Development of Human Behaviour – Psychology Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 57 Development of Human Behaviour 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.

4.1] Growth and development; principles of development

3 questions

1. Differentiate between growth and development. Explain the principles of life span development in the context of developmental ecology. [2024/10m/150w/1d]

2. Bring out the differences in the concepts of growth, maturation and development in human behaviour. Use suitable example in your answers. [2008/20m/200w/1b]

3. Maturation and learning as determinants of behaviour. Give suitable examples. [1996/20m/200w/1a]

4.2] Role of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour

15 questions

1. Discuss the role of environmental factors in prenatal development. [2026/10m/150w/1b]

2. “Personality is all in our genes.” Evaluate the statement in the context of different personality theories. [2025/20m/2a]

3. How does gender differences account for behaviour? [2023/10m/150w/5c]

4. How much nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental factors) contribute to a person’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development? [2021/20m/3a]

5. Are we born with personality? Critically evaluate with theoretical interpretation. [2021/20m/6a]

6. How much do family and school environment contribute to intelligence? [2020/10m/150w/5d]

7. Whatever we are, it is because of Genes. Discuss. [2017/15m/3a]

8. How do genes affect development? [2013/10m/150w/1d]

9. Describe the role of epigenetic model in determining human behaviour. [2012/12m/150w/1d]

10. How does the brain mediate between the genotype and the phenotype for psychological characteristics? [2011/10m/2c]

11. How can biological aging be modified with the help of environmental factors? [2010/30m/3b]

12. Discuss fully the relative roles of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour. Cite findings of related studies in support of your answer. [2002/60m/4]

13. Is aggression an innate tendency or an externally elicited behaviour? Answer with suitable examples to substantiate your view. [2002/20m/200w/5b]

14. How can the contributions of heredity and environment be isolated in the study of human behaviour? [2000/20m/200w/1c]

15. Analyse the relative contributions of heredity and environment in the development of human behaviour. Illustrate your answer from real life situations. [1998/60m/2]

4.3] Influence of cultural factors in socialization

17 questions

1. Discuss the role of biological, cognitive and learning influences on gender identity and gender typing by focusing on relevant theories and research studies. [2025/20m/3a]

2. Do you think that in multicultural society, socialization is a big issue? Give your opinion in this regard and suggest proper socialization mechanism. [2023/15m/4b]

3. Describe the role of mass media in shaping the behaviour of adolescents. Support it with appropriate examples. [2021/10m/150w/1d]

4. Citing research evidences, bring out the role of cultural factors in socialization. [2019/20m/8a]

5. Describe the parenting styles that are used in raising a normal child. [2016/15m/4a]

6. Discuss the role of socio-cultural factors in promotion of well-being across major stages of life-span. [2015/10m/150w/1b]

7. Present an outline of the ecological perspective as an innovative approach to facilitate developmental outcomes. [2014/10m/150w/1c]

8. “Every function in the child’s development appears twice: first on social level and later, on the individual level.” — Vygotsky. Discuss the above statement and indicate your own position on this proposition. [2013/10m/150w/5c]

9. Examine the impact of cultural factors on socialization process among children. [2012/20m/250w/4c]

10. Critically evaluate the role of parenting style, peer group and media in identity formation during adolescence. [2011/30m/4a]

11. Critically examine the notion of life-span development. Determine the impact of cultural factors on child rearing practices. [2006/20m/200w/1d]

12. Discuss in detail the influence of child-rearing practices on the growth and development of an individual. [2003/60m/4]

13. Describe the process of emergence of self-concept during late childhood. Citing suitable illustrations from Indian social milieu explain the impact of child rearing practices on the emergence of self-concept. [2001/60m/2]

14. How do models help in the process of socialization? [2000/20m/200w/1b]

15. Is national character a valid concept? [2000/20m/200w/5c]

16. Is there any relation between process of socialization and the social learning theories of personality? [1997/60m/3]

17. What is culturally conditioned behaviour? Give examples. [1995/20m/200w/1b]

4.4] Life span development: characteristics, development tasks, promoting psychological well-being

22 questions

1. Highlight the major factors that influence the psychological well-being of youth in the Indian setting. [2025/10m/150w/1b]

2. Evaluate the developmental challenges faced during midlife transitions across gender in the Indian context. [2022/15m/7c]

3. Discuss the factors causing cognitive decline in the elderly. [2021/15m/2b]

4. Differentiate between Erikson’s psychosocial and Freudian psychosexual theories. Also explain different virtues attached to each stage of psychosocial theory. [2020/20m/6a]

5. How are physiological, neural and cognitive changes associated with ageing? Explain. [2020/15m/7b]

6. What is the significance of attachment to parents in social and emotional well-being of a child? Illustrate from the perspective of developmental theories. [2019/15m/2b]

7. Differentiate between various developmental tasks of young men and women in India. [2018/15m/3c]

8. Identify the most important changes that occur during adolescence. [2016/10m/150w/1d]

9. Critically evaluate Erikson’s stages of Psychosocial development. [2016/15m/3c]

10. Discuss the role of socio-cultural factors in promotion of well-being across major stages of life-span. [2015/10m/150w/1b]

11. Discuss the main aspects of cognitive and moral development during adolescence. [2014/15m/4b]

12. Discuss the importance of early relationship for developmental outcomes in the light of researches by Bowlby and Ainsworth. [2013/20m/250w/2b]

13. Bring out the key developmental challenges faced by adolescents in the cognitive and social domains. [2013/25m/400w/3b]

14. Critically evaluate the role of parenting style, peer group and media in identity formation during adolescence. [2011/30m/4a]

15. Briefly suggest how well-being of the elderly can be promoted. [2010/10m/2c]

16. How can biological aging be modified with the help of environmental factors? [2010/30m/3b]

17. Discuss the stages of psychosexual development according to Freud. [2010/10m/100w/5b]

18. What is psychological well being? Discuss various methods in promoting psychological well being across major stages of the life span. [2009/60m/3]

19. Critically examine the notion of life-span development. Determine the impact of cultural factors on child rearing practices. [2006/20m/200w/1d]

20. Critically evaluate the psychosocial theory of personality development. [2006/20m/200w/5d]

21. Discuss in detail the critical periods in human development. Give the suggestions to handle these critical periods effectively in Indian settings. [2004/60m/2]

22. Erikson’s theory of psycho-social development parallels Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Elaborate. [2001/20m/200w/5b]

« Previous: Research Methods | Next: Sensation, Attention and Perception »

Back to: Psychology Optional PYQs – Topic-wise | Also see: Psychology Optional year-wise question papers

Last updated: 30 October 2026