Here are all 44 Methods of Psychology questions asked in UPSC Psychology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 4 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
2.1] Types of research: descriptive, evaluative, diagnostic and prognostic
3 questions
Differentiate among descriptive, evaluative, diagnostic and prognostic research. [2026/10m/150w/1c]
How is descriptive type of research different from diagnostic research? Answer the question giving suitable example of each. [2023/10m/150w/1a]
“Diagnostic and prognostic researches are complementary to each other.” Explain with suitable examples. [2019/10m/150w/1b]
2.2] Methods of research: survey, observation, case-study and experiments
7 questions
Describe data collection methods in psychology with special reference to observation and survey methods. [2024/10m/150w/1c]
Compare and contrast naturalistic observation and laboratory-based observation as methods of psychological research. Can they be reconciled? Discuss. [2022/15m/4b]
Which method is most appropriate to investigate gender differences in aggressive behaviour at the work place? Elaborate. [2021/15m/4b]
Describe the basic elements of observation and bring out the implications of the dimension of participation in observational research. [2013/15m/250w/4c]
How do psychologists use case study and survey to describe behaviour? Indicate their advantages and disadvantages. [2007/20m/200w/1a]
What would be the major methodological orientation for doing research in Physiological psychology, Social Psychology and Counselling Psychology? [1997/60m/2]
Describe the essential features of an experiment in psychology giving suitable examples. Discuss the limitations of the experimental method. [1995/60m/2]
Preparing for Prelims too?
Our UPSC Prelims Topic-wise PYQ eBook covers every Prelims question with detailed explanations, so you can see exactly where UPSC asks from.
View the BookDownload Free Sample2.3] Experimental, non-experimental and quasi-experimental designs
27 questions
Are quasi-experimental designs more advantageous than experimental designs? Discuss in the light of various methodological considerations. [2025/15m/3b]
Do correlational studies contribute in understanding ‘cause and effect’ relationship in human behaviour? Discuss. [2025/10m/150w/5a]
Citing relevant examples, explain independent, dependent and mediating variables. [2024/10m/150w/1b]
Explain how a double-blind experiment is used to overcome experimenter bias and participant expectancy effects. [2023/15m/6c]
Discuss the significance of single blind-double blind procedures for establishing soundness of an experiment. [2022/10m/150w/5a]
How is quasi-experimental design different from experimental design? Describe different forms of quasi-experimental design with special emphasis on time series design. [2020/15m/4b]
Differentiate between experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Evaluate the applications of quasi-experimental designs in psychological researches. [2019/20m/3a]
Why is the principle of random assignment of participants used in experimental method? How do experimenter effects and demand characteristics influence participants’ behaviour in experimentation? What procedures can be adopted to minimize such pitfalls? [2018/20m/3a]
Which research design would you apply to prove that a particular method of teaching yields best results? Describe. [2017/20m/3b]
How can confounding variables invalidate the apparent results of an experiment? [2016/10m/150w/1b]
Discuss, with suitable examples, the key characteristics of within-group and between-groups designs. [2016/15m/2a]
How far is it correct to state that most of the problems of psychology can be addressed more adequately by adopting quasi-experimental designs? [2015/10m/150w/1c]
It is believed that non-experimental designs are more relevant for explaining the emerging issues like social evils that are seen prominently in India. Discuss. [2015/20m/4a]
In what ways ‘within factorial design’ differs from ‘between factorial design’? [2014/10m/150w/1e]
What are the various kinds of threats to the validity of experimental research? Illustrate your answer with the help of examples. [2014/20m/3a]
Suggest a plan of an experimental study to evaluate the effect of compensatory education on academic achievement of school-going students from low income group. [2011/10m/100w/1b]
Examine the concerns for control, measurement and artifacts, and also indicate the threats they pose to the development of scientific psychology. [2011/30m/4b]
In what ways does an experimental design differ from a quasi-experimental design? [2010/10m/100w/1b]
What are the problems a researcher is likely to face in making causal inferences if the researcher were to use a single-group pre-test-post-test design? [2010/30m/3a]
State the basic differences between a field experiment and a laboratory experiment especially with regard to the external-internal validity of the findings. [2006/20m/200w/1a]
Describe experimental designs as the strategy to control variance. Present a classification of experimental designs and specify problems associated with matched group designs. [2006/60m/3]
Discuss the factors that jeopardize experimenter’s power of scientifically evaluating the effect of independent variable in carrying out any research. [2005/20m/200w/1a]
What can be done to move from correlational inferences to causal inferences? [2003/20m/200w/1d]
What is the basic difference between the experimental and correlational methods of psychology? [2000/20m/200w/1a]
How experimenter effects and demand characteristics influence the findings of an experimental study? [2000/20m/200w/5d]
Why is psychological experiment described as observation under controlled conditions? Explain, with illustration, the difference between control-groups and within-subjects designs of experiment. [1999/60m/2]
Analyse the salient features of a laboratory experimental design. [1998/20m/200w/1a]
2.4] Focussed group discussions, brain storming, grounded theory approach
7 questions
“The aim of grounded theory analysis is to develop inductive theory which is closely derived from the data.” Elaborate upon the statement with respect to the analytic procedures followed in the grounded theory approach. [2026/15m/3b]
Discuss the challenges during group brainstorming process. [2021/10m/150w/1c]
How can grounded theory approach help to explore layperson’s definition of happiness? [2020/15m/7c]
How can you use ‘Focus Group Discussion’ to promote use of toilets in rural areas? [2017/15m/2b]
Under what conditions would a researcher prefer to use focused group discussion over interviewing? [2010/10m/100w/1a]
Grounded theory takes a case rather than variable perspective. Elaborate this statement. [2008/20m/200w/1d]
Theory-testing vs Theory-developing research. [1996/20m/200w/1d]
Strengthen your GS papers
Our UPSC Mains Topic-wise & Year-wise PYQ eBook (2013–2026) maps every GS question to the syllabus, so you know what UPSC asks and how often.
View the BookDownload Free SampleSpotted an error? Tell us.
We classify every PYQ with care, but mistakes can slip in. If a question is in the wrong topic, has a typo, the wrong year, or is missing, let us know. We review every report and update the page.
Report an Error« Previous: Introduction | Next: Research Methods »
Back to: Psychology Optional PYQs – Topic-wise | Also see: Psychology Optional year-wise question papers
Last updated: 30 October 2026