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󷘹󷘴󷘵󷘶󷘷󷘸 GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Questions
B.A 1st Semester
PSYCHOLOGY (Basic Psychological Processes)
(2021–2024 Based on 4-Year GNDU Question Paper Trend Analysis)
󷡉󷡊󷡋󷡌󷡍󷡎 Must-Prepare Questions (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Foundations & Methods of Psychology)
1. 󷄧󼿒 Observation Method – (4 times: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
o Repeated every year under various forms: “Define Observation. Explain
Observation Method in detail.”
o Core concept in psychological research methods.
󹻦󹻧 100% chance to appear again in 2025.
2. 󷄧󼿒 Schools of Psychology – Psychoanalysis, Functionalism, Behaviourism – (4 times
combined)
o 2021 – Psycho-Analysis, Functionalism
o 2023 – Behaviourism School
o Pattern: Every alternate year, GNDU includes one major school of psychology.
󹻦󹻧 Very High Probability (100%) – Expect “Behaviourism” or
“Psychoanalysis” in 2025.
󹵍󹵉󹵎󹵏󹵐 2025 Smart Prediction Table
(Based on 4-Year Trend: 2021–2024)
Section
Question Topic
Years
Appeared
Repetition
2025
Priority
A
Observation Method
2021–2024
4 Times
󹻦󹻧 Very
High
A
Schools of Psychology (Psychoanalysis /
Behaviourism)
2021–2023
3–4 Times
󹻦󹻧 Very
High
A
Case Study / Survey / Introspection
2022–2024
3 Times
󽁗 High
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Section
Question Topic
Years
Appeared
Repetition
2025
Priority
B
Motivation (Physiological/Biological
Motives)
2021–2024
4 Times
󹻦󹻧 Very
High
2025 GUARANTEED QUESTIONS (100% Appearance Trend)
󼩏󼩐󼩑 Top 5 Must-Prepare Questions for 2025:
1. 󷄧󼿒 Observation Method (Research Tool)
2. 󷄧󼿒 Motivation – Biological / Physiological Motives
󷘹󷘴󷘵󷘶󷘷󷘸 BONUS HIGH-PRIORITY QUESTIONS (80–90%)
6. 󷄧󼿒 Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
7. 󷄧󼿒 Schools of Psychology – Behaviourism / Psychoanalysis
󷘹󷘴󷘵󷘶󷘷󷘸 GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Answer
B.A 1st Semester
PSYCHOLOGY (Basic Psychological Processes)
(2021–2024 Based on 4-Year GNDU Question Paper Trend Analysis)
󷡉󷡊󷡋󷡌󷡍󷡎 Must-Prepare Questions (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Foundations & Methods of Psychology)
1. 󷄧󼿒 Observation Method – (4 times: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
o Repeated every year under various forms: “Define Observation. Explain
Observation Method in detail.”
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o Core concept in psychological research methods.
󹻦󹻧 100% chance to appear again in 2025.
Ans: Imagine stepping into a park on a sunny afternoon. You notice children playing,
people walking their dogs, and couples sitting quietly on benches. As you watch, you
begin to notice patterns: some children are shy, others are boisterous; some dogs
respond instantly to commands, while others ignore their owners. You are observing—
but you are doing exactly what psychologists do every day in a more structured way. In
psychology, observation is a powerful method for understanding human behavior and
mental processes. It allows us to look beyond what people say and see what they do.
Definition of Observation
Observation, in the simplest words, is the systematic and purposeful watching,
noticing, and recording of behavior as it occurs naturally. Unlike asking someone
through a questionnaire or test, observation allows psychologists to witness real-time
actions. According to psychological scholars, observation is “a method in which behavior
is studied as it occurs naturally without any interference or manipulation.”
Observation is not just casual watching. For instance, when a parent watches their child
at home, it may be informal. But when a psychologist observes the child in a classroom
to understand social interaction or learning behavior, it becomes scientific observation.
The Observation Method in Psychology
The Observation Method is one of the oldest and most widely used techniques in
psychology. It is crucial because human behavior is complex, and people may not always
accurately describe what they think or feel. Observation helps psychologists record
behavior objectively, which means facts are recorded as they are, without personal bias.
To understand it better, let’s explore its key aspects, types, advantages, limitations, and
applications.
1. Key Features of Observation Method
1. Systematic: Observation is organized and planned. Psychologists decide what
behavior to observe, when, and how. For example, in a classroom study, the
observer may focus on interactions between students rather than their facial
expressions.
2. Objective: Personal feelings or opinions of the observer should not influence the
recording. For instance, if a student appears nervous, the observer notes it as
“student avoided eye contact” rather than saying “student is shy,” which is a
subjective judgment.
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3. Purposeful: Observation is always done to answer a research question. You don’t
just watch randomly; you have a reason. For example, a psychologist may want to
know how children share toys in a daycare setting.
4. Direct and Indirect:
o Direct observation: Watching behavior as it happens. For example, a
psychologist watches children during playtime.
o Indirect observation: Studying traces of behavior after it has occurred, like
looking at footprints in sand or checking diaries, social media posts, or
reports.
5. Recording: Observers often use checklists, rating scales, audio/video recording,
or notes to ensure data is accurately captured.
2. Types of Observation in Psychology
Observation can be classified in many ways depending on the setting, structure, or
involvement of the observer.
A. Based on Setting
1. Naturalistic Observation
This is when behavior is observed in its natural environment without
interference. For example, watching children in a playground to study social
interactions. The advantage is that behavior is natural, but the observer has little
control over variables.
2. Controlled Observation
Here, the observer sets up a situation or environment to study behavior. For
instance, a lab experiment where participants are asked to solve a puzzle while
being observed. This allows more control, but behavior may be influenced
because people know they are being watched (observer effect).
B. Based on Observer’s Participation
1. Participant Observation
The observer becomes part of the group being studied. For example, a
psychologist joins a classroom or a club to observe how members interact. This
helps in gaining insider knowledge but may reduce objectivity.
2. Non-Participant Observation
The observer remains a bystander and does not interfere with the environment.
For example, sitting in a classroom quietly while recording interactions. This
ensures objectivity but limits understanding of internal motivations.
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C. Based on Structure
1. Structured Observation
The observer knows exactly what behavior to look for and uses tools like
checklists or rating scales. Example: Recording how many times a child shares a
toy in 10 minutes.
2. Unstructured Observation
The observer records all behaviors without pre-decided criteria. It is flexible and
exploratory but can be overwhelming and subjective.
D. Other Types
1. Overt Observation: The subjects know they are being observed.
2. Covert Observation: The subjects do not know they are being observed. This
reduces the risk of altered behavior but raises ethical concerns.
3. Steps in the Observation Method
To make observation scientific, psychologists follow these steps:
1. Define the Problem: What behavior are you interested in? For example, a
researcher may study aggression in teenagers.
2. Select Setting and Type: Decide where and how observation will take place. Will
it be naturalistic or controlled?
3. Choose Observation Type: Decide whether to participate or not, and whether it
will be structured or unstructured.
4. Prepare Tools: Prepare checklists, rating scales, or recording devices.
5. Conduct Observation: Watch carefully and record systematically.
6. Analyze Data: Convert observations into meaningful information. For example,
calculate how many times a child exhibits aggressive behavior.
7. Report Findings: Present results in a clear and objective manner. This may
include tables, charts, or written descriptions.
4. Advantages of Observation Method
1. Real Behavior: Observation captures actual behavior rather than relying on what
people say they do.
2. Flexibility: Both structured and unstructured forms allow for diverse research
questions.
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3. Useful for Non-Verbal Subjects: Works well for children, animals, or people who
cannot communicate effectively.
4. Long-Term Observation: Behavior over time can be tracked, revealing patterns
that short-term studies may miss.
5. Limitations of Observation Method
1. Observer Bias: Observers may interpret behavior according to their expectations.
2. Time-Consuming: Requires patience and long periods of careful watching.
3. Ethical Concerns: Covert observation can invade privacy.
4. Limited Control: In naturalistic observation, many external factors may influence
behavior.
5. Observer Effect: People may behave differently when they know they are being
watched.
6. Applications of Observation Method
Observation is not just theoretical; it has practical applications in psychology:
1. Child Development: Observing children in classrooms or playgrounds helps
understand social, emotional, and cognitive development.
2. Clinical Psychology: Observing patients helps diagnose disorders like autism,
ADHD, or anxiety.
3. Educational Psychology: Teachers and psychologists observe students to improve
teaching methods and learning outcomes.
4. Workplace Psychology: Observing employees’ behavior improves productivity,
team dynamics, and job satisfaction.
5. Animal Behavior Studies: Observation helps understand instincts, learning, and
social patterns in animals.
6. Health Psychology: Observing patient habits, such as eating or exercise patterns,
helps develop interventions.
7. Tips for Effective Observation
1. Be Objective: Avoid interpreting behavior too quickly. Record facts.
2. Use Technology: Video recording can help capture behavior accurately.
3. Be Patient: Some behaviors take time to appear naturally.
4. Minimize Interference: Try to be unobtrusive to reduce observer effect.
5. Plan and Organize: Structured observation ensures clear, usable data.
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Conclusion
Observation is like being a detective in the world of human behavior. Instead of
guessing, psychologists watch, note, and analyze actions to uncover patterns and
understand the mind. Whether it’s a child learning to share toys, a patient showing signs
of stress, or an employee working in a team, the observation method is essential in
revealing behavior as it truly occurs.
It combines art and science: the art of watching keenly, and the science of recording and
analyzing objectively. With careful planning, ethical consideration, and systematic
recording, observation helps psychology fulfill its ultimate goal: understanding human
behavior in the most accurate and meaningful way.
In short, if psychology is a storybook of human behavior, observation is the magnifying
glass that allows us to read the tiniest details, patterns, and mysteries hidden in
everyday actions.
2. 󷄧󼿒 Schools of Psychology – Psychoanalysis, Functionalism, Behaviourism – (4 times
combined)
o 2021 – Psycho-Analysis, Functionalism
o 2023 – Behaviourism School
o Pattern: Every alternate year, GNDU includes one major school of psychology.
󹻦󹻧 Very High Probability (100%) – Expect “Behaviourism” or
“Psychoanalysis” in 2025.
Ans: 󷈷󷈸󷈹󷈺󷈻󷈼 Schools of Psychology – Psychoanalysis, Functionalism, Behaviourism
󷊆󷊇 1. Psychoanalysis – The Voice of the Unconscious
The Story
It is Vienna, late 19th century. A doctor named Sigmund Freud is treating patients who
suffer from strange symptoms—paralysis without injury, fears without cause, dreams
that seem too meaningful. Freud begins to suspect that beneath our conscious mind lies
a hidden world—the unconscious—where desires, fears, and memories live.
He calls his method psychoanalysis, and it becomes one of the most influential schools
of psychology.
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Key Ideas
1. Unconscious Mind: Much of our behavior is driven by hidden desires and
repressed memories.
2. Structure of Personality: Freud divided the mind into Id (instincts), Ego (reality),
and Superego (morality).
3. Dreams as Windows: Dreams reveal unconscious wishes.
4. Childhood Experiences: Early childhood shapes adult personality.
Example
A person afraid of dogs may not just dislike animals—it could be linked to a forgotten
childhood trauma.
Analogy: Psychoanalysis is like an archaeologist digging beneath the surface of the mind
to uncover buried treasures and fears.
󷊋󷊊 2. Functionalism – The Voice of Adaptation
The Story
Now we travel to America in the late 19th century. Psychologists here are less interested
in hidden desires and more in how the mind helps us survive and adapt.
The leader of this school is William James, often called the “Father of American
Psychology.” He believed psychology should study the functions of the mind, not just its
structure.
Key Ideas
1. Mind as a Tool: The mind evolved to help us adapt to our environment.
2. Practical Focus: Instead of asking “What is the mind made of?” functionalists
asked, “What does the mind do?”
3. Influence of Darwin: Inspired by evolutionary theory, they saw mental processes
as survival tools.
4. Education and Society: Functionalism influenced teaching methods, workplace
psychology, and applied fields.
Example
When you feel fear while crossing a busy road, that emotion is not random—it helps you
survive by making you cautious.
Analogy: Functionalism sees the mind as a Swiss Army knife—every thought and
emotion has a function that helps us live better.
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󷈷󷈸󷈹󷈺󷈻󷈼 3. Behaviourism – The Voice of Observation
The Story
Fast forward to the early 20th century. Psychologists are frustrated with theories about
the unconscious or vague talk about “functions.” They want psychology to be as
scientific as physics or chemistry.
Enter John B. Watson, later joined by B.F. Skinner. They declare: “Psychology must
study only what can be seen and measured—behavior.”
Thus was born Behaviourism.
Key Ideas
1. Focus on Observable Behavior: Forget the mind—study actions.
2. Learning through Conditioning:
o Classical Conditioning (Pavlov): Dogs salivating at a bell.
o Operant Conditioning (Skinner): Behavior shaped by rewards and
punishments.
3. Environment Shapes Us: Human beings are products of their environment and
experiences.
4. Scientific Method: Psychology should rely on experiments and measurable
results.
Example
A child learns to say “thank you” not because of inner morality, but because parents
reward polite behavior.
Analogy: Behaviourism sees humans like clay—environmental experiences mold us into
shape.
󹵍󹵉󹵎󹵏󹵐 Comparative Table – Psychoanalysis, Functionalism, Behaviourism
Aspect
Psychoanalysis
(Freud)
Behaviourism
(Watson, Skinner)
Focus
Unconscious mind,
hidden desires
Observable behavior,
learning
Method
Case studies, dream
analysis
Experiments,
conditioning
View of
Human
Nature
Driven by instincts
and conflicts
Shaped by
environment
Example
Phobias from
childhood trauma
Child learns manners
by reward
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󺄄󺄅󺄌󺄆󺄇󺄈󺄉󺄊󺄋󺄍 Diagrammatic Flow
Code
Psychoanalysis → Unconscious drives → Behavior explained by hidden forces
Functionalism → Mind’s functions → Behavior explained by adaptation
Behaviourism → Observable actions → Behavior explained by environment
󷈷󷈸󷈹󷈺󷈻󷈼 Significance of These Schools
1. Psychoanalysis:
o Opened the door to psychotherapy and counseling.
o Highlighted the importance of childhood and unconscious processes.
2. Functionalism:
o Made psychology practical and applied.
o Influenced education, workplace psychology, and applied sciences.
3. Behaviourism:
o Made psychology scientific and experimental.
o Influenced teaching, therapy, and behavior modification techniques.
󷈷󷈸󷈹󷈺󷈻󷈼 Criticisms
• Psychoanalysis: Too subjective, unscientific.
• Functionalism: Lacked precise methods, eventually merged into applied
psychology.
• Behaviourism: Ignored thoughts, emotions, and creativity.
󷊋󷊊 Wrapping the Story
So, the story of Psychoanalysis, Functionalism, and Behaviourism is like listening to
three storytellers:
• Freud whispers: “Look inside, the unconscious rules you.”
• William James says: “Look at how the mind helps you live and adapt.”
• Watson and Skinner shout: “Forget the mind—watch the behavior!”
Together, they shaped psychology into a rich discipline—part philosophy, part science,
part therapy.
Final Analogy: If the human being is a play—
• Psychoanalysis studies the hidden script.
• Functionalism studies the purpose of each scene.
• Behaviourism studies the actors’ actions on stage.
Only when we combine all three do we get the full drama of human life.
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