Here are all 56 Application of Psychology in Other Fields questions asked in UPSC Psychology Optional Paper II 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.
13.1] Military psychology
21 questions
What are the key challenges that psychologists face when working with defence personnel in promoting positive health, and how can they be addressed? [2025/20m/8c]
What do you mean by positive health of defence personnel? How can psychologists be trained to work with defence personnel in promoting positive health? [2024/15m/8b]
Discuss the strategies for promoting positive mental health among defence personnel. [2023/15m/7b]
Discuss the psychological tests used for the selection of defence personnel. [2021/10m/150w/1a]
What are some of the problems faced by defence personnel posted in tough terrain? Discuss how positive mental health can be promoted among them. [2020/15m/7a]
What role can psychologist play in promoting psychological well being of defence personnel in the context of prolonged deprivational and stressful condition? [2018/15m/8b]
What is man-machine system? In this context, explain the applications of human engineering in designing the display systems of the aircrafts. [2017/15m/7b]
How can human engineering be put to use in devising instruments that are used by the defence personnel posted in the border areas? Discuss. [2016/15m/8b]
Indian soldiers defend the country in extreme and, at times, hostile physical environments. What kinds of psychological problems are they likely to experience? [2015/15m/4a]
Indian defence personnel tend to experience depression, sometimes leading to suicides. What type of psychological interventions can foster positive mental health in them? [2015/15m/6a]
How can psychological resilience of the personnel of the armed forces be enhanced? Discuss. [2013/10m/150w/5b]
What is man-machine system in the context of human engineering? Highlight the applications of human engineering in defence with reference to equipment design. [2012/20m/250w/8c]
As a Psychologist, how would you design a training programme for the defence personnel for operating in low intensity conflict areas? [2009/20m/200w/5c]
Discuss and critically evaluate the contribution of military psychology in defence. [2008/60m/7]
Explain the role of Military Psychologist in Defence. Discuss the importance of Human Engineering in Defence. [2007/60m/8]
Write a short note on: Role of military psychologists in defence. [2006/20m/200w/5a]
Write a short note on: Human Engineering in Defence. [2005/20m/200w/5d]
Write a short note on: Human engineering in Defence. [2004/20m/200w/5b]
How does the military psychology bring in a new perspective to the understanding of human behaviour? What is the role of human engineering in defence? [2003/60m/6]
Critically enunciate the use of psychological counselling in assisting personnel to adjust to the military life. [2002/60m/7]
Describe traumatic reactions to military combat and discuss in detail psychological factors contributing to stress. [2001/20m/200w/5d]
13.2] Sports psychology: interventions for athletes in individual and team games
17 questions
Clarifying the conceptual model of team cohesion, enumerate the antecedent factors that shape and build team cohesion among athletes. [2026/15m/7a]
What psychological interventions can be planned to improve the performance of athletes? [2023/10m/150w/5d]
Which principles of psychology are helpful for developing team spirit in sportspersons? [2022/10m/150w/5e]
Elaborate on psychological interventions for improving performance in team games like hockey. [2021/15m/6b]
How can group cohesion method be a strong psychological intervention in enhancing the team performance? [2019/10m/150w/5e]
Discuss the most commonly used techniques or skills psychologists teach to athletes for improving their performance. [2018/10m/150w/5c]
Explain how cohesiveness can be promoted in sport teams by using psychological principles. [2017/10m/150w/5d]
Discuss the role of cognitive and behaviour therapies in improving the performance of sports persons. [2016/15m/7b]
What role can mental imagery play in enhancing the performance of sportspersons? Discuss. [2014/10m/150w/5e]
Discuss how the psychological training given to sports persons can be useful for administrators with reference to maintaining team spirit and group morale. [2013/10m/150w/5a]
Explain the concept of ‘team-cohesiveness’ in the context of sports. How can teamwork be improved through the application of sports psychology? [2012/12m/150w/5d]
Examine the role of ‘mental-plus-muscle’ practices in training of athletes. [2011/30m/8a]
How can psychologists help sports persons in enhancing their performance on the field? [2010/20m/200w/5c]
Write a short note on: Factors responsible for improving performance of sports personnel. [2005/20m/200w/5b]
Describe the application of psychological principles in enhancing performance of sports personnel, with relevant examples. [2004/60m/8]
Examine the relevance of sports psychology with reference to Indian scenario. [2003/20m/200w/5a]
Trace the developments in the emerging field of sports psychology. [2002/20m/200w/5b]
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8 questions
Discuss the role of media in the present scenario of antisocial behaviour? Considering Indian context in view suggest some measures to regulate media. [2024/15m/8a]
Media is one of the key factors in promoting pro-social or anti-social behaviour. Defend your point of view. [2022/15m/6c]
How media influences pro and anti-social behaviour? Discuss one instance of pro-social and one instance of anti-social behaviour. [2020/20m/3c]
Explain the influence of media towards antisocial behaviour through different learning theories. [2019/15m/7b]
Explain how mass media contribute to acquisition and learning of aggressive and violent behaviour. Examine the relationship between exposure to erotica and aggressiveness. [2018/15m/7a]
What explanations are offered by psychological theories about the manner in which media influences antisocial behaviour? [2013/20m/200w/7b]
Critically evaluate the research finding relating to the influence of media on aggression and violence. [2008/20m/200w/1c]
How can media contribute to prosocial behaviour by applying principle of psychology? [2008/20m/200w/5d]
13.4] Psychology of terrorism
10 questions
What drives radicalization of individuals towards extremist and terrorist behaviour? [2026/10m/150w/5c]
Prepare the psychological profile of a terrorist. What are the common characteristics, motivations and beliefs that drive individuals to terrorist activities? [2025/15m/7b]
To what extent the role of ideology is critical for understanding terrorism? [2024/10m/150w/5e]
To what extent individual’s life experiences are relevant for understanding terrorism? [2023/15m/8a]
What psychological factors keep the group of terrorists cohesive? [2014/15m/4a]
Discuss the relative significance of group factors versus personality factors in explaining the behaviour of terrorists. [2013/20m/200w/6a]
‘Terrorism begins in the minds of young people and it is in their mind that lasting solutions to the problem is to be sought.’ Comment on this statement and suggest the remedial measures. [2010/30m/7b]
Write a short note on: Applications of psychology in combating terrorism. [2007/20m/200w/5d]
What do you mean by psychology of terrorism? Explain some of the important strategies to deal with terrorism and insurgency. [2006/60m/6]
Discuss the psycho-social factors contributing to terrorism in India. Suggest strategies to eliminate terrorism. [2001/60m/8]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026