APPSC Paper I · Probation Officer Paper II: Psychology · Topic 11

11 APPSC Paper I Motivation and Emotion questions with answers

21 questions from APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology question paper with answers and APPSC DPO Psychology 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.

11.1Motivation: instincts, needs, drives, motives and theoriesNotes

  1. Q1 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q96

    Choose your answer based on the statements given below:

    Assertion (A) : Basically there are two types of motives biological and psychological

    Reason (R): Psychological and biological motives are independent of each other

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

    Answer C. A is true, but the R is false.

    Motives are classed as biological and psychosocial, but the two interact closely (hunger is shaped by culture, for example), so R is false.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q99, final key

  2. Q2 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q97

    Which of the following statement is incorrect?

    1. AInstinct are inborn patterns of behaviour
    2. BInstinct are learned through experience
    3. CInstincts are biologically determined
    4. DInstincts are not unique to human beings
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Instinct are learned through experience

    Instincts are inborn, biologically fixed patterns of behaviour found in humans and animals; they are not learnt from experience.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q100, final key

  3. Q3 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q98

    Choose your answer based on the statements given below:

    Assertion (A): Drive-reduction theory assumes that organism is pushed to increase the tension created by needs.

    Reason (R): The primary drive need leads the body to the state of imbalance.

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

    Answer D. A is false, but the R is true.

    Drive-reduction theory (Hull) says a need creates a tense, aroused state that pushes the organism to reduce that tension, not increase it. So A is false, while R is true: a primary need such as hunger upsets the body's balance (homeostasis).

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q101, final key

  4. Q4 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q99

    According to Maslow which of the following statements is incorrect in relation to self-actualized people?

    1. AThey are open to novelty
    2. BThey have sense of humour
    3. CThey are open to challenge
    4. DThey love to be socially withdrawn
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. They love to be socially withdrawn

    Maslow described self-actualised people as open to new experience and challenge, with a philosophical sense of humour and deep relationships. They value some privacy, but they are not socially withdrawn.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q102, final key

  5. Q5 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q100

    The explanation of which of the following phenomenon is within the scope of drive-reduction theory?

    1. Drinking water when thirsty

    2. Rock climbing for adventure

    3. Eating food when hungry

    4. Watching horror movies

    1. A1 & 2 only
    2. B3 & 4 only
    3. C2 & 4 only
    4. D1 & 3 only
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. 1 & 3 only

    Drive-reduction theory explains behaviour that removes a biological need, such as drinking when thirsty and eating when hungry. Thrill seeking (rock climbing, horror films) raises arousal, so it is explained by arousal or sensation-seeking theories instead.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q103, final key

  6. Q6 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q101

    Match the following:

    MotivePurpose
    1. PowerA. Relationship
    2. AffiliationB. Gain pleasure
    3. AchievementC. Meet Standard of excellence
    4. ExplorationD. Charm others
    1. A1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B
    2. B1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D
    3. C1-D, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B
    4. D1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
    Show answerHide answer

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

    Power motive: to impress or charm others (D). Affiliation: to form relationships (A). Achievement: to meet a standard of excellence (C). Exploration: curiosity, for the pleasure of discovery (B).

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q105, final key

  7. Q7 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q100

    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)

  8. Q8 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q102

    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)

  9. Q9 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q104

    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)

  10. Q10 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q106

    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)

  11. Q11 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q108

    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)

  12. Q12 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q110

    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)

11.1Emotion: physiology and theoriesNotes

  1. Q13 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q102

    Which of the following physiological changes do not occur during the emotional experience of excitement?

    1. AIncreased heart rate
    2. BTrembling of limbs
    3. CDecreased perspiration
    4. DThrobbing temples
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Decreased perspiration

    Excitement activates the sympathetic nervous system: heart rate rises, limbs may tremble, temples throb and sweating increases. Sweating does not decrease.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q106, final key

  2. Q14 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q103

    Choose your answer based on the statements given below:

    (A) Activation of different brain areas arouse different emotions in infants and adults

    (R) Emotions are experienced due to activation of cerebral cortex

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

    Answer B. Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A

    Brain-imaging work shows that different emotions activate different brain areas, and the cerebral cortex is involved in the conscious experience of emotion. Both statements are accepted as true, but R does not explain why different areas give different emotions.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q107, final key

  3. Q15 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q104

    According to Cannon Bard theory which of the following determine the subjective experience of emotion?

    1. ACerebral Cortex
    2. BHypothalamus
    3. CThalamus
    4. DAutonomic nervous system
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Cerebral Cortex

    In the Cannon-Bard theory the thalamus relays the stimulus at the same time to the cortex and to the body. The cortex produces the felt (subjective) emotion, while the bodily changes run through the hypothalamus and autonomic system.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q108, final key

  4. Q16 DPO 2023 Psychology, Q106

    Choose your answer based on the statements given below:

    (A) Experience of emotion grows from awareness of present arousal

    (R) Proposed by two-factor theory of emotions

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

    Answer B. Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A

    The Schachter-Singer two-factor theory holds that we feel an emotion when we notice our arousal and give it a cognitive label. A is part of that theory and R names the theory; per the key, R only names the source and does not explain A.

    Source: APPSC DPO 2023 Psychology (Notification 11/2022), Q110, final key

  5. Q17 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q101

    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)

  6. Q18 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q103

    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)

  7. Q19 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q105

    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)

  8. Q20 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q107

    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)

  9. Q21 DPO Psychology Mock 1, Q109

    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)

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