Here are all 44 Issues and Perspectives in Modern Contemporary 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.
14.1] Computer application in the psychological laboratory and psychological testing
7 questions
Explain in detail the use of computer technology in psychological studies. Give your answer citing appropriate recent work in the field. [2023/20m/2a]
Discuss the use of computer application in the various domains of practice in Psychology. [2021/15m/7c]
Compare LISREL programme with that of SPSS in the analysis of multivariate data. [2012/12m/150w/5d]
Discuss the use(s) of SPSS programme in psychological testing. [2009/20m/200w/5b]
Comment on: In view of increasing computer-human interface discuss its impact on human behaviour. [2007/20m/200w/5d]
Explain the use of computers in psychological experiments and tests. Illustrate with examples. [2004/20m/200w/5b]
Give a detailed description of computer applications in psychological studies and research. Cite relevant examples in support of your answer. [2003/60m/8]
14.2] Artificial intelligence
7 questions
Critically evaluate the positive and negative effects of modern computer technology and artificial intelligence on human behaviour. [2024/15m/8b]
Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in dealing with mental health problems. [2022/10m/150w/1c]
What is the role of artificial intelligence in psychology? How can it be applied as an intervention in identifying different psychological abnormalities? [2020/20m/2a]
Discuss contemporary researches on simulating human intelligence using machines and their implications for understanding human behaviour. [2018/15m/7b]
Compare the limits of artificial intelligence and human information processing system. Discuss their implications for human performance. [2014/15m/6c]
Artificial Intelligence and cognitive psychology have a symbiotic relationship. Elaborate this statement. [2008/20m/200w/5d]
Can computer ever acquire human-like ability to think, remember and solve problems? Discuss fully with illustrations. [1996/20m/200w/5b]
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2 questions
Discuss some key ideas from Psychocybernetics. [2023/15m/3c]
Can the Cybernetic model of behaviour explain problem solving behaviour? [1997/20m/200w/5d]
14.4] Study of consciousness: sleep-wake schedules, dreams, stimulus deprivation, meditation, hypnotic/drug induced states
28 questions
Do our dreams represent unconscious wish fulfillment? Discuss the meaning and functions of dreams. [2026/10m/150w/5e]
Why do the people in almost every culture use psychoactive drugs? Discuss the effects of various stimulants and depressants on central nervous system. [2026/20m/8a]
“Meditation alters consciousness.” Discuss this by explaining meditation and consciousness along with relevant research examples. [2025/15m/4b]
Is jet-lag a genuine phenomena? Explain it in the light of Circadian rhythms. [2025/10m/150w/5e]
Discuss the functions of REM sleep and major theories of dreaming. [2024/15m/7c]
Is sleep a conscious phenomenon? Illustrate different states of sleep and explain the functions and role it serves in human life. [2022/15m/3c]
Describe different types of Meditation and its effect on health and well-being. [2021/15m/7b]
Discuss the effects of stimulus-deprivation on human behaviour with empirical evidences. [2019/20m/4a]
Is sleep a passive process? Justify your answer with proper scientific support. [2018/15m/6c]
What is paradoxical in REM sleep? How active is a person during different stages of sleep? [2017/10m/150w/5d]
Explain different types of psycho-active drugs and patterns of their use. [2016/10m/150w/5b]
Describe the physiological changes that are accompanied by shifts in consciousness in the process of sleep. Also discuss major sleep disorders. [2016/20m/7c]
Why are we awake at certain times and asleep at others? Explain this with help of opponent process model. [2015/15m/7b]
What are the main types of meditation? Describe their effects on cognitive functioning. [2014/10m/150w/5a]
How the psychoanalytic view differs from physiological or cognitive view of dream? [2013/25m/400w/7b]
Enumerate different stages of sleep. Discuss the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance. [2012/20m/250w/6b]
Elaborate upon the salient developments in consciousness studies and indicate the effect of ‘meditation’ on psychological functions. [2011/30m/8a]
What is REM sleep and how is it related to dreaming? [2010/10m/100w/1c]
What are the different stages of sleep? How are these stages assessed experimentally? Citing relevant research studies discuss the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions. [2009/60m/6]
Examine the notion of meditation. What are its cognitive implications? Explain. [2006/20m/200w/5c]
Explain and evaluate the view that hypnosis represents ‘dissociated experience and dissociated control.’ [2002/20m/200w/5a]
Contemporary research has done much to inform us about the dark kingdom of sleep-wakefulness. Comment. [2001/20m/200w/5d]
Comment on: Detail the correlates of Rapid Eye Movements (REM) in sleep. [1998/20m/200w/5c]
Specify the human problems associated with space flight. Give experimental evidences. [1998/20m/200w/5d]
What is the difference in the altered state of consciousness through meditation and hypnotic trance? [1997/20m/200w/5c]
How does sleep and sensory deprivation affect behaviour of individuals who go for aviation and space flights? [1997/60m/8]
What do you mean by altered states of consciousness? Describe the ways in which they can be acquired. [1996/60m/8]
Sensory deprivation and its effects on behaviour. [1995/20m/200w/5c]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026