APPSC Paper I · Hostel Welfare Officer Paper II · Topic 4
4 APPSC Paper I Learning & Motivation questions with answers
32 questions from APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II question paper with answers and APPSC HWO Paper II Mock 1 with answers. Try each one, then tap Show answer.
Previous-paper questions are as in the original paper. Medha AI wrote the answers and explanations.
4.1Cognitive, constructivist and social learning theoriesNotes
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The tendency to rely on cognitive shortcuts and mental models when making decisions is known as
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Answer B. Availability heuristic
Heuristics are mental shortcuts; the availability heuristic judges likelihood by how easily examples come to mind.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q34, final key
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The process of learning through imitation or observation is known as
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Answer D. Social learning
Bandura's social learning theory says we learn by observing and imitating models.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q36, final key
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Which learning framework involves planning, monitoring and adjusting strategies based on awareness of one's cognition ?
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Answer B. Self-regulated learning
Self-regulated learning uses metacognition: the learner plans, monitors and adjusts strategies.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q99, final key
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Select the correct hierarchy of learning given by Robert M. Ganges.
a. Signal learning
b. Chain learning
c. Rule learning
d. Concept learning
e. S-R learning
Choose the answer from the following options :
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Answer A. a, e, b, d and c
Gagne's eight types run: signal, stimulus-response, chaining, verbal association, discrimination, concept, rule (principle) learning, problem solving. So the listed ones are in the order a, e, b, d, c.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q108, final key
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Which theory focuses on the internal mental processes such as thinking, memory and problem-solving ?
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Answer C. Cognitivism
Cognitivism studies the mind as an information processor: attention, thinking, memory and problem solving.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q113, final key
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Match the following :
List – I (Concepts) List – II (Psychologists) a. Reflexes 1. Tolman b. Successive 2. Hull c. Habit Strength 3. Skinner d. Latent Learning 4. Pavlov 5. Watson Choose the answer from the following options :
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Answer B. a – 4, b – 3, c – 2, d – 1
Reflexes (conditioned reflex) - Pavlov; successive approximation (shaping) - Skinner; habit strength - Hull; latent learning - Tolman.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q115, final key
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Which theory suggests that learning is most effective when it is relevant to the learner's experiences ?
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Answer B. Constructivism
Constructivism holds that learners build new knowledge on their existing experiences, so learning tied to those experiences works best.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q118, final key
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Consider the statements.
Statement I: Bandura later renamed his social learning theory 'social cognitive theory'.
Statement II: According to Bandura, learning can take place without any immediate change in observable behaviour.
Which is correct?
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Answer B. Both I and II are true
Bandura used 'social cognitive theory' from 1986 to stress the role of thought. He distinguished acquisition from performance: a behaviour can be learned by observation and shown only later, when there is a reason to.
Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC HWO Paper II syllabus (25/2026)
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According to Bandura, children are more likely to imitate a model who
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Answer B. is similar to them, such as of the same sex
Children attend to and imitate models they see as similar to themselves, and models whose behaviour brings rewards.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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In Ausubel's theory, 'progressive differentiation' means that
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Answer B. the most general ideas are taught first, then details
Ausubel advised presenting the most general, inclusive ideas first and then breaking them into more detailed and specific ideas.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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In Bandura's observational learning, the step that depends on the observer's physical ability to perform the behaviour is
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Answer A. reproduction
Reproduction is turning the remembered behaviour into action; it is limited by the observer's physical and skill level.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
4.1Behavioural theories: Pavlov, Watson, Thorndike, Skinner, HullNotes
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Which psychologist is mostly associated with the theory of classical conditioning ?
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Answer B. Ivan Pavlov
Ivan Pavlov showed classical conditioning with dogs salivating to a bell paired with food.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q35, final key
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According to behaviourism, learning occurs through
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Answer C. Interaction with the environment
Behaviourists explain learning as observable responses shaped by stimuli and consequences in the environment.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q101, final key
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When a conditioned response disappears due to the absence of the unconditioned stimulus, it is called
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Answer A. Extinction
If the CS is repeatedly presented without the US, the conditioned response weakens and disappears; Pavlov called this extinction.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q110, final key
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What is the main difference between classical and operant conditioning ?
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Answer C. Classical conditioning pairs stimuli ; operant conditioning uses consequences to shape behaviour
Classical conditioning links two stimuli (CS with US) to elicit a reflex; operant conditioning strengthens or weakens voluntary behaviour through its consequences.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q111, final key
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Which of the following is designated as an independent variable in classical conditioning ?
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Answer C. Number of pairing as CS and US
The experimenter manipulates the number of CS-US pairings (trials) and measures the strength or latency of the CR, which are the dependent variables.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q112, final key
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Science and Human Behaviour book was written by
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Answer C. B. F. Skinner
B. F. Skinner wrote Science and Human Behavior (1953), applying operant principles to society.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q116, final key
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Which of the following is not a concept introduced by Hull ?
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Answer D. Cognitive schemas
Hull's drive-reduction theory uses habit strength, drive and reinforcement; schemas are a cognitive idea associated with Piaget and Bartlett.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q119, final key
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The famous "Little Albert" experiment conducted by Watson, demonstrated
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Answer C. Classical conditioning in humans
Watson and Rayner (1920) conditioned fear in an infant by pairing a white rat with a loud noise, showing classical conditioning works in humans.
Source: APPSC HWO 2025 Paper II (Notification 15/2025), Q120, final key
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Match the following books with their authors:
List I (Book) List II (Author) a. Principles of Behavior 1. Pavlov b. The Behavior of Organisms 2. Watson c. Conditioned Reflexes 3. Hull d. Behaviorism 4. Skinner Show answerHide answer
Answer C. a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
Principles of Behavior - Hull; The Behavior of Organisms - Skinner; Conditioned Reflexes - Pavlov; Behaviorism - Watson.
Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC HWO Paper II syllabus (25/2026)
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According to Clark Hull's drive-reduction theory, a response is reinforced when it
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Answer A. reduces a drive arising from a need
For Hull, a need creates a drive; a response that reduces the drive is reinforced, so its S-R bond (habit) grows stronger.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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Which book of B. F. Skinner applies operant principles and teaching machines to schools?
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Answer C. The Technology of Teaching
In The Technology of Teaching (1968) Skinner applied reinforcement, programmed instruction and teaching machines to classroom learning.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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In Hull's theory, habit strength (sHr) increases with
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Answer C. the number of reinforced trials
Hull held that every reinforced repetition adds to habit strength, which together with drive determines the tendency to respond.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
4.1Nature of learning, factors, learning curves, memory and transferNotes
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Which classroom practice does NOT promote positive transfer of learning?
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Answer C. Rote memorising without understanding
Transfer is helped by meaningful teaching, links to life, clear similarities and general principles; rote learning without understanding hinders it.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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Ravi learned his old mobile number by heart. After getting a new number he keeps writing the old number when asked for the new one. This shows
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Answer C. Proactive inhibition
The earlier learning (old number) interferes with recall of the later learning (new number); this is proactive inhibition.
Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC HWO Paper II syllabus (25/2026)
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A hypothetical physical or chemical change in brain neurons that is thought to store a memory is called
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Answer A. Engram
An engram, or memory trace, is the assumed lasting change in the nervous system that holds a memory.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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Learning the words of a foreign language together with their meanings, in pairs, is an example of which method of verbal learning?
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Answer C. Paired-associate learning
In paired-associate learning the learner links a stimulus item with a response item, as in foreign word and meaning; it is used for vocabulary learning.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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Linking a new fact to what one already knows, so that it is stored in long-term memory, is called
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Answer C. Elaborative rehearsal
Elaborative rehearsal relates new information to existing knowledge and is the best route to long-term memory.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
4.1Motivation and its classroom use (incl. teaching methods)Notes
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A teacher returns the corrected test the next day with a short comment on each mistake. Which motivational principle is she using?
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Answer A. Knowledge of results
Knowledge of results (feedback), given soon after the task, motivates the learner and helps correct errors.
Source: Medha AI, based on the APPSC HWO Paper II syllabus (25/2026)
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The idea that human beings are driven mainly by a striving for superiority to overcome feelings of inferiority was given by
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Answer A. Alfred Adler
Adler's individual psychology says people strive for superiority (power) to overcome felt inferiority.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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A teacher shows several examples first and lets pupils arrive at the rule themselves. This is the
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Answer D. inductive method
The inductive method moves from particular examples to a general rule; the deductive method gives the rule first and then applies it.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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In Skinner's linear programme, the learner
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Answer C. writes his own (constructed) answer, and every learner goes through the same frames
Linear programming uses small steps, constructed responses and one fixed path; multiple-choice items with remedial branches belong to Crowder's branching programme.
Source: Medha AI, based on BRAOU B.Ed/Psychology textbooks (HWO Paper II)
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