Free mock test · APPSC Paper I

APPSC DPO Psychology Mock 1 with answers

  • 150 questions
  • 150 minutes
  • +1 right · −0.33 wrong
Take it as a timed test, free Read it here

Free PDF

Download this PDF

Enter your email once and the PDF is yours. We send exam updates and free material; you can stop them any time.

In the print window, choose Save as PDF.

Try each question first. Then tap Show answer.

Topics in this test (15)

Questions and answers

  1. Q1 Introduction to Psychology

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (School)List – II (Psychologist)
    a. Gestalt psychology1. Sigmund Freud
    b. Functionalism2. Carl Rogers
    c. Psychoanalysis3. Max Wertheimer
    d. Humanistic psychology4. William James
    1. Aa-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    2. Ba-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    3. Ca-1, b-4, c-3, d-2
    4. Da-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

    Gestalt – Wertheimer; functionalism – William James; psychoanalysis – Freud; humanistic psychology – Carl Rogers.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  2. Q2 Introduction to Psychology

    Which pair of field and its main focus is INCORRECTLY matched?

    1. ACommunity psychology – design of machines and control panels for safe use
    2. BCognitive psychology – memory and problem solving
    3. CForensic psychology – accuracy of eyewitness testimony
    4. DEvolutionary psychology – adaptive value of behaviour
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Community psychology – design of machines and control panels for safe use

    Community psychology uses community-based approaches to prevent problems and promote well-being; machine and equipment design is the work of engineering psychology (human factors).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  3. Q3 Introduction to Psychology

    Arrange the following events in the history of psychology in chronological order.

    1. Watson's paper launching behaviourism

    2. Wundt's laboratory at Leipzig

    3. The Binet–Simon intelligence scale

    4. William James's The Principles of Psychology

    1. A2, 3, 4, 1
    2. B2, 4, 1, 3
    3. C2, 4, 3, 1
    4. D4, 2, 3, 1
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. 2, 4, 3, 1

    Wundt's laboratory (1879) → James's Principles (1890) → Binet–Simon scale (1905) → Watson's behaviourism paper (1913).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  4. Q4 Introduction to Psychology

    In the WHO typology of violence, child abuse and intimate partner violence come under:

    1. AInterpersonal violence (family and partner violence)
    2. BSelf-directed violence
    3. CCollective violence
    4. DStructural violence
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Interpersonal violence (family and partner violence)

    WHO (2002) splits interpersonal violence into family and intimate partner violence (child abuse, partner violence, elder abuse) and community violence (by acquaintances or strangers).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  5. Q5 Introduction to Psychology

    The word 'psychology' comes from two Greek words, 'psyche' and 'logos'. What did 'psyche' originally mean?

    1. ABehaviour
    2. BBrain
    3. CSoul
    4. DScience
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Soul

    'Psyche' meant soul (or spirit) and 'logos' meant study or discourse, so the word first meant the study of the soul.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  6. Q6 Introduction to Psychology

    Which professional holds a medical degree and can prescribe drugs for the treatment of mental disorders?

    1. AClinical psychologist
    2. BPsychiatrist
    3. CCounselling psychologist
    4. DPsychiatric social worker
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Psychiatrist

    Only a psychiatrist, being a medical doctor, prescribes medicines; psychologists use assessment and psychological therapies.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  7. Q7 Introduction to Psychology

    Who set up the first laboratory of psychology in the United States, at Johns Hopkins University in 1883?

    1. AWilliam James
    2. BEdward B. Titchener
    3. CG. Stanley Hall
    4. DJohn B. Watson
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. G. Stanley Hall

    G. Stanley Hall, who had studied with Wundt, opened the first American research laboratory of psychology at Johns Hopkins in 1883; he later became the first president of the American Psychological Association (1892).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  8. Q8 Introduction to Psychology

    Refusing someone a job or a house because of his caste, religion or race is an example of:

    1. APrejudice
    2. BStereotype
    3. CDiscrimination
    4. DEthnocentrism
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Discrimination

    Prejudice is an attitude; discrimination is the behaviour that puts it into action, such as unequal treatment in jobs, housing or services.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  9. Q9 Introduction to Psychology

    Which school of psychology was mainly concerned with how the mind and behaviour help an organism adapt to its environment?

    1. AStructuralism
    2. BGestalt psychology
    3. CFunctionalism
    4. DPsychoanalysis
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Functionalism

    Functionalism, led by William James and later Dewey and Angell, asked what the mind does, influenced by Darwin's idea of adaptation.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  10. Q10 Introduction to Psychology

    The field that studies how machines, tools and work settings can be designed to suit human abilities and limits is:

    1. AIndustrial/organisational psychology
    2. BEnvironmental psychology
    3. CEngineering psychology (human factors)
    4. DPhysiological psychology
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Engineering psychology (human factors)

    Engineering psychology (human factors or ergonomics) designs equipment, displays and controls to match human perception and response, to reduce error and accidents.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  11. Q11 Methods in Psychology

    Match the sampling methods with their descriptions.

    A. Simple random sampling

    B. Stratified sampling

    C. Quota sampling

    D. Snowball sampling

    1. Existing participants refer further participants

    2. Each member has an equal chance, e.g. by lottery

    3. Random selection within each subgroup of the population

    4. Fixed numbers from each category, chosen non-randomly

    1. AA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
    2. BA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
    3. CA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
    4. DA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

    Simple random and stratified are probability methods; quota and snowball are non-probability methods.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  12. Q12 Methods in Psychology

    Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason.

    Assertion (A): Information collected through interviews and surveys is not always accurate.

    Reason (R): Respondents may give socially desirable answers rather than true ones.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
    4. D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    Both are true, and the tendency to give socially acceptable answers is one of the main reasons why self-report data can be inaccurate.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  13. Q13 Methods in Psychology

    Which of the following is NOT an accepted ethical principle in psychological research?

    1. AParticipants may withdraw from the study at any time
    2. BInformation about participants is kept confidential
    3. CParticipants are protected from physical and mental harm
    4. DParticipants who start a study must complete it once they have agreed
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Participants who start a study must complete it once they have agreed

    The right to withdraw at any time without penalty is a basic ethical rule, so forcing participants to finish is unethical.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  14. Q14 Methods in Psychology

    Consider the following statements about hypotheses:

    1. A hypothesis is a tentative statement that is tested by research.

    2. A null hypothesis predicts a difference between groups.

    3. A good hypothesis must be testable.

    Which of the above are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. 1 and 3 only

    A hypothesis is a testable, tentative proposition about variables; the null hypothesis states no relationship or difference.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  15. Q15 Methods in Psychology

    In observational research, recording behaviour only during fixed intervals, such as the first 10 seconds of every minute, is called

    1. Aevent sampling
    2. Btime sampling
    3. Csituation sampling
    4. Dquota sampling
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. time sampling

    Time sampling records behaviour at set time intervals; event sampling records every occurrence of a chosen behaviour whenever it happens.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  16. Q16 Methods in Psychology

    A study compares the memory of smokers and non-smokers. Because participants cannot be randomly assigned to smoke, the groups already exist. Such a study is best called a:

    1. AQuasi-experiment
    2. BLaboratory experiment
    3. CDouble-blind experiment
    4. DSingle-case experiment
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Quasi-experiment

    When the researcher uses pre-existing groups instead of randomly assigning participants to conditions, the design is a quasi-experiment; cause-and-effect conclusions are weaker than in a true experiment.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  17. Q17 Methods in Psychology

    Information about the ecological conditions, the type of housing and the size of the room in which a person lives is classed as

    1. APhysical information
    2. BDemographic information
    3. CPsychological information
    4. DPhysiological information
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Physical information

    NCERT lists four types of data: demographic, physical (environment and living conditions), physiological and psychological.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  18. Q18 Methods in Psychology

    A method that collects information about the attitudes, opinions or behaviour of a large number of people through questionnaires or interviews is called the

    1. Aexperimental method
    2. Bnaturalistic observation
    3. Ccase study method
    4. Dsurvey method
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. survey method

    A survey gathers self-reported information from many people, usually a sample, through questionnaires or interviews.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  19. Q19 Methods in Psychology

    The ethical principle that participants must be told about the nature of a study and must agree to take part freely before it begins is called:

    1. ADebriefing
    2. BInformed consent
    3. CConfidentiality
    4. DDeception
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Informed consent

    Informed consent means participants know what the study involves, its risks and their right to withdraw, and agree voluntarily.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  20. Q20 Methods in Psychology

    Rejecting a null hypothesis when it is actually true is known as

    1. AType II error
    2. BStandard error
    3. CConstant error
    4. DType I error
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Type I error

    Type I error = rejecting a true H0; its probability is the significance level (alpha), e.g. 0.05.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  21. Q21 Methods in Psychology

    Which one of the following is an experimental method rather than a descriptive (non-experimental) method of psychology?

    1. ANaturalistic observation
    2. BSurvey
    3. CCase study
    4. DLaboratory experiment
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Laboratory experiment

    Observation, survey and case study describe behaviour without manipulating variables; an experiment manipulates an independent variable under control.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  22. Q22 Methods in Psychology

    Compared with a laboratory experiment, a field experiment carried out in a natural setting such as a school or factory usually has:

    1. AGreater control over extraneous variables
    2. BNo independent variable at all
    3. CGreater realism but less control over extraneous variables
    4. DNo need for a dependent variable
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Greater realism but less control over extraneous variables

    In a field experiment the IV is still manipulated, but in real surroundings: findings are more natural (higher ecological validity) while control is weaker.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  23. Q23 Methods in Psychology

    Counterbalancing is used in experiments mainly to control

    1. AOrder effects such as practice and fatigue
    2. BDifferences in participants' age
    3. CNoise and light in the laboratory
    4. DErrors in scoring the test
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Order effects such as practice and fatigue

    When the same participants take part in all conditions, the order of conditions can affect results; counterbalancing controls these sequence effects.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  24. Q24 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Consider the following statements about the level of significance:

    Statement I: Changing the significance level from 0.05 to 0.01 reduces the chance of a Type I error.

    Statement II: Changing the significance level from 0.05 to 0.01 also reduces the chance of a Type II error.

    Which of the following is correct?

    1. ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct
    2. BStatement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
    3. CStatement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
    4. DBoth Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

    Type I and Type II errors trade off: for a fixed sample, lowering α raises β.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  25. Q25 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Match the following.

    List – I (Scale)List – II (Example)
    a. Nominal1. Calendar year (AD)
    b. Ordinal2. Number of words recalled
    c. Interval3. Type of offence committed
    d. Ratio4. Socio-economic status (low, middle, high)
    1. Aa-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    2. Ba-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    3. Ca-3, b-1, c-4, d-2
    4. Da-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

    Type of offence is a category (nominal); low, middle and high status are ordered (ordinal); calendar years have equal units but year zero is arbitrary (interval); the number of words recalled can be zero and doubled (ratio).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  26. 125 questions to go. Take the rest with a timer and see your score.

    Start free
  27. Q26 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Assertion (A): A raw score on a standardised test is interpreted with the help of norms.

    Reason (R): A raw score on its own does not show how a person stands compared with others of the same age or group.

    1. ABoth A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true, but R is false
    4. DA is false, but R is true
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

    Norms are the typical performance of a defined reference group; percentiles and standard scores are ways of expressing them.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  28. Q27 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Which one of the following is NOT a measure of dispersion (variability)?

    1. ARange
    2. BQuartile deviation
    3. CMedian
    4. DStandard deviation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Median

    Range, quartile deviation, mean deviation and standard deviation measure spread; mean, median and mode measure central tendency.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  29. Q28 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Which of the following arranges the scales of measurement from the lowest to the highest level?

    1. AOrdinal – Nominal – Interval – Ratio
    2. BNominal – Interval – Ordinal – Ratio
    3. CNominal – Ordinal – Ratio – Interval
    4. DNominal – Ordinal – Interval – Ratio
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Nominal – Ordinal – Interval – Ratio

    Each level adds one property: nominal (categories), ordinal (order), interval (equal units) and ratio (true zero).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  30. Q29 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    The extent to which a test actually measures what it is intended to measure is called its

    1. Areliability
    2. Bvalidity
    3. Cnorm
    4. Ddiscrimination index
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. validity

    Validity answers the question 'what does the test measure, and how well?'.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  31. Q30 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    A study finds a high positive correlation between the number of television sets in homes and the number of school-going children. What can be correctly concluded?

    1. ABuying television sets increases the number of children
    2. BThe two variables tend to vary together, but cause and effect cannot be inferred
    3. CHaving children is the only cause of buying television sets
    4. DThe relationship must be negative
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. The two variables tend to vary together, but cause and effect cannot be inferred

    Correlation does not imply causation: it shows that two variables move together, not why.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  32. Q31 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Strictly speaking, a single item answered on a five-point agree–disagree rating (strongly agree, agree, undecided, disagree, strongly disagree) gives data on which scale?

    1. AOrdinal scale
    2. BRatio scale
    3. CNominal scale
    4. DInterval scale
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Ordinal scale

    The responses are ordered from more to less agreement, but there is no guarantee that the distance between 'agree' and 'strongly agree' equals that between 'undecided' and 'agree'. Summed scores are often treated as interval for convenience.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  33. Q32 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Experts check whether the items of an achievement test fairly cover all the units and objectives of the course taught. Which type of validity is being examined?

    1. AContent validity
    2. BPredictive validity
    3. CConstruct validity
    4. DConcurrent validity
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Content validity

    Content validity is usually established by expert judgement and a table of specifications (blueprint).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  34. Q33 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    In a set of scores, the value that occurs most often is called the ______.

    1. AMean
    2. BMedian
    3. CMode
    4. DRange
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Mode

    The mode is the score with the highest frequency in a distribution.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  35. Q34 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Parametric tests such as the t-test and analysis of variance (F-test) normally require the dependent variable to be measured at least on which scale?

    1. ANominal scale
    2. BOrdinal scale
    3. CInterval scale
    4. DAny scale, since they make no assumptions
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Interval scale

    Parametric tests use means and variances, which are meaningful only when units are equal; so they require at least interval data (interval or ratio), along with assumptions such as normality.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  36. Q35 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    A student's z-score on a standardised test is 0. This means the student's raw score is

    1. Azero
    2. Bthe lowest score in the group
    3. Cequal to the mean of the group
    4. Done standard deviation above the mean
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. equal to the mean of the group

    The sign of z shows the direction from the mean; its size shows distance in SD units.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  37. Q36 Quantitative Analysis and Psychological Measurement

    Which measure of central tendency is most affected by a few extremely high or low scores?

    1. AMedian
    2. BMode
    3. CGeometric mean
    4. DArithmetic mean
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Arithmetic mean

    The arithmetic mean uses the value of every score, so outliers distort it; the median is preferred for skewed data.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  38. Q37 Physiological Psychology

    Consider the following statements about the cells of the nervous system:

    1. Glial cells support, nourish and insulate neurons.

    2. Interneurons connect sensory and motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord.

    3. The axon usually carries the impulse towards the cell body.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. 1 and 2 only

    Glial cells support neurons and interneurons link sensory and motor neurons in the CNS. Dendrites carry signals towards the cell body; the axon carries them away.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  39. Q38 Physiological Psychology

    Consider the following statements about the limbic system:

    1. It includes the hippocampus, the amygdala and the hypothalamus.

    2. It is mainly concerned with emotion, motivation and memory.

    3. The cerebellum is one of its main parts.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3
    4. D1 and 2 only
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. 1 and 2 only

    The limbic system is a ring of forebrain structures (hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus and related areas) concerned with emotion, motivation and memory. The cerebellum belongs to the hindbrain.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  40. Q39 Physiological Psychology

    Which of the following is incorrect about the parasympathetic nervous system?

    1. AIt speeds up the heart rate
    2. BIt stimulates digestion
    3. CIt constricts the pupils
    4. DIt helps the body conserve energy
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. It speeds up the heart rate

    The parasympathetic division calms the body: slows the heart, constricts the pupils and stimulates digestion.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  41. Q40 Physiological Psychology

    Insulin, which lowers the level of sugar in the blood, is secreted by the:

    1. APancreas
    2. BThyroid gland
    3. CAdrenal cortex
    4. DPineal gland
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Pancreas

    Insulin from the pancreas helps cells take up glucose; its deficiency causes diabetes mellitus.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  42. Q41 Physiological Psychology

    The brief period just after an action potential, during which a neuron cannot fire again however strong the stimulus, is called the

    1. Aresting potential
    2. Brelative refractory period
    3. Cabsolute refractory period
    4. Dsynaptic delay
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. absolute refractory period

    Right after firing, the neuron passes through an absolute refractory period (no firing possible) and then a relative one (firing needs a stronger stimulus).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  43. Q42 Physiological Psychology

    Damage to the motor area of the left hemisphere usually causes paralysis on the right side of the body. This is because:

    1. AThe left hemisphere controls both sides of the body
    2. BEach hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body
    3. CThe corpus callosum is damaged at the same time
    4. DThe cerebellum controls the right side
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body

    Contralateral control: most motor and sensory nerve fibres cross to the opposite side (largely in the brainstem and spinal cord), so the left hemisphere controls and receives sensations from the right side of the body, and vice versa.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  44. Q43 Physiological Psychology

    Neurons that carry messages from the sense organs to the brain and spinal cord are called

    1. AMotor (efferent) neurons
    2. BInterneurons
    3. CGlial cells
    4. DSensory (afferent) neurons
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Sensory (afferent) neurons

    Sensory (afferent) neurons bring information in; motor (efferent) neurons send commands out.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  45. Q44 Physiological Psychology

    The hormone that rises in darkness and helps regulate the sleep-wake (circadian) cycle is:

    1. ACortisol, from the adrenal cortex
    2. BMelatonin, from the pineal gland
    3. CThyroxine, from the thyroid gland
    4. DGrowth hormone, from the pituitary
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Melatonin, from the pineal gland

    Melatonin from the pineal gland is released in response to darkness and signals the body that it is time to sleep.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  46. Q45 Development of Human Behaviour

    Havighurst traced the origin of developmental tasks to three sources. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

    1. APersonal values and aspirations
    2. BCultural pressure of society
    3. CPhysical maturation
    4. DReinforcement schedules
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Reinforcement schedules

    Havighurst's three sources: physical maturation, cultural pressures of society, and the personal values and aspirations of the individual.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  47. Q46 Development of Human Behaviour

    Match the following.

    List – I (Psychologist)List – II (Associated concept)
    a. Jean Piaget1. Strange situation
    b. Lev Vygotsky2. Heinz dilemma
    c. Lawrence Kohlberg3. Zone of proximal development
    d. Mary Ainsworth4. Schema
    1. Aa-2, b-3, c-4, d-1
    2. Ba-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    3. Ca-4, b-3, c-2, d-1
    4. Da-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1

    Piaget – schema; Vygotsky – zone of proximal development; Kohlberg – Heinz dilemma; Ainsworth – strange situation.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  48. Q47 Development of Human Behaviour

    Assertion (A): Identical twins reared in different homes often show similar intelligence test scores.

    Reason (R): Identical twins share the same genetic make-up.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is true but (R) is false
    4. D(A) is false but (R) is true
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    Twins reared apart share genes but not family environment, so their IQ similarity is evidence for a genetic contribution to intelligence.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  49. Q48 Development of Human Behaviour

    Kohlberg studied moral reasoning mainly by asking people to respond to ______.

    1. AConservation tasks with liquids and clay
    2. BThe strange situation procedure
    3. CHypothetical moral dilemmas such as the Heinz dilemma
    4. DAmbiguous pictures for storytelling
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Hypothetical moral dilemmas such as the Heinz dilemma

    Kohlberg cared about why a person gave an answer (the reasoning), not whether the answer was yes or no.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  50. Q49 Development of Human Behaviour

    The idea that heredity sets upper and lower limits on a trait while the environment decides where within those limits a person ends up is called

    1. Alaw of effect
    2. Brange of reaction
    3. Cregression to the mean
    4. Dcanalisation of learning
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. range of reaction

    Range of reaction (Gottesman, 1963): genes set a range, and the environment determines where in that range the phenotype falls.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  51. Q50 Development of Human Behaviour

    Bowlby's idea that an infant forms one primary attachment that is stronger and more important than all others is called ______.

    1. AImprinting
    2. BContact comfort
    3. CStranger anxiety
    4. DMonotropism
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Monotropism

    Bowlby also proposed a critical (later 'sensitive') period for attachment in the first years and the internal working model of relationships.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  52. 100 questions to go. Take the rest with a timer and see your score.

    Start free
  53. Q51 Development of Human Behaviour

    In late adulthood, which kind of intelligence tends to remain stable or even improve?

    1. ACrystallised intelligence
    2. BFluid intelligence
    3. CProcessing speed
    4. DWorking memory capacity
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Crystallised intelligence

    Cattell and Horn: fluid intelligence peaks in early adulthood and declines; crystallised intelligence is maintained or grows.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  54. Q52 Development of Human Behaviour

    The last of Erikson's psychosocial stages, faced in old age, is ______.

    1. AEgo integrity versus despair
    2. BIdentity versus role confusion
    3. CIntimacy versus isolation
    4. DGenerativity versus stagnation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Ego integrity versus despair

    Ego integrity vs despair is Erikson's eighth stage; its virtue is wisdom.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  55. Q53 Development of Human Behaviour

    Who proposed the concept of 'developmental tasks' that arise at each stage of life?

    1. AG. Stanley Hall
    2. BArnold Gesell
    3. CRobert J. Havighurst
    4. DErik Erikson
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Robert J. Havighurst

    Havighurst (Developmental Tasks and Education) defined a developmental task as one arising at a certain period whose achievement leads to happiness and success with later tasks.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  56. Q54 Development of Human Behaviour

    Kohlberg's theory of moral development consists of ______.

    1. ATwo levels and four stages
    2. BThree levels and nine stages
    3. CThree levels and six stages
    4. DFour levels and eight stages
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Three levels and six stages

    Kohlberg's six stages: punishment-obedience, instrumental exchange (pre-conventional); good boy–nice girl, law and order (conventional); social contract, universal ethical principles (post-conventional).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  57. Q55 Development of Human Behaviour

    A student is excellent in mathematics but weak in drawing. This is an example of

    1. Agroup differences
    2. Bintra-individual differences
    3. Cdevelopmental delay
    4. Dinter-individual differences
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. intra-individual differences

    Intra-individual differences are the strengths and weaknesses within one person; inter-individual differences are between people.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  58. Q56 Perception

    Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason.

    Assertion (A): After some time in a room, a person no longer notices a strong smell of incense.

    Reason (R): Sensory receptors become less responsive to a stimulus that does not change.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
    4. D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    Both are true: the fading of the smell is sensory adaptation, which (R) describes.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  59. Q57 Perception

    Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason.

    Assertion (A): Retinal disparity is a binocular cue to depth.

    Reason (R): Because the two eyes are set a few centimetres apart, each receives a slightly different image of a nearby object.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
    4. D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    The eyes are about 6 to 7 cm apart, so the images differ; the greater the difference, the nearer the object seems.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  60. Q58 Perception

    Which of the following pairs of receptor and sense is NOT correctly matched?

    1. AOlfactory epithelium – Taste
    2. BRods and cones – Vision
    3. CHair cells of the cochlea – Hearing
    4. DSemicircular canals – Balance
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Olfactory epithelium – Taste

    Smell receptors are in the olfactory epithelium; taste receptors are in the taste buds of the tongue.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  61. Q59 Perception

    Which of the following is a binocular cue to depth?

    1. ALinear perspective
    2. BRetinal disparity
    3. CInterposition
    4. DTexture gradient
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Retinal disparity

    Binocular cues need both eyes: retinal (binocular) disparity and convergence. The other three are monocular pictorial cues.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  62. Q60 Perception

    Hearing your own name spoken across a noisy party while you are talking to someone else is known as the ______.

    1. AStroop effect
    2. BPhi phenomenon
    3. CZeigarnik effect
    4. DCocktail party phenomenon
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Cocktail party phenomenon

    The cocktail party phenomenon (named from Colin Cherry's 1953 shadowing studies) is selective attention: we follow one conversation, yet a meaningful word such as our own name in an unattended one can still break through (Moray, 1959).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  63. Q61 Perception

    Dots printed in close pairs are seen as several groups of two rather than as a single row. Which Gestalt principle explains this?

    1. AProximity
    2. BSimilarity
    3. CClosure
    4. DGood continuation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Proximity

    By the law of proximity, items near one another in space (or time) are perceived as belonging together.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  64. Q62 Perception

    Reading a sentence correctly even when some letters are missing or misspelt shows the role of ______.

    1. ABottom-up processing
    2. BSensory adaptation
    3. CAbsolute threshold
    4. DTop-down processing
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Top-down processing

    Top-down (conceptually driven) processing uses past knowledge, context and expectations to interpret input.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  65. Q63 Learning

    Which of the following statements about conditioning is incorrect?

    1. AIn classical conditioning the response is elicited by a preceding stimulus
    2. BIn operant conditioning behaviour is controlled by its consequences
    3. CNegative reinforcement weakens the behaviour it follows
    4. DPunishment aims to reduce the frequency of a behaviour
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Negative reinforcement weakens the behaviour it follows

    Negative reinforcement is often confused with punishment; it increases behaviour by removing something unpleasant.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  66. Q64 Learning

    Consider the following statements about Judd's experiment on transfer:

    1. Boys practised hitting a target placed under water.

    2. Boys who were taught the principle of refraction adjusted better when the depth of the target changed.

    3. The experiment supported the theory of identical elements.

    Which of the above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. 1 and 2 only

    In Judd's (1908) dart-throwing experiment, boys taught the principle of refraction did better when the target's depth was changed, showing that understanding a general principle transfers: support for the generalisation theory.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  67. Q65 Learning

    Parents take away a teenager's mobile phone for a week because she came home late. In operant terms, this is ______.

    1. ANegative reinforcement
    2. BPositive punishment
    3. CPositive reinforcement
    4. DNegative punishment
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Negative punishment

    Punishment aims to reduce behaviour; 'negative' means the pleasant phone is taken away.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  68. Q66 Learning

    Transfer of learning to a different situation of the same level of difficulty is called -

    1. ALateral transfer
    2. BVertical transfer
    3. CBilateral transfer
    4. DNegative transfer
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Lateral transfer

    Lateral (horizontal) transfer: what is learnt is applied to another task of about the same complexity, e.g. classroom arithmetic used for shopping bills.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  69. Q67 Learning

    In Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment, children who watched an adult hit and kick an inflated doll ______.

    1. ABecame afraid of the doll
    2. BLater behaved more aggressively towards the doll
    3. CAvoided the doll completely
    4. DShowed no change in behaviour
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Later behaved more aggressively towards the doll

    The Bobo doll studies (early 1960s) showed that behaviour can be learned without direct reinforcement, by watching a model.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  70. Q68 Learning

    When learning of one task has neither a helpful nor a harmful effect on learning another task, it is called -

    1. ANegative transfer
    2. BLateral transfer
    3. CZero transfer
    4. DBilateral transfer
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Zero transfer

    Zero (neutral) transfer: the first learning neither helps nor hinders the second, usually because the tasks are unrelated.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  71. Q69 Memory

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Type of memory)List – II (Example)
    a. Episodic memory1. Typing without looking at the keyboard
    b. Semantic memory2. Recognising a word faster because it was seen earlier
    c. Procedural memory3. Remembering your first day at college
    d. Priming4. Knowing that water boils at 100 °C at sea level
    1. Aa-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
    2. Ba-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    3. Ca-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    4. Da-1, b-4, c-3, d-2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

    Episodic = personal events, semantic = facts, procedural = skills, priming = unconscious influence of earlier exposure.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  72. Q70 Memory

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Researcher)List – II (Contribution to memory research)
    a. Hermann Ebbinghaus1. Magical number seven, plus or minus two
    b. Frederic Bartlett2. Savings method
    c. George Miller3. Less forgetting after sleep than after waking activity
    d. Jenkins and Dallenbach4. Schemas and reconstructive remembering
    1. Aa-2, b-1, c-4, d-3
    2. Ba-4, b-2, c-1, d-3
    3. Ca-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
    4. Da-2, b-4, c-1, d-3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. a-2, b-4, c-1, d-3

    Ebbinghaus (1885) introduced the savings method; Bartlett (1932) reconstructive memory; Miller (1956) the 7 ± 2 span; Jenkins and Dallenbach (1924) the sleep and interference study.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  73. Q71 Memory

    Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

    1. AIconic memory – vision
    2. BProcedural memory – general facts about the world
    3. CEchoic memory – hearing
    4. DEpisodic memory – personal events
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Procedural memory – general facts about the world

    Procedural memory holds skills; facts about the world are semantic memory.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  74. Q72 Memory

    The forgetting curve drawn by Ebbinghaus plots which of the following?

    1. AAmount of material retained against the time elapsed since learning
    2. BAmount of material learnt against the number of practice trials
    3. CNumber of items recalled against their position in the list
    4. DSpeed of response against the number of reinforcements
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Amount of material retained against the time elapsed since learning

    The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve shows retention (e.g. savings) on the vertical axis and time since learning on the horizontal axis: a steep early fall followed by levelling off.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  75. Q73 Memory

    Knowing how to ride a bicycle or tie shoelaces is an example of

    1. AEpisodic memory
    2. BProcedural memory
    3. CSemantic memory
    4. DEchoic memory
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Procedural memory

    Procedural memory holds 'knowing how': motor skills that run automatically and are hard to put into words.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  76. Q74 Memory

    Which mnemonic is most widely used for learning foreign-language vocabulary by linking the foreign word to a similar-sounding familiar word and forming an interacting image?

    1. AKeyword method
    2. BMethod of loci
    3. CChunking
    4. DPeg-word method
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Keyword method

    The keyword method (Atkinson and Raugh) is an imagery mnemonic designed for vocabulary learning.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  77. Q75 Memory

    Which of the following is NOT a form of non-declarative (implicit) memory?

    1. APriming
    2. BProcedural skills
    3. CSemantic memory
    4. DClassically conditioned responses
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Semantic memory

    Non-declarative memory shows itself in performance without conscious recall: skills, priming, conditioning and habituation.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  78. 75 questions to go. Take the rest with a timer and see your score.

    Start free
  79. Q76 Memory

    Remembering the digits 1 9 4 7 2 0 2 6 as two years, '1947' and '2026', is an example of:

    1. AFirst-letter technique
    2. BKeyword method
    3. CChunking
    4. DPeg-word method
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Chunking

    Chunking, highlighted by George Miller (1956), packs more information into the 7 ± 2 slots of short-term memory.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  80. Q77 Memory

    In Baddeley's working memory model, which component holds and manipulates visual and spatial information?

    1. APhonological loop
    2. BCentral executive
    3. CSensory register
    4. DVisuospatial sketchpad
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Visuospatial sketchpad

    The visuospatial sketchpad is the 'inner eye'; the phonological loop is the 'inner voice'.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  81. Q78 Memory

    Remembering the colours of the rainbow as 'VIBGYOR' is an example of which mnemonic?

    1. AChunking
    2. BPeg-word method
    3. CMethod of loci
    4. DFirst-letter technique (acronym)
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. First-letter technique (acronym)

    Acronyms and acrostics use the first letters of items; they are organisation-based mnemonics.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  82. Q79 Memory

    The working memory model, which replaced the idea of a single short-term store with several interacting components, was proposed by

    1. AGeorge Miller
    2. BGeorge Sperling
    3. CBaddeley and Hitch
    4. DFrederic Bartlett
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Baddeley and Hitch

    Baddeley and Hitch (1974) described working memory as a central executive with slave systems such as the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  83. Q80 Cognition and Language

    Which of the following shows the correct order of stages in a child's language development?

    1. ABabbling → Cooing → One-word stage → Telegraphic speech
    2. BCooing → One-word stage → Babbling → Telegraphic speech
    3. CBabbling → One-word stage → Cooing → Telegraphic speech
    4. DCooing → Babbling → One-word stage → Telegraphic speech
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Cooing → Babbling → One-word stage → Telegraphic speech

    Infants coo (about 2 months), then babble (about 6 months), then use single words (about 1 year), then two-word telegraphic speech (about 2 years).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  84. Q81 Cognition and Language

    Consider the following statements about algorithms.

    1. If followed correctly, an algorithm guarantees a solution when one exists.

    2. An algorithm can be very slow when there are many possibilities to check.

    3. A heuristic is always both faster and more accurate than an algorithm.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. 1 and 2 only

    An algorithm checks systematically and guarantees a solution, but can take a long time; a heuristic is usually faster but may give a wrong answer, so statement 3 is false.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  85. Q82 Cognition and Language

    Which of the following statements about reasoning is incorrect?

    1. ADeductive reasoning moves from general premises to a specific conclusion
    2. BInductive reasoning guarantees that its conclusion is true
    3. CIf a valid deductive argument has true premises, its conclusion must be true
    4. DScientists often use inductive reasoning to form general laws from observations
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Inductive reasoning guarantees that its conclusion is true

    Inductive conclusions are only probable: a new observation can always overturn a generalisation drawn from past cases.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  86. Q83 Cognition and Language

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Psychologist)List – II (Contribution)
    a. Graham Wallas1. Insight learning in chimpanzees
    b. J. P. Guilford2. Tests of creative thinking
    c. E. Paul Torrance3. Divergent and convergent production
    d. Wolfgang Köhler4. Four stages of the creative process
    1. Aa-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    2. Ba-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    3. Ca-4, b-2, c-3, d-1
    4. Da-4, b-3, c-2, d-1
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1

    Wallas – four stages; Guilford – divergent and convergent production (structure of intellect); Torrance – Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking; Köhler – insight in chimpanzees.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  87. Q84 Cognition and Language

    Who proposed that the language a person speaks shapes the way that person perceives and thinks about the world?

    1. ANoam Chomsky
    2. BLev Vygotsky
    3. CBenjamin Lee Whorf
    4. DB. F. Skinner
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Benjamin Lee Whorf

    Whorf (with his teacher Edward Sapir) gave the linguistic relativity hypothesis: language influences, and in its strong form determines, thought.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  88. Q85 Cognition and Language

    Thinking that produces many different answers to an open-ended problem, such as listing unusual uses of a newspaper, is called

    1. AConvergent thinking
    2. BDivergent thinking
    3. CCritical thinking
    4. DReproductive thinking
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Divergent thinking

    J. P. Guilford distinguished divergent thinking (many varied answers, linked with creativity) from convergent thinking (one correct answer).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  89. Q86 Cognition and Language

    Speech such as "Daddy go car", which keeps the main content words but leaves out articles and prepositions, is called:

    1. ABabbling
    2. BHolophrastic speech
    3. CTelegraphic speech
    4. DEcholalia
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Telegraphic speech

    Around two years children combine two or more words in short, telegram-like sentences that drop function words.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  90. Q87 Cognition and Language

    Herbert Simon's term for choosing the first option that is 'good enough' instead of searching for the best possible one is

    1. AOptimising
    2. BAnchoring
    3. CSatisficing
    4. DFraming
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Satisficing

    Under bounded rationality (limited time, information and capacity), Simon argued people satisfice: they accept the first option that meets their minimum criteria.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  91. Q88 Intelligence and Aptitude

    Which of the following is NOT one of the components of emotional intelligence described by Daniel Goleman?

    1. AAbstract reasoning
    2. BEmpathy
    3. CSelf-regulation
    4. DSelf-awareness
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Abstract reasoning

    Goleman's components are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Abstract reasoning is a cognitive (IQ-type) ability.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  92. Q89 Intelligence and Aptitude

    Which statement about individual intelligence tests is incorrect?

    1. AThey are given to one person at a time by a trained examiner
    2. BThey save time and money compared with group tests
    3. CThe examiner can observe the person's mood, effort and behaviour
    4. DThey suit young children and people who cannot read
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. They save time and money compared with group tests

    Individual tests (Stanford–Binet, Wechsler) allow rapport and observation but need trained examiners and more time; group tests (Army Alpha) test many people at once.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  93. Q90 Intelligence and Aptitude

    Match the level of intellectual disability (List I) with what an adult at that level can usually do (List II).

    List I:

    • A. Mild
    • B. Moderate
    • C. Severe
    • D. Profound

    List II: 1. Needs constant care and supervision throughout life

    2. Learns simple self-care and basic speech under close supervision

    3. Reaches about sixth-grade academic skills and can live independently

    4. Learns self-care and simple work skills; works in a sheltered setting

    1. AA-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
    2. BA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
    3. CA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
    4. DA-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1

    Mild: about sixth-grade skills, jobs and families. Moderate: self-care and simple work in sheltered settings. Severe: basic self-care and speech with supervision. Profound: lifelong constant care.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  94. Q91 Intelligence and Aptitude

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Psychologist)List – II (Contribution)
    a. Charles Spearman1. Structure of intellect
    b. L. L. Thurstone2. Fluid and crystallised intelligence
    c. J. P. Guilford3. General and specific factors
    d. Raymond Cattell4. Primary mental abilities
    1. Aa-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
    2. Ba-2, b-1, c-4, d-3
    3. Ca-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    4. Da-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

    Spearman – g and s; Thurstone – primary mental abilities; Guilford – structure of intellect; Cattell – fluid and crystallised intelligence.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  95. Q92 Intelligence and Aptitude

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Test)List – II (Developed by)
    a. Progressive Matrices1. Robert Yerkes and associates
    b. Culture Fair Intelligence Test2. Florence Goodenough
    c. Draw-a-Man Test3. J. C. Raven
    d. Army Alpha Test4. Raymond B. Cattell
    1. Aa-4, b-3, c-2, d-1
    2. Ba-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
    3. Ca-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    4. Da-2, b-4, c-3, d-1
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. a-3, b-4, c-2, d-1

    Raven – Progressive Matrices (1938); Cattell – Culture Fair Intelligence Test; Goodenough – Draw-a-Man (1926); Yerkes' committee – Army Alpha (1917).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  96. Q93 Intelligence and Aptitude

    In educational terms, children with moderate intellectual disability have traditionally been described as -

    1. AEducable
    2. BCustodial
    3. CTrainable
    4. DGifted
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Trainable

    The older educational labels were educable (mild), trainable (moderate) and custodial (severe and profound).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  97. Q94 Intelligence and Aptitude

    In Sternberg's componential subtheory, the higher-order processes used to plan, monitor and evaluate problem solving are called

    1. AMetacomponents
    2. BPerformance components
    3. CKnowledge-acquisition components
    4. DGroup factors
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Metacomponents

    Metacomponents are the executive processes; performance components carry out the plan; knowledge-acquisition components learn new information.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  98. Q95 Intelligence and Aptitude

    The Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale (1916), an American revision of Binet's test, was prepared by

    1. AEdward Thorndike
    2. BHenry Goddard
    3. CArthur Jensen
    4. DLewis Terman
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Lewis Terman

    Terman's Stanford–Binet of 1916 was the first test to report results as IQ.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  99. Q96 Intelligence and Aptitude

    India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 replaced the term 'mental retardation' used in the 1995 Act with -

    1. AMental illness
    2. BIntellectual disability
    3. CMental deficiency
    4. DLearning backwardness
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Intellectual disability

    The RPwD Act, 2016 lists intellectual disability (including specific learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder) as a specified disability, replacing the 1995 Act's 'mental retardation'.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  100. Q97 Intelligence and Aptitude

    E. L. Thorndike distinguished which three kinds of intelligence?

    1. AFluid, crystallised and general
    2. BComponential, experiential and contextual
    3. CVerbal, numerical and spatial
    4. DAbstract, mechanical and social
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Abstract, mechanical and social

    Thorndike, who saw intelligence as many specific abilities (multifactor view), named abstract, mechanical (concrete) and social intelligence.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  101. Q98 Intelligence and Aptitude

    The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is meant for

    1. AAdults above sixteen years
    2. BYoung children of about two and a half to seven years
    3. CSchool children of six to sixteen years
    4. DElderly people above sixty-five years
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Young children of about two and a half to seven years

    Wechsler scales by age: WPPSI (young children), WISC (6–16 years), WAIS (adults).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  102. Q99 Intelligence and Aptitude

    Cretinism, which leads to stunted growth and intellectual disability, is due to -

    1. AExcess of growth hormone in childhood
    2. BAn extra copy of chromosome 21
    3. CDeficiency of thyroid hormone in early life
    4. DRubella infection in adulthood
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Deficiency of thyroid hormone in early life

    Cretinism is congenital hypothyroidism; iodine deficiency in the mother is a major cause, and early thyroid treatment prevents it.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  103. Q100 Motivation and Emotion

    Which of the following statements about Maslow's hierarchy of needs is incorrect?

    1. APhysiological needs are the most powerful when all needs are unmet
    2. BSelf-actualisation is the highest level of the hierarchy
    3. CA need must be satisfied completely before the next higher need appears
    4. DMaslow's theory belongs to the humanistic approach in psychology
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. A need must be satisfied completely before the next higher need appears

    Maslow stressed partial satisfaction: a higher need emerges gradually as a lower one is reasonably, not fully, satisfied.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  104. 50 questions to go. Take the rest with a timer and see your score.

    Start free
  105. Q101 Motivation and Emotion

    Match the theory of emotion (List I) with its central claim (List II).

    List IList II
    i) James–Langea) Arousal and feeling occur at the same time, relayed by the thalamus
    ii) Cannon–Bardb) Emotion follows the evaluation of what an event means for one's well-being
    iii) Schachter–Singerc) Feeling is the perception of bodily changes
    iv) Lazarusd) Undifferentiated arousal is labelled from cues in the situation
    1. Ai-a; ii-c; iii-d; iv-b
    2. Bi-c; ii-a; iii-b; iv-d
    3. Ci-c; ii-a; iii-d; iv-b
    4. Di-d; ii-a; iii-c; iv-b
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. i-c; ii-a; iii-d; iv-b

    James–Lange: feeling is perception of bodily change; Cannon–Bard: simultaneous arousal and feeling via the thalamus; Schachter–Singer: arousal plus cognitive label; Lazarus: appraisal comes first.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  106. Q102 Motivation and Emotion

    Which of the following instinct–emotion pairs in McDougall's theory is incorrectly matched?

    1. APugnacity – Anger
    2. BRepulsion – Disgust
    3. CCuriosity – Wonder
    4. DParental instinct – Fear
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Parental instinct – Fear

    McDougall linked the parental instinct with tender emotion, not fear; fear is the emotion of flight.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  107. Q103 Motivation and Emotion

    Which of the following is NOT a component of emotion?

    1. ASensory adaptation
    2. BPhysiological arousal
    3. CSubjective feeling
    4. DExpressive behaviour
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Sensory adaptation

    An emotion has physiological, cognitive or experiential (feeling) and behavioural or expressive components. Sensory adaptation is a feature of sensation.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  108. Q104 Motivation and Emotion

    Assertion (A): According to Maslow, a person who is starving is unlikely to be concerned about gaining the respect of others.

    Reason (R): In Maslow's hierarchy, lower needs are more powerful and must be reasonably satisfied before higher needs guide behaviour.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is true but (R) is false
    4. D(A) is false but (R) is true
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    Both are true: hunger (physiological) is more prepotent than esteem, so it dominates until relatively satisfied.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  109. Q105 Motivation and Emotion

    Which of the following is NOT one of Plutchik's eight primary emotions?

    1. AJoy
    2. BTrust
    3. CAnticipation
    4. DShame
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Shame

    Plutchik's eight are joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger and anticipation. Shame is not among them.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  110. Q106 Motivation and Emotion

    Which of the following is the clearest example of intrinsic motivation?

    1. AWorking overtime to earn extra wages
    2. BStudying hard to avoid a teacher's punishment
    3. CJoining a race only to win the prize
    4. DSolving crossword puzzles just for the enjoyment of it
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Solving crossword puzzles just for the enjoyment of it

    Intrinsic motivation comes from interest and enjoyment in the activity itself; extrinsic motivation comes from outside rewards or pressures.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  111. Q107 Motivation and Emotion

    Culturally learned norms that govern which emotions may be shown, to whom and when are called:

    1. ADisplay rules
    2. BEmotional schemas
    3. CAppraisal patterns
    4. DFacial feedback
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Display rules

    Ekman and Friesen used 'display rules' for the cultural norms that decide when an emotion should be shown, exaggerated or hidden.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  112. Q108 Motivation and Emotion

    Children who were promised a reward for drawing, an activity they already enjoyed, later drew less on their own. This decline in intrinsic interest after an expected reward is called

    1. Athe Zeigarnik effect
    2. Bthe Hawthorne effect
    3. Cthe halo effect
    4. Dthe overjustification effect
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. the overjustification effect

    When an expected external reward is given for an enjoyable task, people may attribute their activity to the reward and lose intrinsic interest (overjustification effect).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  113. Q109 Motivation and Emotion

    In the Schachter and Singer (1962) experiment, which participants were most likely to take on the mood of a euphoric or angry confederate?

    1. AThose injected with epinephrine and correctly told of its effects
    2. BThose injected with epinephrine and not told of its effects
    3. CThose given a placebo and told to expect arousal
    4. DThose given a sedative before meeting the confederate
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Those injected with epinephrine and not told of its effects

    Uninformed aroused participants had no explanation for their arousal, so they labelled it from the confederate's behaviour, as the two-factor theory predicts.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  114. Q110 Motivation and Emotion

    People high in the need for achievement usually prefer

    1. Avery easy tasks where success is certain
    2. Bvery difficult tasks where failure is almost certain
    3. Ctasks of moderate difficulty where success depends on their own effort
    4. Dtasks where the outcome depends on luck
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. tasks of moderate difficulty where success depends on their own effort

    High n-Ach people choose moderately difficult, realistic goals and like quick feedback on their performance.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  115. Q111 Personality

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Type A personality described by Friedman and Rosenman?

    1. AStrong sense of time urgency and impatience
    2. BHigh competitiveness and achievement striving
    3. CHostility and quick anger
    4. DEasy-going and relaxed about deadlines
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Easy-going and relaxed about deadlines

    Friedman and Rosenman linked the Type A pattern (urgency, competitiveness, hostility) with a higher risk of coronary heart disease; Type B people are relaxed.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  116. Q112 Personality

    Which one of the following is NOT a projective technique?

    1. ARorschach inkblot test
    2. BThematic Apperception Test
    3. CSixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire
    4. DSentence completion test
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire

    The 16PF is a self-report inventory with fixed items and objective scoring; the other three present ambiguous material for the person to interpret.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  117. Q113 Personality

    Which of the following is NOT a socio-cultural determinant of personality?

    1. AFamily and child-rearing practices
    2. BCulture and its values
    3. CActivity of the endocrine glands
    4. DPeer group and school
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Activity of the endocrine glands

    Personality is shaped by biological factors (heredity, nervous system, glands, physique) and socio-cultural factors (family, culture, school, peers).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  118. Q114 Personality

    Which of the following is NOT a purpose of personality assessment?

    1. ASelection of suitable candidates for a job
    2. BDiagnosis of psychological problems
    3. CPlanning guidance and counselling
    4. DPermanently changing a person's traits
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Permanently changing a person's traits

    Assessment describes, understands and predicts behaviour for selection, diagnosis, counselling and research; changing behaviour is the task of therapy or training, not of assessment.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  119. Q115 Personality

    Assertion (A): Eysenck's theory is often described as a type-cum-trait (hierarchical) theory.

    Reason (R): Eysenck arranged specific responses, habitual responses, traits and broad types (super-traits) in levels.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is true but (R) is false
    4. D(A) is false but (R) is true
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    At the top of Eysenck's hierarchy are the broad types (E, N, P); below them are traits, habitual responses and specific responses.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  120. Q116 Personality

    Which of the following dimensions is NOT measured by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)?

    1. AExtraversion–introversion
    2. BNeuroticism
    3. CPsychoticism
    4. DConscientiousness
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Conscientiousness

    The EPQ measures extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism, with a lie scale to detect faking. Conscientiousness is one of the Big Five factors (NEO-PI).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  121. Q117 Personality

    Cattell used factor analysis to identify the stable, underlying traits that form the core of personality. He called them

    1. ASurface traits
    2. BCardinal traits
    3. CSource traits
    4. DCommon traits
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Source traits

    Cattell distinguished observable surface traits from the deeper source traits that cause them.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  122. Q118 Personality

    The tendency of respondents to give answers that make them look good rather than true answers is called

    1. AAcquiescence
    2. BCentral tendency
    3. CProjection
    4. DSocial desirability
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Social desirability

    Social desirability is a major limitation of self-report inventories; many inventories include lie or validity scales to detect it.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  123. Q119 Personality

    Erikson's theory of personality differs from Freud's mainly because Erikson

    1. Aheld that personality is fixed by the end of the phallic stage
    2. Bexplained behaviour entirely by sexual drives
    3. Crejected the idea of the ego
    4. Dstressed social and cultural influences and development across the whole life span
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. stressed social and cultural influences and development across the whole life span

    Erikson extended psychoanalysis into a psychosocial, life-span theory centred on ego identity.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  124. Q120 Personality

    How many inkblot cards are used in the Rorschach test?

    1. A5
    2. B10
    3. C20
    4. D31
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. 10

    Hermann Rorschach's test (1921) uses ten symmetrical inkblots; some are black and grey and some contain colour.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  125. Q121 Personality

    Which approach to personality holds that people can be grouped into a small number of broad categories on the basis of observable characteristics such as body build or temperament?

    1. ATrait approach
    2. BPsychodynamic approach
    3. CHumanistic approach
    4. DType approach
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Type approach

    Hippocrates, Sheldon and Kretschmer are classic type theorists.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  126. Q122 Adjustment and Stress

    Which of the following is NOT a sign of a well-adjusted person?

    1. ARealistic perception of oneself
    2. BAbility to tolerate frustration
    3. CHabitual use of defence mechanisms to escape problems
    4. DSatisfying relationships with others
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Habitual use of defence mechanisms to escape problems

    Well-adjusted persons see themselves realistically, tolerate frustration and relate well to others. Relying habitually on defence mechanisms to avoid facing problems is a mark of maladjustment.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  127. Q123 Adjustment and Stress

    Match List I (defence mechanism) with List II (description):

    List I

    (a) Repression

    (b) Projection

    (c) Reaction formation

    (d) Regression

    List II

    (1) Attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others

    (2) Pushing anxiety-provoking thoughts out of conscious awareness

    (3) Returning to behaviour typical of an earlier stage of development

    (4) Showing the opposite of one's true feelings

    1. A(a)-1, (b)-2, (c)-4, (d)-3
    2. B(a)-2, (b)-1, (c)-3, (d)-4
    3. C(a)-2, (b)-1, (c)-4, (d)-3
    4. D(a)-4, (b)-1, (c)-2, (d)-3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. (a)-2, (b)-1, (c)-4, (d)-3

    Repression-2, projection-1, reaction formation-4, regression-3.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  128. Q124 Adjustment and Stress

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Psychologist)List – II (Contribution)
    a. Kurt Lewin1. General adaptation syndrome
    b. Hans Selye2. Social Readjustment Rating Scale
    c. Holmes and Rahe3. Types of conflict
    d. Richard Lazarus4. Cognitive appraisal of stress
    1. Aa-3, b-2, c-1, d-4
    2. Ba-1, b-3, c-2, d-4
    3. Ca-3, b-1, c-2, d-4
    4. Da-4, b-1, c-2, d-3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. a-3, b-1, c-2, d-4

    Lewin classified conflicts; Selye described the general adaptation syndrome; Holmes and Rahe built the Social Readjustment Rating Scale; Lazarus gave the cognitive appraisal model.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  129. Q125 Adjustment and Stress

    Which of the following is NOT a life skill that helps a person manage stress?

    1. ATime management
    2. BAssertiveness
    3. CRational thinking
    4. DProcrastination
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Procrastination

    Procrastination is an unhelpful habit that adds to stress; overcoming it is the life skill.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  130. 25 questions to go. Take the rest with a timer and see your score.

    Start free
  131. Q126 Adjustment and Stress

    In Lazarus' primary appraisal, a new event may be judged in three ways. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

    1. AHarm or loss
    2. BThreat
    3. CChallenge
    4. DResistance
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Resistance

    Primary appraisal sorts a stressful event into harm/loss (damage already done), threat (damage expected) or challenge (a chance to grow). Resistance is the second stage of Selye's general adaptation syndrome.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  132. Q127 Adjustment and Stress

    In Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, the stage in which the body's physiological resources are used up and the person becomes vulnerable to illness is called

    1. AAlarm stage
    2. BExhaustion stage
    3. CResistance stage
    4. DAppraisal stage
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Exhaustion stage

    Continued exposure to the stressor drains resources, leading to exhaustion and stress-related illness.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  133. Q128 Adjustment and Stress

    The view that stress results from the interaction between a person and the environment, depending on how the person appraises the situation, is associated with

    1. AHans Selye
    2. BWalter Cannon
    3. CRichard Lazarus
    4. DThomas Holmes
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Richard Lazarus

    Richard Lazarus (with Susan Folkman) described stress as a transaction: an event is stressful only when the person appraises it as demanding and beyond his or her resources.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  134. Q129 Adjustment and Stress

    According to Suzanne Kobasa, the personality trait of 'hardiness', which protects people against the harmful effects of stress, consists of

    1. ACompetence, confidence and courage
    2. BCommitment, control and challenge
    3. CControl, coping and calmness
    4. DCommitment, compassion and creativity
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Commitment, control and challenge

    Hardy people are committed, feel in control and see change as a challenge.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  135. Q130 Adjustment and Stress

    According to Kurt Lewin, the conflict in which a person must choose between two equally attractive goals is called

    1. AAvoidance-avoidance conflict
    2. BApproach-approach conflict
    3. CApproach-avoidance conflict
    4. DDouble approach-avoidance conflict
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Approach-approach conflict

    When both alternatives are desirable but only one can be chosen (for example, two good films showing at the same time), it is an approach-approach conflict.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  136. Q131 Social Behaviour

    Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason.

    Assertion (A): A person who is made to argue publicly against his own view often shifts his private attitude towards what he said.

    Reason (R): Holding two inconsistent cognitions creates discomfort that people are motivated to reduce.

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
    4. D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    Counter-attitudinal behaviour with little external justification creates dissonance; the easiest way to reduce it is to bring the attitude into line with the behaviour.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  137. Q132 Social Behaviour

    Match the following items given in List-I with the items given in List-II.

    List – I (Term)List – II (Feature)
    a. Halo effect1. A goal that two groups can reach only by working together
    b. Primacy effect2. Blaming a weaker group for one's frustrations
    c. Scapegoating3. One trait colours the judgement of other traits
    d. Superordinate goal4. Information received first carries more weight
    1. Aa-3, b-2, c-4, d-1
    2. Ba-4, b-3, c-2, d-1
    3. Ca-3, b-4, c-2, d-1
    4. Da-1, b-4, c-2, d-3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. a-3, b-4, c-2, d-1

    Halo: one trait spreads to others. Primacy: first information dominates. Scapegoating: displaced blame onto a weak group. Superordinate goal: a shared goal needing both groups (Sherif).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  138. Q133 Social Behaviour

    Which of the following pairs of a function of attitudes (Katz) and its description is incorrectly matched?

    1. AEgo-defensive function: helps a person gain rewards and avoid punishment
    2. BKnowledge function: helps organise and make sense of the world
    3. CValue-expressive function: lets a person express central values
    4. DUtilitarian function: helps maximise rewards from the environment
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Ego-defensive function: helps a person gain rewards and avoid punishment

    Daniel Katz (1960) described four functions: utilitarian (adjustive), ego-defensive, value-expressive and knowledge.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  139. Q134 Social Behaviour

    Which of the following are among the conditions Gordon Allport stated for intergroup contact to reduce prejudice?

    1. Equal status of the groups in the situation

    2. Cooperation towards common goals

    3. Support of authorities, law or custom

    4. Competition between the groups for scarce rewards

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B1, 2 and 3 only
    3. C2, 3 and 4 only
    4. D1, 2, 3 and 4
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. 1, 2 and 3 only

    Allport (1954): contact reduces prejudice under equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation and the support of authorities, law or custom. Competition for scarce resources breeds conflict (Sherif).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  140. Q135 Social Behaviour

    Which of the following statements about the Likert scale is incorrect?

    1. AIt needs a large panel of judges to give a scale value to every item
    2. BRespondents usually indicate agreement on a five-point scale
    3. CItems are selected through item analysis
    4. DA person's attitude score is the total of the item scores
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. It needs a large panel of judges to give a scale value to every item

    The Likert method is simpler than Thurstone's because it uses no judges; respondents' own ratings are summed, and item analysis decides which items are kept.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  141. Q136 Social Behaviour

    Ravi explains his own late arrival by the heavy traffic, but explains his colleague's late arrival by her carelessness. This best illustrates the

    1. ASelf-fulfilling prophecy
    2. BActor–observer effect
    3. CHalo effect
    4. DOut-group homogeneity effect
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Actor–observer effect

    The actor–observer effect (Jones and Nisbett, 1971): as actors we see the situation, as observers we see the person. The fundamental attribution error describes only the observer half.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  142. Q137 Social Behaviour

    The beliefs and thoughts a person holds about the object of an attitude make up its:

    1. AAffective component
    2. BConative component
    3. CCognitive component
    4. DEvaluative component
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Cognitive component

    Cognitive = what one thinks or believes about the object; affective = how one feels; conative = how one tends to act.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  143. Q138 Social Behaviour

    The tendency to overestimate personal (dispositional) causes and underestimate situational causes when explaining other people's behaviour is called the

    1. ASelf-serving bias
    2. BHalo effect
    3. CPrimacy effect
    4. DFundamental attribution error
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Fundamental attribution error

    The fundamental attribution error (Lee Ross, 1977), also called correspondence bias, is the tendency to blame a person's character for behaviour that was largely caused by the situation.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  144. Q139 Social Behaviour

    In constructing a Thurstone scale, the scale value of each statement is usually taken as which statistic of the judges' placements?

    1. AMode
    2. BStandard deviation
    3. CMedian
    4. DRange
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Median

    Each statement's scale value is the median of the judges' ratings; statements on which judges disagree widely (large interquartile spread) are discarded as ambiguous.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  145. Q140 Social Behaviour

    Who is regarded as the founder of attribution theory, with his idea of the 'naive psychologist'?

    1. AHarold Kelley
    2. BLeon Festinger
    3. CBernard Weiner
    4. DFritz Heider
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Fritz Heider

    Fritz Heider's The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations (1958) distinguished internal (personal) and external (situational) causes, the base of all later attribution theories.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  146. Q141 Application of Psychology

    Which of the following is an unhelpful habit to be overcome rather than a life skill for meeting life challenges?

    1. AAssertiveness
    2. BPerfectionism
    3. CTime management
    4. DRational thinking
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Perfectionism

    Life skills include assertiveness, time management, rational thinking, improving relationships, self-care and overcoming unhelpful habits such as perfectionism, avoidance and procrastination.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  147. Q142 Application of Psychology

    Which of the following gives the correct order of the four stages in Kolb's experiential learning cycle?

    1. AReflective observation → Concrete experience → Active experimentation → Abstract conceptualisation
    2. BConcrete experience → Reflective observation → Abstract conceptualisation → Active experimentation
    3. CConcrete experience → Abstract conceptualisation → Reflective observation → Active experimentation
    4. DAbstract conceptualisation → Active experimentation → Concrete experience → Reflective observation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Concrete experience → Reflective observation → Abstract conceptualisation → Active experimentation

    Kolb (1984): a concrete experience is reflected upon, generalised into a concept, and then tried out in new situations.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  148. Q143 Application of Psychology

    Match Edward T. Hall's zones of interpersonal distance with the approximate distances (North American norms).

    Group AGroup B
    i) Intimate distancea) About 1.2 m to 3.6 m (4 to 12 feet)
    ii) Personal distanceb) More than about 3.6 m (12 feet)
    iii) Social distancec) Up to about 0.45 m (18 inches)
    iv) Public distanced) About 0.45 m to 1.2 m (18 inches to 4 feet)
    1. Ai-d; ii-c; iii-a; iv-b
    2. Bi-c; ii-a; iii-d; iv-b
    3. Ci-c; ii-d; iii-a; iv-b
    4. Di-c; ii-d; iii-b; iv-a
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. i-c; ii-d; iii-a; iv-b

    Hall's zones: intimate up to 18 inches, personal 18 inches to 4 feet, social 4 to 12 feet, public beyond 12 feet.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  149. Q144 Application of Psychology

    Which of the following is NOT one of the six dimensions of psychological well-being proposed by Carol Ryff?

    1. AAutonomy
    2. BEnvironmental mastery
    3. CLife satisfaction
    4. DPurpose in life
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Life satisfaction

    Ryff's dimensions: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life and personal growth.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  150. Q145 Application of Psychology

    Which of the following statements is incorrect about the 'Hole-in-the-Wall' experiment?

    1. AThe first computer was set into a wall in Kalkaji, New Delhi, in 1999
    2. BChildren learned to browse and use the computer by exploring in groups
    3. CIt was later repeated in rural places such as Shivpuri and Madantusi
    4. DA trained teacher sat with the children at the kiosk to guide them
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. A trained teacher sat with the children at the kiosk to guide them

    The experiment showed that groups of children, without adult instruction, could teach themselves to use a computer; it was repeated in rural sites.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  151. Q146 Application of Psychology

    Assertion (A): A worker who has mastered a simple, routine task usually performs it better when co-workers or an audience are present.

    Reason (R): According to Zajonc, the presence of others raises arousal, which strengthens the dominant (well-learned) response.

    Select the correct answer:

    1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true, but R is false
    4. DA is false, but R is true
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

    Zajonc's drive theory of social facilitation: arousal from others' presence helps well-learned or simple tasks and hurts new or complex ones.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  152. Q147 Application of Psychology

    A technique in which a person receives continuous information about a body function, such as heart rate or muscle tension, and learns to control it, is

    1. ABiofeedback
    2. BCreative visualisation
    3. CAutogenic training
    4. DSystematic desensitisation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Biofeedback

    Biofeedback moves from awareness of the response, to controlling it in quiet conditions, to using that control in daily life.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  153. Q148 Application of Psychology

    In the VARK model of learning styles, the letter 'R' stands for

    1. ARead/write
    2. BReflective
    3. CReasoning
    4. DRhythmic
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Read/write

    VARK stands for Visual, Aural (auditory), Read/write and Kinesthetic preferences.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  154. Q149 Application of Psychology

    A written statement of the minimum qualities a person must have to do a job, such as education, skills, and physical and emotional characteristics, is called the:

    1. AJob description
    2. BJob evaluation
    3. CJob enlargement
    4. DJob specification
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Job specification

    Job analysis yields two documents: the job description (what the job involves) and the job specification (what the person doing it must have).

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

  155. Q150 Application of Psychology

    Which limb of Ashtanga yoga immediately precedes dhyana (meditation)?

    1. APratyahara
    2. BPranayama
    3. CSamadhi
    4. DDharana
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Dharana

    The last four limbs run pratyahara → dharana → dhyana → samadhi.

    Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC District Probation Officer Paper II (Psychology) syllabus (12/2026)

Want your score and what to study next?

Take this test in Medha AI with a timer and negative marks, or download it as a PDF above.

Start free

More free papers

All APPSC Paper I tests and plans · APPSC Paper I syllabus

Medha AI is an independent preparation service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to APPSC, TSPSC, MPSC, UPSC or any other commission or government body.