Category: Lecturer Psychology

Q1. Which of the following is a law of learning? Law of Practice Law of Repetition Law of Effect Law of Trial and Error Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Law of Effect Explanation: The Law of Effect, formulated by Edward Thorndike in 1905, is a foundational principle in learning theory. It states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely to occur again. This principle laid the groundwork for operant conditioning and highlights the role of reinforcement in behavior formation. Q2. Mental development includes? External and internal organs Reasoning and thinking Ethical and moral Emotional maturity Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B. Reasoning and thinking Explanation: Mental development refers to the progressive growth of cognitive abilities such as attention, perception, observation, memory, imagination, problem-solving, and language. These skills develop with age and are influenced by life experiences. For instance, vocabulary and general knowledge may improve throughout life, while abstract reasoning and arithmetic often stabilize in early adulthood. Unlike emotional or moral development, mental development strictly concerns intellectual functions—meaning someone may have strong reasoning skills but lack a clear moral compass. Q3. Through which of the following methods, desirable channels are provided for the release of emotional energy? Inhibition Sublimation Catharsis Repression Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Catharsis Explanation: Catharsis refers to the release or purging of intense emotional energy, especially emotions that have been repressed or unexpressed. Originally used in the context of drama and literature to describe emotional cleansing through art, the concept was later adopted in psychology — notably by Freud and Breuer — as a way to relieve psychological distress. In therapy, catharsis can help individuals access and express deeply buried emotions, providing emotional relief. While catharsis may reduce stress in the short term, some psychologists argue that frequent emotional outbursts may reinforce aggressive tendencies if not handled with care. Q4. The rate of progress in learning slows down and reaches a limit beyond which further improvement seems impossible. It is known as: Plateau Loss of interest Boredom Difficult stage Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. Plateau Explanation: A plateau in learning refers to a stage where noticeable progress temporarily halts despite continued effort. This is a common phenomenon in skill acquisition and cognitive tasks. During this phase, the learner may feel stuck, as further improvement appears minimal or stagnant. Causes of plateaus include fatigue, lack of motivation, poor teaching methods, loss of attention, or an unsuitable learning environment. To overcome a learning plateau, strategies such as introducing variety in tasks, adjusting the difficulty level, improving teaching techniques, using visual aids, and allowing adequate rest can be helpful. Plateaus are not permanent and can be managed with the right support and adjustments in approach. Q5. The therapy of psychoanalysis was developed by? Skinner Sigmund Freud Plato Darwin Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B. Sigmund Freud Explanation: Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, is the founding figure of psychoanalysis — a therapeutic method developed in the late 19th century. It focuses on bringing unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories (often rooted in early childhood) into conscious awareness through techniques like free association, dream interpretation, and transference. Freud believed that unresolved internal conflicts and repressed emotions were the root of psychological disorders. Why not the others? Skinner: A leading figure in behaviorism, known for operant conditioning, not psychoanalysis. Plato: Ancient philosopher who proposed the Theory of Forms — the belief that non-physical (but substantial) forms represent the most accurate reality. According to him, true knowledge is the recollection of these eternal forms, not obtained through sensory experience. Darwin: Naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, explaining biological change, not psychological therapy. Bonus Insight: Allegory of the Cave (from Plato's work) describes people chained in a cave who can only see shadows cast on a wall — mistaking them for reality. This metaphor illustrates how sensory experiences can be deceptive, and only philosophical reasoning can lead to true knowledge of the Forms. Q6. Sports performance is the bi-product of? Skill Conditional ability Total personality Tactical ability Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Total personality Explanation: Sports performance isn't just about physical skill or tactical strategies; it’s deeply influenced by the athlete’s overall personality. This includes mental toughness, motivation, emotional regulation, focus, confidence, and resilience. These psychological traits collectively shape how an athlete performs under pressure, adapts to challenges, and recovers from setbacks. Coleman Griffith, known as the “father of sports psychology” in America, emphasized that elite athletic performance often correlates with psychological traits like: - Mental toughness - Self-efficacy (belief in one’s ability) - Motivation and arousal control - Commitment and competitiveness - Emotional and behavioral regulation Hence, performance is not just physical—it is a bi-product of the total personality. Q6. The first metamorphosis falls between the ages of? 7–10 years 3–5 years 11–14 years 2–4 years Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. 7–10 years Explanation: The first metamorphosis refers to a key developmental phase that typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 10. During this period, children transition from early childhood into more structured intellectual, emotional, and social functioning. According to developmental theories—especially the anthroposophical perspective by Rudolf Steiner—this stage marks a cognitive shift where children move from learning through imitation to forming logical concepts and independent thinking. Emotional regulation also begins to strengthen. Additional Clarification: - Around age 7, children become more aware of themselves as individuals, which supports emotional growth. - This stage sets the foundation for more abstract and structured learning in later childhood. Q7. Which is the most effective method for encouraging self-learning? Demonstration Method Lecture Method Observation Method Task Methodical Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Observation Method Explanation: The observation method is considered one of the most effective ways to foster self-learning because it encourages active engagement and independent thinking. Instead of relying solely on verbal instruction, learners analyze, reflect, and internalize behaviors, strategies, and problem-solving techniques by watching others. Educational theorists like Albert Bandura emphasized the power of observational learning in his Social Learning Theory, where people learn new behaviors by watching and imitating models. This method enhances intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and the learner’s ability to regulate their own learning process. Additional Clarifications: - Demonstration is helpful but often passive for the learner. - Lecture method tends to be teacher-centered, with limited learner autonomy. - Task methodical approaches are structured but may restrict creative and independent exploration. - In contrast, observation promotes curiosity, reflection, and self-directed growth, making it ideal for long-term self-learning development. Q8. Which is the most effective method for encouraging self-learning? Demonstration Method Lecture Method Observation Method Task Methodical Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Observation Method Explanation: Observation is a natural and powerful method of self-learning. It allows learners to actively absorb information from real-life situations, role models, or problem-solving tasks without direct instruction. This method promotes critical thinking, reflection, and autonomous learning habits—skills that are central to lifelong learning. Additional Clarifications: - Demonstration involves showing how to do something, but it often lacks active learner involvement. - Lecture method is passive and primarily one-way, limiting independent learning. - Task methodical emphasizes structure and following steps, which supports precision but not necessarily independent learning. Q9. Which one is the simplest form of cognition? Conception Perception Sensation Affection Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Sensation Explanation: Sensation is the most basic and initial stage in the process of cognition. It refers to the raw data received by our sensory organs—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—before any interpretation or organization takes place. Cognition begins when the brain receives these sensory inputs. While perception involves organizing and interpreting sensory input, and conception refers to abstract thinking and forming ideas, sensation is simply the reception of stimuli. Without sensation, higher-level cognitive processes like perception and reasoning wouldn't be possible. Additional Clarifications: - Conception is a complex mental function involving the formation of ideas and abstract thoughts. - Perception involves interpretation and is influenced by memory, attention, and expectation. - Affection is not cognitive but emotional—relating to feelings and emotional responses. Therefore, sensation is the foundation upon which all other cognitive processes are built. Q10. The functional divisions of the spinal cord are? Somatic-motor Somatic-sensory Visceral-motor None of these Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: All of the above except D Explanation: The spinal cord has three major functional divisions: Somatic-motor: Controls voluntary muscle movements. Somatic-sensory: Carries sensory input from skin, muscles, and joints to the CNS. Visceral-motor: Regulates involuntary functions via the autonomic nervous system. These pathways allow communication between the brain and body for both voluntary and involuntary functions. Q11. The response defined as a result of training is called? Conditioned stimulus Unconditioned reflex Conditioned reflex Conation Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Conditioned reflex Explanation: A conditioned reflex is an acquired or learned response that occurs due to repeated association between a stimulus and a response (e.g., Pavlov’s dogs salivating at the sound of a bell). This is different from an unconditioned reflex, which is automatic and present from birth. In training, the individual learns to respond to a new stimulus in a predictable way, forming a conditioned reflex through classical conditioning. Q12. Which need is on top of the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Self-actualization Esteem Belongingness Safety Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. Self-actualization Explanation: According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the topmost level is self-actualization. This represents the full realization of one's potential, creativity, and personal growth. The hierarchy (from bottom to top) is: 1. Physiological needs 2. Safety needs 3. Belongingness and love 4. Esteem 5. Self-actualization Only after all the lower needs are met can individuals pursue self-actualization — becoming the best version of themselves. Q13. ERG theory was given by: Maslow Alderfer Belongingness Safety Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B. Alderfer Explanation: The ERG Theory was proposed by Clayton Alderfer as a modification of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. ERG stands for: - Existence: Basic material and physiological needs - Relatedness: Social connections and relationships - Growth: Personal development and fulfillment Alderfer also introduced the concept of a regression principle. This means if a higher-level need (e.g., growth or self-actualization) is frustrated, a person may refocus on fulfilling lower-level needs (e.g., relatedness or existence) with greater intensity. This makes the ERG theory more flexible and realistic compared to Maslow’s strict hierarchy. Q14. Alderfer’s theory categorizes needs into three categories. The most important is? Growth needs Relatedness need Existence need None of these Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Existence need Explanation: In Alderfer’s ERG Theory, needs are divided into: Existence needs – Basic material and physiological needs (similar to Maslow's physiological and safety levels) Relatedness needs – Social and interpersonal relationships Growth needs – Personal development and self-fulfillment Among these, Existence needs are considered the most foundational and urgent. According to Alderfer, people first seek to satisfy these survival needs before focusing on higher-order desires like growth and connection. Without satisfying existence needs, motivation for relatedness or growth is weakened. Q15. Which of the following is an intrinsic motivator? Pay Promotion Feedback Interest of play Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: D. Interest of play Explanation: Intrinsic motivation refers to doing something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable, not because of external rewards. Interest of play is a classic example of intrinsic motivation – the activity itself is rewarding. Pay and promotion are extrinsic motivators — they are external rewards. Feedback can be both intrinsic and extrinsic depending on how it's given, but in this context, it's more extrinsically reinforcing performance. Intrinsic motivators are key in fostering deep learning, creativity, and long-term engagement. Q16. The two-factor theory of motivation is given by? Maslow Jung Alder Herzberg Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: D. Herzberg Explanation: The Two-Factor Theory (also called Motivation-Hygiene Theory) was proposed by Frederick Herzberg. It divides workplace motivation into two categories: Motivators – intrinsic factors that lead to job satisfaction (e.g., achievement, recognition, responsibility). Hygiene factors – extrinsic elements that, if missing, cause dissatisfaction (e.g., salary, job security, work conditions), but do not motivate if present. Herzberg emphasized that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are influenced by **different factors**, and simply removing dissatisfaction does not create motivation. Q17. Reinforcement theory of motivation is given by? Jung Herzberg Skinner Maslow Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Skinner Explanation: The Reinforcement Theory of Motivation was proposed by B.F. Skinner, a behavioral psychologist. The theory suggests that: Behavior is shaped by its consequences. Positive reinforcement (rewards) strengthens desirable behavior. Negative reinforcement removes unpleasant outcomes to strengthen behavior. Punishment and extinction reduce unwanted behavior. It is grounded in **operant conditioning**, emphasizing that people are motivated to repeat behaviors that are rewarded and avoid those that are punished. Q18. Achievement motivation relates to? Need of the person Knowledge of the person Experience of the person Aptitude of the person Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. Need of the person Explanation: Achievement motivation refers to an individual's internal need or drive to achieve success or accomplish goals. It’s rooted in the desire to excel, to overcome challenges, and to strive for standards of excellence. This concept is closely linked to the work of **David McClelland**, who identified the “Need for Achievement (nAch)” as one of the core human motivators. People high in achievement motivation prefer tasks that are moderately challenging and enjoy situations where they can take personal responsibility for the outcome. Q19. Terminal feedback is the information provided to the learner? Before the activity During the activity After the activity None of these Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. After the activity Explanation: Terminal feedback is provided after the completion of a task or activity. It helps the learner reflect on their performance, understand errors or successes, and make improvements for future attempts. It is different from concurrent feedback (which is given during the activity) and preparatory feedback (which is given before). Terminal feedback plays a crucial role in skill acquisition and motor learning, especially in sports, education, and clinical training settings. Q20. The initial steep rise in the learning graph is an indication of quick progress and is technically known as? End spurt Initial spurt Saturation point None of these Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B. Initial spurt Explanation: The initial spurt refers to the early phase in the learning curve where a learner shows rapid improvement. This quick gain is often due to high motivation, novelty of the task, or ease of acquiring the initial skills. It’s typically followed by a plateau or slower progress as the learner moves into more complex learning stages. Q21. What type of motivation is not applicable to young children? Intrinsic motivation Extrinsic motivation Achievement motivation None of these Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. Intrinsic motivation Explanation: While young children display signs of **curiosity and internal satisfaction**, the **full concept of intrinsic motivation**—driven by internal standards of mastery and self-evaluation—is still in development. At early stages, children rely more on external validation. Hence, the abstract nature of **intrinsic motivation** may not be fully applicable in the early years of childhood. Note: Some sources may argue children show signs of intrinsic motivation through play and exploration, but true **achievement motivation** linked to internalized goals tends to emerge later. Q22. The “Trial and Error” theory of learning was propounded by? Newton Pavlov Thorndike Homer Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: C. Thorndike Explanation: Edward L. Thorndike proposed the **Trial and Error theory** of learning, based on his experiments with animals—especially his famous puzzle box experiments with cats. According to this theory, learning occurs as a result of multiple attempts (trials), and gradually the wrong responses are eliminated and correct ones are reinforced when they lead to satisfying outcomes. This concept laid the foundation for his **Law of Effect**. Q23. In childhood, individual’s behavior is most influenced by? Community School Peer group Family Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: D. Family Explanation: During childhood, a child's primary environment is the family, which plays a critical role in shaping their emotional, behavioral, and social development. The family influences language, values, habits, emotional security, and even how children view themselves and others. This foundational influence often precedes and outweighs the effects of peers, schools, or the broader community. Q24. The cause of frustration among sports person is? Result of own performance Normally due to mismatched level of aspiration and ability Result of good performance Natural outcome of competitive sports Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B. Normally due to mismatched level of aspiration and ability Explanation: Frustration in sports is often a psychological response to the gap between an athlete’s expectations (aspirations) and their actual abilities or outcomes. When individuals aim for results beyond their current skill level or capacity, the inability to achieve those goals creates internal conflict and emotional strain, leading to frustration. Q25. Which is the description of the methods of personality measurement? Rating scale Interviews and observations Paper and pencil test All of these Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: D. All of these Explanation: Personality measurement involves multiple methods to capture different traits and behaviors. These include: Rating Scales: Often used by teachers, employers, or observers to evaluate traits like sociability or emotional stability. Interviews and Observations: Provide qualitative data on how a person behaves in real or simulated situations. Paper and Pencil Tests: Includes standardized inventories like MMPI, 16 PF, and CPI which assess a wide range of personality traits. Each method provides unique insights and is often used in combination to get a more holistic understanding of personality. Q26. The Scale, where absolute zero point is known, is popularly known as? Ordinal scale Ratio scale Interval scale Nominal scale Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B. Ratio scale Explanation: The ratio scale is the most informative level of measurement. It not only indicates order and exact differences between values (like the interval scale) but also has a meaningful, absolute zero point. This allows for the calculation of ratios (e.g., 10 is twice as much as 5). Common examples include weight, height, age, and reaction time. Additional Clarifications: - Nominal scale categorizes data without any order (e.g., gender, ethnicity). - Ordinal scale ranks data but does not specify the distance between ranks (e.g., rankings in a race). - Interval scale provides meaningful differences between measurements but lacks a true zero (e.g., temperature in Celsius). Q27. Weight, length, time and speed are some variables which can be measured on? Ratio scale Interval scales Nominal scales Ordinal scales Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. Ratio scale Explanation: Weight, length, time, and speed are all examples of physical variables that have an absolute zero point and equal intervals. This makes them measurable using a ratio scale, the most precise and informative scale of measurement. With ratio scales, one can make statements like "twice as fast" or "half as heavy." - Interval scale lacks a true zero (e.g., temperature in Celsius). - Nominal scale is for categorization without order (e.g., hair color). - Ordinal scale ranks data without consistent intervals (e.g., rankings). Q28. The scales where the absolute zero is unknown are termed as? Interval Scales Ratio Scale Nominal scales Ordinal scales Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A. Interval Scales Explanation: Interval scales have equal units of measurement and allow for meaningful comparison of differences between values (e.g., temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit). However, they lack a true or absolute zero point. This means zero does not imply a complete absence of the variable. Examples: Temperature, IQ scores Other Options: - Ratio Scale: Has an absolute zero (e.g., weight, time) - Nominal Scale: Categorical, no order (e.g., gender) - Ordinal Scale: Ordered, but no equal intervals (e.g., race positions) Q29. When the classification is done with respect to one attribute which is dichotomous in nature is known as? Simple Classification Complex Classification Monotonous Classification Real Classification Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: A) Simple Classification Explanation: Simple Classification, also known as Dichotomous Classification, involves sorting data based on a single attribute with only two categories (e.g., Male/Female, Yes/No). It is the most basic form of classification and helps in dividing data into two mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive groups. Additional Clarification: - Complex Classification involves more than one attribute or more than two categories. - Monotonous Classification is not a standard term in statistics. - Real Classification is not typically used in this context. Q30. The related facts or observations which are grouped into classes or categories are known as? Variable Classification Fact Data Show Answer & Explanation Correct Answer: B) Classification Explanation: Classification refers to the systematic arrangement of related facts or observations into groups or categories based on shared characteristics. It helps in simplifying and organizing large volumes of data for easier analysis and interpretation. Clarification of other options: - Variable: A characteristic or attribute that can take different values. - Fact: An individual observation or data point. - Data: Raw information, which may or may not be organized.

Category: Lecturer Psychology

PPSC Psychology Lecturer Paper 2015

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