PMS Psychology Complete Exam Preparation Material

SYLLABUS FOR THE SUBJECT OF PSYCHOLOGY
PAPER- I

I. Introduction to Psychology

  • Definition, Evolution and Scope of Psychology
  • Schools of Psychology: Behaviorism, Psychoanalysis, Humanistic/ Existential,
  • Cognitive and Biological School
  • Recent Trends and Specialties in Psychology

II. Sensation and Perception

Sensory Processes

  • Theories of Vision and Hearing
  • Theories of Taste Smell and Position
  • Senses of Touch Position and Balance

Nature of Perceptual Organization

  • Perception of Distance, Movement, Space, Depth, Color
  • Perceptual Constancy
  • Perception and Optical Illusions
  • Extrasensory Perception
  • Perceptual Development

III. Learning, Memory and Intelligence

Learning

  • Different Types of Learning:
  • Classical Conditioning
  • Operant Conditioning
  • Observational Learning

Memory

  • Short Term and Long Term memory
  • Information Processing Theory
  • Encoding, Storage and Retrieval
  • Forgetting

Intelligence

  • Extremes of Intelligence: Mental Retardation and Giftedness
  • Theories of Intelligence
  • Intelligence and Psychological Testing

IV. Biological Foundations of Behavior

  • Components of Nervous System
  • Structure and Functions of the Brain
  • Brain and Behavior
  • Endocrine System
  • Genetic Influences on Behavior
  • Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity

V. Child Development

  • Introduction to Child Development
  • Historical and Modern Views
  • Domains of Development
  • Theories of Child Development
  • Biological Development
  • Cognitive Development
  • Psychological Development

VI. Motivation

  • Nature of Motives
  • Needs, Drives and Motivations
  • Concept of Homeostasis
  • Types of Motivation
  • Theories of Motivation
  • Role of Culture in Motives

VII. Emotions

  • Nature and Types of Emotions
  • Theories of Emotions
  • Biological and Psychological Changes in Emotions
  • Role of Endocrine Glands
  • Situational Influences and Cultural Practices
  • Frustration and Conflict

PAPER-II

I. Health, Stress and Coping

  • Health Impairing Behaviors:
  • Smoking, Alcoholism, Poor Nutritional Habits, Lack of Exercise, Behavioral
  • Aids. Stress and its Impact on Health
  • Major Types of Stress
  • Physiological & Psychological Reactions to Stress

II. Personality Theories and Assessment

  • Definition of Personality
  • Theories of Personality Development
  • Psychoanalytical Theory
  • Social Learning Theory
  • Humanistic Theory
  • Traits Theory and Situations
  • Human Diversity
  • Personality Assessment

III. Psychological Disorders and their treatment

  • Abnormal Behavior; Myths, Realities and
  • Controversies Criteria of Abnormal Behavior
  • The Classification of Disorders
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
  • Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders and Personality Disorders

Treatment and Intervention

  • Stages of Psychotherapy
  • Goals of Psychotherapy
  • Family & Group Therapies

IV. Social Processes, Society and Culture

  • Social Roles and Rules
  • Social Norms and Conformity
  • The Process of Socialization and Attitude Development
  • Situational Effects on Social Behavior
  • Social Cognition and Relationships

V. Behavior and Group Dynamics

  • Leaders, Groups and Decision Making
  • Aggression, Altruism and Pro-social Behavior
  • Situational Influences and Cultural Constraints
  • Prejudice and Stereotypes
  • The Psychology of Conflict and Peace

VI. Research Methods in Psychology

  • Scientific Research in Psychology
  • Types of Research:
  • Experimental Studies: Placebo Effect and Use of Placebos in Experiments
  • Correlational Studies
  • Descriptive Studies
  • Case Studies
  • Surveys

VII. Ethical issues in Psychology

  • Confidentiality
  • Informed Consent
  • Relationships with Vulnerable Individuals
  • A General Concern for Ethical Practice