Psychology professionals to work in the field of IT and
\nmass media. Distance learning through IT and mass media. Entrepreneurship through e-commerce.
\nMultilevel marketing. Impact of TV and fostering value through IT and mass media. Psychological
\nconsequences of recent developments in Information Technology.<\/p>\n

11. Psychology and Economic development :<\/strong>
\nAchievement motivation and economic development. Characteristics of entrepreneurial
\nbehaviour. Motivating and Training people for entrepreneurship and economic development;
\nConsumer rights and consumer awareness, Government policies for promotion of
\nentrepreneurship among youth including women entreprenures.<\/p>\n

12. Application of Psychology to environment and related fields :<\/strong>
\nEnvironmental Psychology effects of noise, pollution and crowding. Population Psychology :
\nPsychological consequence of population explosion and high population density. Motivating for
\nsmall family norms. Impact of rapid scientific and technological growth on degradation of
\nenvironment.<\/p>\n

13. Application of psychology in other fields :<\/strong>
\n(a) Military Psychology
\nDevising psycological tests for defence personnel for use in selection, Training,
\ncounseling; training psychologists to work , with defence personnel in promoting positive health;
\nHuman engineering in defence.
\n(b) Sports Psychology
\nPsychological interventions in improving performance of athletes and sports. Persons
\nparticipating in Individual and Team Games.
\n(c) Media influences on pro and anti-social behaviour.
\n(d) Psychology of Terrorism.<\/p>\n

14. Psychology of Gender :<\/strong>
\nIssues of discrimination, Management of diversity; Glass ceiling effect, Self-fulfilling prophesy,
\nWomen and Indian society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Psychology Optional-Syllabus PAPER-I Foundations of Psychology 1. Introduction : Definition of Psychology; Historical antecedents of Psychology and trends in the 21st centrury; Psychology and scientific methods; Psychology in relation to other social sciences and natural sciences; Application of Psychology to societal problems. 2. Methods of Psychology : Types of research : Descriptive, evaluative, diagnostic and… Continue reading Psychology Optional UPSC Syllabus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":0,"parent":50153,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-96907","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/96907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96907"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/96907\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}