Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)

1. Introduction - Definition , nature of Psychology and its relation to other social and natural sciences. Methods of Psychology. Observation, Survey, methods, Laboratory and Field experiments, Quasi experiments. Clinical and case study methods.



2. Research Methods And Quantitative Ve Analysis - MAJOR STEPS IN Psychological research(Problem statements, hypothesis formulation, research design sampling, tools of data collection, analysis and interpretation and report writing). Fundamental versus Applied research. Research Designs( Ex. Post facto and Experimental). Application of Statistical techniques ( T-test, one way-way ANOVA, correlation and regression and chi - square).



3. Development of Human Behaviour - The Nature of Human Development. Role of genetics and environmental factors in determining human behaviour. Influence of cultural factors and socialization. Life span development- the critical periods and their handling. Mastery of the development tasks. Development of National character.



4. Sensation And Perception - Sensation- concepts of threshold, absolute and difference thresholds. Signal detection and vigilance. Definition and concept of perception, perceptual organization, factors influencing perception. Perception of form, colour, space, depth and time. Perceptual set and constancy.



5. (A) Learning - Concept and theories of learning ( Pavlov, Skinner and Piaget). Modeling and social learning.
   
   (B) Memory - Concept and definition of memory and forgetting (repression, decay and interference theories). The concept of reminiscence.

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6. (A) Thinking And Problem Solving - Concept formation processes. Reasoning and problem solving- Creative thinking and fostering creativity. Decision making and judgement.
   
   (B) Intelligence And Aptitude - Concepts and definition of intelligence and aptitude. Theories of intelligence. Measurement of intelligence and aptitude. Concept and measurement of emotional and multiple intelligence.



7. (A) Motivation And Emotions - Definition and concepts. Theories and physiological basis of motivation and emotion.
   
   (B) Attitude, Values And Interests - Definition, concept of attitudes, values and interests. Components of attitudes, values and interests. Formation and maintenance of attitudes, Measurement of attitudes, values and interest. Theories of attitudes, and attitude changes, strategies for fostering values.



8. Personality - Concept and definition of personality. Theories of personality(Psychoanalytical, socio-cultural, interpersonal and developmental, humanistic, behaviouristic,trait and type approaches). Measurement of personality (Projective tests and Psychometric tests). The Indian approach to personality.



9. Psychological measurement of Individual Differences. The Nature of Individual differences. Characteristics and construction of Standardized psychological tests. Types of Psychological tests. Use misuse and limitations of Psychological tests. Ethical issues in the use of Psychological tests.



10. Recent Trends - Computer application in the Psychological laboratory and psychological testing. Artificial Intelligence, Psycho cybernetics. Study of consciousness- sleep-wake schedules; dreams, stimulus deprivation, meditation, hypnotic/ drug induced states. Extrasensory perception. Intersensory perception Simulation studies.

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11. (A) Wel Being And Mental Disorders - Concept of health, well being and ill health. Mental Disorders (Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia and delusional disorders; personality disorders, substance abuse disorders). Casual factors in mental disorders. Factors influencing, well being, life style and quality of life.
    
    (B) Therapeutic Approach - Psychodynamic theraplies, Behaviour therapies, client centered therapy, Congnitive therapies. Indigenous therapies (Yoga and Meditation) Biofeedback therapy. Prevention and rehabilitation of the mentally ill.



12. (A) Counseling Psychology - Concept and Goals of counseling. Approaches to counseling (Psychoanalytic, Client- centered, Gestalt, Behaviouristic, Rational –Emotive and Transactional Analysis); Counseling Process (Characteristics of Effective helping relationship, Counseling skills & Personality of the Counselor) Counsellee Appraisal (Testing and Non-Testing Techniques).
    
    (B) Applied Counseling - Marital Counseling, Counseling of special children (Gifted, handicapped, retarded). Counseling for alcoholism and Drug Addiction.Carrer Counseling.

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13. (A) Work Psychology And Organizational Behaviour - Personal selection and training. Use of Psychological tests in the industry. Training and human resource development. Theories of work motivation. Leadership and participatory management. Advertising and marketing.
    
    (B) Application Of Psychology To Education - Psychological principles underlying effective teaching-learning process. Training of the gifted, retarded and disabled. Use of psychological tests in educational institutions.



14. Community Psychology - Definition and concept of Community Psychology. Role of community psychologists in social changes. Arousing community consciousness and action for handling social problems.



15. Other Applications Of Psychology
    1. Environmental Psychology- Effect of noise, pollution and crowding.
    2. Population Psychology- Psychological consequences of Population Explosion.
    3. Psychological consequences of recent developments in Information Technology.
    4. Sports Psychology- Improving performance of sports person.