Here are all 54 Motivation and Emotion questions asked in UPSC Psychology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 5 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.
9.1] Psychological and physiological basis of motivation and emotion
32 questions
What do you mean by ‘motivational cycle’? Analyze and answer with reference to psychological and physiological basis of motivation. [2026/15m/7b]
Critically evaluate the role of facial-affect programme and display rules in the expression of emotions by citing relevant examples. [2025/10m/150w/1d]
“Motivation is a complex process and cannot be explained by a single approach.” Evaluate the statement with the help of arousal, drive and expectancy theories by citing relevant examples. [2025/20m/7a]
What are the main differences between James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories of emotion? Explain. [2024/10m/150w/5b]
Explain the biological and cultural bases of emotion. Do people reveal their emotions through non-verbal cues? Discuss. [2024/15m/6b]
What do you understand by psychological and physiological basis of motivation? Discuss them giving suitable examples. [2023/15m/3b]
What do you understand by physical indicators of emotion? How are they relevant in polygraph test? [2022/15m/2c]
Discuss the physiological basis of emotion and its measurement. [2021/15m/6c]
Describe physiological and cognitive components of emotions. [2020/10m/150w/1c]
Explain six primary emotions that can be identified from facial expressions. [2020/10m/150w/5e]
How do environmental factors determine the sensation of hunger? Illustrate with examples. [2019/15m/2c]
What is achievement motivation? Discuss the projective technique as a method for assessing achievement motivation. [2019/15m/3c]
Which needs should one be high on to be a successful entrepreneur? Explain on the basis of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. [2017/15m/7a]
Explain motivational concepts with reference to homeostatic models. [2016/15m/7b]
Discuss the brain mechanisms underlying hunger motive. [2015/10m/150w/5a]
Discuss the role of various neural and physiological processes in emotional experiences. [2014/10m/150w/5c]
What is the role of cognitive factors in determining emotional functioning? Discuss. [2014/15m/7c]
Bring out the role of left and right hemispheres in emotional experience. [2013/15m/250w/6a]
Is facial expression of emotion innate or acquired? Support your answer with suitable evidence. [2012/12m/150w/5b]
How does arousal theory explain human motivation? [2011/10m/100w/5b]
Discuss the concept of NAch and different methods which have been used to measure it. [2010/30m/7a]
Discuss the role of cognition in experiencing emotion in the light of experimental studies. [2010/30m/8b]
How are instinct, drive and arousal theories of motivation different from incentive theory? Describe incentive theory of motivation giving at least three relevant examples. [2005/60m/8]
State the various psychological explanations of human motivation. Explain in detail the cognitive approach to motivation and emotion. [2004/60m/7]
“Motivation is a goal-directed behaviour.” Discuss the statement highlighting the steps involved in the process of motivation. [2003/20m/200w/5b]
‘Human behaviour is elicited by expectations of desirable outcomes.’ Discuss this statement to bring out the cognitive aspects of human motivation. [2002/60m/7]
Is it correct to state that the theoretical conceptualization of achievement motivation is not adequate enough to describe the economic development of India? [2001/20m/200w/5c]
Elaborate the statement that James’s theory of emotion, followed by its criticism by Cannon, stimulated a great deal of empirical research while Lange’s theory of emotion influenced the activation theories of emotion. [2001/60m/7]
Illustrate and discuss the salient features of motivated behaviour. [2000/60m/6]
State and evaluate the Drive-reduction theory of motivation. Has it any relevance to homeostasis? [1999/20m/200w/5b]
Give a complete psychoanalytic account of human motivation. Is it adequate, in your opinion? [1996/60m/6]
Discuss the need-hierarchy theory and comment on its relevance and utility today in understanding human behaviour. [1995/60m/7]
9.2] Measurement of motivation and emotion
5 questions
What do you understand by physical indicators of emotion? How are they relevant in polygraph test? [2022/15m/2c]
Discuss the physiological basis of emotion and its measurement. [2021/15m/6c]
What is achievement motivation? Discuss the projective technique as a method for assessing achievement motivation. [2019/15m/3c]
How would you measure emotion of an individual? Discuss the effect of emotion on behaviour. [2012/20m/250w/8c]
Discuss the concept of NAch and different methods which have been used to measure it. [2010/30m/7a]
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5 questions
Explain the relationship between emotion and cognition. Examine how feelings shape our thoughts. [2026/10m/150w/5b]
Do you think being in a good mood reduces your capacity to process incoming information? Examine in the light of research studies. [2018/10m/150w/5b]
How would you measure emotion of an individual? Discuss the effect of emotion on behaviour. [2012/20m/250w/8c]
What are the functions of emotions? [2011/10m/100w/5f]
How is emotional competence assessed? Discuss the effects of emotion on behaviour. Cite experimental evidence. [2009/20m/200w/5d]
9.4] Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation; factors influencing intrinsic motivation
9 questions
Citing relevant examples, explain how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation differ. Referring to relevant studies, describe the factors influencing intrinsic motivation. [2024/15m/7b]
Which approaches to motivation are more commonly used in an organization? How these approaches might help to sustain or increase motivation? [2021/20m/7a]
Discuss the reasons why rewards may backfire and not produce their intended results for behaviour. [2020/10m/150w/1d]
Are emotionally competent people internally controlled? Explain. What are the ways to enhance intrinsic motivation of young adults? [2018/15m/8c]
Distinguish between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Which one is more powerful and why? [2015/20m/6a]
What is intrinsic motivation? Why it gets reduced if the person gets external reward for undertaking a task that he or she loves? [2013/20m/250w/6b]
Evaluate various factors which influence intrinsic motivation. [2012/12m/150w/5e]
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation? Explain with the help of examples. [2011/10m/100w/5c]
Present a critical appraisal of the cognitive evaluation theory of intrinsic motivation and describe those studies that bring out that achievement responsibility, interest and competence are independent of extrinsic motivators. [2006/60m/6]
9.5] Emotional competence and the related issues
3 questions
“Emotional competency is more important than intellectual competency.” Discuss in the context of schoolchildren. [2022/10m/150w/5e]
Are emotionally competent people internally controlled? Explain. What are the ways to enhance intrinsic motivation of young adults? [2018/15m/8c]
How is emotional competence assessed? Discuss the effects of emotion on behaviour. Cite experimental evidence. [2009/20m/200w/5d]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026