Thinking and Problem Solving – Psychology Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 53 Thinking and Problem Solving questions asked in UPSC Psychology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 8 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.

8.1] Piaget’s theory of cognitive development

8 questions

1. Highlight the developmental milestones as per the Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. [2026/15m/4c]

2. In view of Piaget, “Intellectual development takes place through stages which occur in a fixed order and which are universal regardless of social and cultural background.” Critically examine Piaget’s point of view in detail. [2023/20m/6a]

3. Formal operational thought is not universally achieved. Discuss. [2021/10m/150w/5d]

4. According to Piaget, the egocentric preschooler is not intentionally ‘inconsiderate’ but rather has difficulty taking another’s viewpoint. Explain. [2018/10m/150w/1c]

5. Describe Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. Critique his theory. [2015/15m/6b]

6. What are the stages of cognitive development according to Piaget? [2010/10m/100w/1e]

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

8. Giving an account of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development bring out the difference in the modes of thinking at different stages of development. [2000/60m/3]

8.2] Concept formation processes

7 questions

1. Define ‘concept’. Illustrate different types of concepts and processes involved in the formulation of the same. [2019/20m/7a]

2. What is meant by rule learning? Describe some important rules along with description of the concepts related to each rule. [2014/15m/7b]

3. Discuss various dimensions of thought processes in relation to concept. [2012/12m/150w/5a]

4. What is non directive thinking? Discuss different dimensions of thought processes in relation to concept and creativity. [2009/20m/200w/5c]

5. How do concepts help problem solving? Discuss the factors which influence concept formation. [2007/20m/200w/5a]

6. Explain the scanning and the focusing strategies in attainment of concepts. [1999/20m/200w/1c]

7. Highlight with examples the strategies of concept formation in children. [1998/60m/6]

8.3] Information processing

1 question

1. “Cognitive psychologists often use computer as an analogy to explain the relation between cognition and brain.” Discuss. [2016/10m/150w/1c]

8.4] Reasoning and problem solving

6 questions

1. How does knowledge influence deductive reasoning? Give suitable examples. [2026/10m/150w/5a]

2. Distinguish between deductive and inductive reasoning and throw light on stumbling blocks of reasoning. [2025/15m/7b]

3. Explain different types of reasoning processes used in problem solving with their strengths and limitations. [2017/10m/150w/5e]

4. Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning, and give reasons for the preference of scientist towards inductive reasoning. [2011/10m/100w/5a]

5. Discuss the nature of problems and problem solving. Illustrate the process of problem-solving with appropriate examples. [2004/60m/8]

6. Can the Cybernetic model of behaviour explain problem solving behaviour? [1997/20m/200w/5d]

8.5] Facilitating and hindering factors in problem solving; methods of problem solving

11 questions

1. How do heuristic and algorithm differ as problem-solving strategies? Illustrate the role of mental set in reasoning with the help of experimental evidence. [2024/20m/6a]

2. Discuss the factors facilitating in problem-solving. [2023/10m/150w/1e]

3. Is problem solving a psychological process? Illustrate your answer with the steps and methods involved in problem solving. Differentiate between human and computerized problem solving. [2022/20m/3a]

4. Give details of facilitating and hindering factors in problem solving. Answer the question by citing suitable example. [2020/15m/8b]

5. Critically examine the metacognitive processes in problem solving. How do functional fixedness and mental set interfere in solving the problems effectively? [2016/15m/7a]

6. What are the general strategies used in problem solving? How do these differ from domain-specific procedures? [2015/10m/150w/5e]

7. What has been learned through experiments about the strategies and knowledge base of experts? Discuss. [2014/10m/150w/5d]

8. How do novices differ from experts? [2013/10m/150w/5e]

9. Enumerate various methods of problem solving. Critically evaluate their advantages and limitations also. [2012/20m/250w/6c]

10. Explaining the nature of problem solving, discuss its strategies with the help of suitable examples. [2005/60m/6]

11. Explain the concept of problem space and describe the methods in solving multi-step problems. [2001/20m/200w/5a]

8.6] Creative thinking and fostering creativity

14 questions

1. How do psychologists conceptualize creativity? Explain the confluence approach to creativity. [2022/10m/150w/5b]

2. Explain how divergent thinking is different from convergent thinking. Discuss the methods to foster divergent thinking in children. [2019/15m/3b]

3. “Creativity refers to novel ideas that address some problems in a useful way.” Critically examine the statement and discuss how creative insight can be explained. [2018/15m/6b]

4. Creative people usually have high IQ scores but those with highest IQ scores are not necessarily the most creative people. Explain. [2017/10m/150w/5a]

5. Distinguish between mundane and exceptional creativities and citing suitable research evidences, describe the confluence approach to creativity. [2016/20m/6b]

6. Critically evaluate the relationship between intelligence and creativity. Cite experimental evidences in support of your answer. [2012/20m/250w/8b]

7. What are the criteria to identify creativity? How can a teacher promote creativity in the classroom setting? [2011/30m/6a]

8. What is non directive thinking? Discuss different dimensions of thought processes in relation to concept and creativity. [2009/20m/200w/5c]

9. Present an account of the attributes of the creative thinking and explain the factors that impede creativity. [2006/20m/200w/5b]

10. Describe the meaning of creativity and discuss the ways for fostering creative talents. [2003/20m/200w/5d]

11. How do convergent and divergent thinking differ? Can it be integrated in higher form of creative thinking? [1998/20m/200w/1d]

12. What is the relation of creativity, artistic aptitude and intelligence? [1997/20m/200w/5a]

13. How are intelligence and creativity interrelated? [1996/20m/200w/5c]

14. Explain convergent and divergent thinking. [1995/20m/200w/1d]

8.7] Factors influencing decision making and judgement

5 questions

1. What kind of heuristics is used by the people while making decisions? Also, discuss the errors and biases in group decision making. [2026/15m/6b]

2. Give two examples of the use of the availability heuristic in everyday life — one example when it would be appropriate and another example when it might not be. Explain why your examples are illustrative of availability heuristic. [2025/15m/8b]

3. Discuss recent trends in the field of decision-making. [2023/10m/150w/5b]

4. Explain the use of availability heuristic and representativeness heuristic in problem solving with the help of research studies. [2018/10m/150w/5a]

5. Discuss the role of heuristics in reasoning. [2010/10m/100w/5e]

8.8] Recent trends

1 question

1. Discuss recent trends in the field of decision-making. [2023/10m/150w/5b]

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Last updated: 30 October 2026