BANGALORE SAHODAYA SCHOOLS COMPLEX ASSOCIATION (BSSCA)

PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION 2023-2024

Set B

Date: 11/12/2023 Max. Marks: 70

Subject: PSYCHOLOGY Time: 3 Hrs

General Instructions:
i. All questions are compulsory except where internal choice has been given.
ii. Question Nos. 1 -15 in Section A carry 1 mark each. You are expected to answer them as directed
iii. Question Nos. 16-21 in Section B are Very Short Answer Type-I questions carrying 2 marks each.
Answer to each question should not exceed 30 words.
iv. Question Nos. 22-24 in Section C are Short Answer Questions Type-II carrying 3 marks each.
Answer to each question should not exceed 60 words.
v. Question Nos. 25 - 28 in Section D are Long Answer Type I questions carrying 4 marks each.
Answer to each question should not exceed 120 words.
vi. Question No. 29 -30 in Section E is a Long Answer Type II question carrying 6 marks. Answer to
this question should not exceed 200 words.
vii. Question Nos. 31 – 34 in Section F are based on two cases given. Answer to each 1-mark question
should not exceed 20 words. Answer to each 2 marks question should not exceed 30 words.

SECTION A

1. In Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence, the experiential sub theory refers to:
a. internal mechanisms that underlie intelligent behaviour.
b. cognitive self-motivation and organisation skills.
c. metacomponents, performance components and knowledge-acquisition components.
d. how experience interacts with intelligence in terms of the individual's internal world, and the external
world.
Answer: how experience interacts with intelligence in terms of the individual's internal world, and
the external world.

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 2. Spearmen used factor analysis to ascertain his theory of intelligence. What are the factors proposed
by him?
i. Emotional abilities
ii. General intelligence.
iii. Visual ability
iv. Specific intelligence
a. ii, iii
b. i, ii
c. i, iii
d. ii, iv
Answer: d. ii,iv.

3. Anjali is having a conversation with her best friend. She is revealing how she sees herself and
includes her attributes, characteristics and qualities. Anjali is revealing information about her
_________.
a. Self efficacy
b. Self control
c. Self esteem
d. Self concept
Answer: d. Self concept

4. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity is important in the defence against various infections and cancer. ______
can affect it.
a. strain
b. stress
c. burnout
d. psychoneuroimmunology
Answer: b. Stress
5. Mita has been denied a promotion at work. She felt that her efforts went unrecognized. She believed
her manager didn’t put it enough effort to push her case, which further resulted in her not concentrating
on her job, making more errors and eventually losing her job. The above signs are exhibiting ________
effect of stress.
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a. Emotional
b. Cognitive
c. Physiological
d. Behavioral
Answer: b. Cognitive
6. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read
the statements and choose the correct option. Assertion (A): Psychological Stress is the stress that we
generate for ourselves in our minds.
Reason (R): These psychological stresses do not have any impact on our physiological being.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true
Answer: c. A is true but R is false
7. Shanta has been feeling very sad since her husband died 12 days ago. She has eaten very little, and has
difficulty sleeping. She is weepy most of the time. Shanta is preoccupied with thoughts of her dead
husband and does not want to do much other than thinking about him. She has declined all invitations by
friends and spends most of her time alone. Identify her disorder.
i. Depression
ii. Separation anxiety disorder
iii. PTSD
iv. No disorder, just a natural response to the death of a loved one
a.i and ii
b. only iv
c. only ii
d.i and iii
Answer.: b. only iv

8. You see Hansa (age 24) in the emergency room of a hospital where her parents have brought her for
an evaluation. They are worried because she is giving away all her possessions and says she is planning
to move to Gokarna so she can "save the world." Her parents say that she has hardly been sleeping at all,
but she seems very energetic. They say she has appeared to be "in a frenzy" lately. When you interview
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Hansa you notice that she speaks very rapidly. It is hard to get her to be quiet long enough for you to ask
questions. She seems agitated, and has difficulty sitting still. Identify the disorder.
a. Bipolar
b. Depression
c. GAD
d. Delusional disorder
Answer: a. Bipolar

9. Which of the following statements are not true about the diathesis-stress model?
i. A vulnerability factor and the presence of a pathogenic stressor results in psychological disorder.
ii. The presence of biological aberration is enough to develop a psychological disorder.
iii. The presence of only pathogenic stressors may lead to psychopathology.
iv. The diathesis and the stressor lead to the development of a psychological disorder.
a. i and ii
b. ii and iii
c. iii and iv
d. i and iv
Answer: b. ii and iii

10. Tanya is seeing Dr. Kumar to help her deal with her social phobia. Early in treatment, they built 15
steps leading from low anxiety to high anxiety scenarios. The approach Dr. Kumar is using is called
a. Systematic desensitization
b. Negative reinforcement
c. Differential reinforcement
d. Modelling
Answer: a. Systematic desensitization
11. The complexity of an attitude reflects:
a. A person’s degree of negative or positive feelings about an object.
b. Whether an attitude is positive or negative towards an attitude object.
c. The extent to which an attitude would influence the other attitudes in the system.
d. The attitude’s resistance to change.
Answer: c. The extent to which an attitude would influence the other attitudes in the system.

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12. Sachin believes one should always be honest, because honesty is the best policy. This is an example
of:
a. Belief
b. Cognition
c. Value
d. Stereotype
Answer: c. Value.
13. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Read the statements and choose the correct option. Assertion (A): According to balance theory, two
elements of an attitude system must be in the same direction.
Reason (R): An attitude system requires logical consistency else it will lead to ‘mental discomfort’.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true
Answer: a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
14. Groupthink can be combatted in which of the following ways?
a. A team leader could withhold his/her viewpoint during team discussions
b. The devil’s advocate role could be assigned to a specific team member
c. Team members could engage in cohesiveness building training
d. Both A and B
Answer: d. Both A and B
15. Which of the following is a feature of a primary group?
a. Has a major role in developing the values and ideals.
b. relationships are impersonal and less frequent.
c. The formation is based on certain rules.
d. Members have similar traits.
Answer: a. Has a major role in developing the values and ideals.

Section B

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16. (i)How did Arthur Jensen explain the concept of intelligence?

Answer: Arthur Jensen proposed the hierarchical model of intelligence. He said that intelligence
consists of abilities operating at 2 levels. Level 1 (associative learning) and level 2 (cognitive
competence). (Brief explanation of the two levels) (1+1=2)

OR

(ii)State the difference between aptitude and interest.

Answer: Aptitude refers to special abilities in a particular field of activity. Interest is a preference for a
particular activity. Aptitude is the potential to perform that activity. (or any other relevant explanation)
(1+1=2)

17. Analysis of lives of great people can be highly illuminating for those willing to learn from their life
experiences. Critically evaluate the assessment method that will be used here.

Answer: Case study is an in- depth study of the individual in terms of his/her psychological attributes,
psychological history in the context of his/her psychosocial and physical environment. (mention 1
advantage and 1 limitation). (1+0.5+0.5=2)

18. ‘Various attributes used for identification tell others about ones personal and social identities’.
Justify this statement with the help of an example.

Answer: Personal identity refers to those attributes of a person that make her/him different from others.
When a person describes herself/himself by telling her/his name (e.g., I am Sanjana or Karim), Social
identity refers to those aspects of a person that link her/him to a social or cultural group or are derived
from it. When someone says that s/he is a Hindu or a Muslim, a Brahmin or an adivasi or a North
Indian or a South Indian. (1+1=2)

19. Reena is 5 years old, she cries when she is dropped to school. Identify the disorder and its
symptom.

Answer: Reena is experiencing separation anxiety. Children with SAD may have difficulty being in a
room by themselves, going to school alone, are fearful of entering new situations, and cling to and
shadow their parents’ every move. To avoid separation, children with SAD may fuss, scream, throw
severe tantrums, or make suicidal gestures. (1+1=2)
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20. Imagine the following situation: ‘You are part of the football team at school, but haven’t won a
single match the entire year’. Using Ellis’ framework, suggest two contrasting interpretations and their
consequences.

Answer: Interpretation 1 Antecedent-Belief -we aren’t winning because I am not giving it my best. I am
pulling my team down, I should stop playing - sadness

Interpretation 2 Antecedent-Belief-Consequence – we aren’t winning cause our team isn’t coordinating

well, if we practice more we will surely perform better -Determination to improve

Any similar contrasting examples. (1+1=2)

21. Ivaan wants to buy a new laptop, while talking about it to his friends he did not pay heed to their
advice of the suitable configuration, brand etc. But one day when he heard his fathers friend ( a
software engineer) advocating a particular brand and highlighting a suitable configuration for laptops
for home use, he immediately told his parents which laptop he wanted. Identify the characteristics of
the source that brought about the attitude change.

Answer: Credibility. The credibility of an engineer recommending a particular laptop, aided in the
purchase of the laptop. (1+1=2 mark)

Section C

22.(i) Shamin is a tedX speaker, he shares his views and philosophies on aspects of ethics and its
importance in todays world. He possesses a particular type of intelligence as explained by Howard
Gardner. Identify the intelligence and give reasons for your answer.

Answer: Intrapersonal intelligence- an ability to understand one's own feelings, motives, and desires):
This is because Shamin has the knowledge of his internal strengths and limitations and uses that
knowledge to effectively relate to others. Such people are high in this ability and have finer sensibilities
regarding their identity, human existence, and meaning of life. (1+1+1=3 marks)

OR

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(ii)Zarin is called the C.V. Raman in his batch for not only his excellence in academics but his ability to
think analytically and solve complex problems with ease. With respect to Robert Sternberg's theory,
which type of intelligence does Zarin possess? Explain this type of intelligence.

Answer: Zarin possesses componential or analytical intelligence. It is the analysis of information to

solve problems. This intelligence has three components
1. Knowledge acquisition component, which is responsible for learning and acquisition of the ways of
doing things.
2. Meta or a higher order component, which involves planning concerning what to do and how to do.
3. Performance component, which involves actually doing things. (Any two sub-components to be
explained.) (1+2=3 marks)
23. Describe the sources of stress.

Answer: Life events, traumatic events and hassles. (explanation of all three) (1+1+1=3)

24. Physiological health is measured using various standardized tests/scans etc. Similarly, classification
of psychological disorders is important in society. Justify the statement and explain the two
classification schemes.

Answer: Classifications are useful because they enable psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers
–

● to communicate with each other about the disorder

● to help in understanding the causes

● to know the processes involved in their development and maintenance.

DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) classifies
various kinds of psychological disorders on the basis of discrete clinical criteria which indicate the
presence or absence of disorders.

ICD-International Classification of Behavioral and Mental Disorders prepared by WHO For each
disorder, a description of the main clinical features or symptoms, and of other associated features
including diagnostic guidelines is provided in this scheme. (1+1+1= 3)

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 Section D

25. Kyna and Kyra are identical twins. They were separated early in childhood. While Megan and
Madeline are also identical twins, the were reared together. Will both the pairs of twins show
similarities in their intellectual characteristics? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: Explain with reference to Kyna and Kyra The evidence for hereditary influences on
intelligence comes mainly from studies on twins and adopted children. The intelligence of identical
twins reared together correlates almost 0.90. The intelligence of identical twins reared in different
environments correlated 0.72. Environmental deprivation lowers intelligence while rich nutrition, good
family background, and quality schooling increases intelligence. There is a general consensus among
psychologists that intelligence is a product of complex interaction of heredity (nature) and environment
(nurture).

26. Danish’s goal is to do exceedingly well in his upcoming entrance exams and is trying to prepare for
the same. During the festivities, he made sure he woke up early and studied for specific hours and also
kept a watch on utilizing his breaks to the optimum. Identify and explain the aspect of self that Danish
is exhibiting. Suggest any three techniques he can apply to further achieve his goal.

Answer: Danish is exhibiting Self-control/Self-regulation. Learning to delay or defer the gratification

of needs. (1) A number of psychological techniques of self-control have also been suggested. a.
Observation of one's own behavior is one of them. This provides us with the necessary information that
may be used to change, modify, or strengthen certain aspects of self. b. Self-instruction is another
important technique. We often instruct ourselves to do something and behave as we want. Such
instructions are quite effective in self-regulation. c. Self-Reinforcement is the third technique. This
involves rewarding behaviors that have pleasant outcomes. (1+3=4)

27. The process of psychotherapy rests heavily on the relationship between the therapist and the client.
Describe the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
Answer:
1. The special relationship between the client and the therapist.
2. It is a permanent and lasting relationship.
3. Two major components- contractual nature; limited duration of the therapy.
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4. Trusting and confiding relationship. The therapist encourages this by being accepting, empathic,
genuine and warm to the client; s/he is not judging the client even if the client is rude or confides all the
‘wrong’ things. This is the unconditional positive regard which the therapist has for the client.
5. The therapist has empathy for the client - understanding things from the other person’s perspective.
Empathy enriches the therapeutic relationship and transforms it into a healing relationship.
6. The therapeutic alliance also requires that the therapist must keep strict confidentiality. The therapist
must not exploit the trust and the confidence of the client.
7. Finally, it is a professional relationship, and must remain so. Any four points (1+1+1+1=4)

28.(i) Members of the newly elected student council at a school are working together to develop a plan
for the year ahead. After some initial conflict, the group started to work together and became unified.
Now the group is very productive and the group goal is in the process of being achieved. Identify the
stage of group formation that the group has presently reached. Explain the stages that the group has
passed through to reach the present stage.
Answer: The group is in the performing stage of group formation. The group has passed through
Tuckman's developmental sequences. These are forming, storming, norming, performing and if the
group disbands then adjourning. (Brief explanation of the stages) (1+3=4)
OR
(ii)The members of the student council were asked to put up an assembly for independence day.
However, it was brought to the notice of the teacher in charge that not everyone was participating and
putting in effort. Identify and explain the phenomenon being described above and give reasons why
this occurs.
Answer: Social loafing. A participant puts in less effort as the group size increases. • Group members
feel less responsible for the overall task being performed and therefore exert less effort. • Motivation
of members decreases because they realize that their contributions will not be evaluated on an
individual basis. • The performance of the group is not to be compared with other groups. • There is
improper coordination (or no coordination) among members. • Belonging to the same group is not
important for members. It is only an aggregate of individuals. (Any three points) (1+3=4)

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 Section E

29.(i) ) What is personality? Describe Erich Fromm and Erick Erikson’s approach to understanding
personality.

Answer. Personality refers to our characteristic ways of responding to individuals and situation. Erich
Fromm : The Human Concerns In contrast to Freud’s biological orientation, Fromm developed his
theory from a social orientation. He viewed human beings as basically social beings who could be
understood in terms of their relationship with others. He argued that psychological qualities such as
growth and realisation of potentials resulted from a desire for freedom, and striving for justice and
truth. Fromm holds that character traits (personality) develop from our experiences with other
individuals. While culture is shaped by the mode of existence of a given society, people’s dominant
character traits in a given society work as forces in shaping the social processes and the culture itself.
His work recognises the value of positive qualities, such as tenderness and love in personality
development. Erik Erikson : Search for Identity Erikson’s theory lays stress on rational, conscious
ego processes in personality development. In his theory, development is viewed as a lifelong process,
and ego identity is granted a central place in this process. His concept of identity crisis of adolescent
age has drawn considerable attention. Erikson argues that young people must generate for themselves
a central perspective and a direction that can give them a meaningful sense of unity and purpose
(2+2+2=6)

OR

(ii) How does behavioural analysis help in assessing personality? Explain in detail.
Answer: A person’s behaviour in a variety of situations can provide meaningful information about
her/his personality. Observation of behaviour serves as the basis of behavioural analysis. An
observer’s report may contain data obtained from interview, observation, ratings, nomination, and
situational tests. (1+1+1+1+1+1=6)

30. (i) Somatic symptom and related disorders are conditions in which there are physical symptoms in
the absence of physical disease. Briefly explain its various types with the help of examples

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Answer: Somatic symptom and related disorders are conditions in which there are physical symptoms
in the absence of physical disease Types-  somatic symptom disorder  Conversion disorder  Illness
anxiety disorder. (2+2+2=6)

OR

(ii)Describe the behavioral model and the cognitive model used to explain mental disorders.
Substantiate with an example

Answer: The Behavioral Model-learning maladaptive ways of behaving. Learned through

conditioning; what has been learned can be unlearned. The Cognitive Model- Irrational beliefs, think
in illogical ways and make overgeneralizations. (3+3 = 6)

Section F

Read the case and answer the questions that follow.

'My Story about Work-related Stress'
Looking back on my life, I recognize that I have always struggled with anxiety-in relationships,
friendships or at work. However, I misunderstood those feelings for a long time, thinking that my
hyper vigilance was a positive thing which made me more productive and in-tune with others. I
remember a badge I bought for myself in my early 20s which I had on my desk at work. It said “I
thrive on stress. Please hassle me.” I was always on the go, feeling like I had an edge that motivated
me. The truth was that I felt anxious almost all the time. I worked in the same organization for over
20 years. I loved managing my small team of staff and felt that I thrived on the stress of work. I was
in a job which I perceived to be rewarding and stressful in equal measure. I was the problem solver,
the one to volunteer for any task. I worked extra hours and felt a great sense of responsibility in my
role. However, in early 2012, I began to struggle to manage the stress of my job. Thoughts and
worries about work seeped into every part of my life. I would wake up at night with palpitations,
worrying about a task I had not completed, or trying to remember if I had sent an urgent email. I
found that my mind wandered to work whilst I was spending time with my family. I withdrew from
friends as I didn’t have the headspace to switch off and relax.
31. “I thrive on stress. Please hassle me.” Explain the type of stress being referred to here.
Answer: Eustress is the term used to describe the level of stress that is good for you and is one of a
person’s best assets for achieving peak performance and managing minor crises.

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32 “Thoughts and worries about work seeped into every part of my life. I would wake up at night
with palpitations, worrying about a task I had not completed, or trying to remember if I had sent an
urgent email. I found that my mind wandered to work whilst I was spending time with my family.”
Suggest and explain two stress management techniques that the writer could use.
Answer: (Explanation of any two of the following)
● Relaxation Techniques
● Meditation Procedures
● Biofeedback
● Creative Visualization
● Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
● Exercise Page
Read the case and answer the questions that follow.
The Pygmalion effect, or Rosenthal effect, is a psychological phenomenon in which high expectations
lead to improved performance in a given area. The hypothesis was that expectations can influence
performance. Robert Rosenthal chose an elementary school in California for his study and having
tested all the children’s IQ, the researchers selected a sample of children at random. He informed the
teachers that these were children of high academic potential. Following the test, the teachers were
given the names of the ‘intellectual bloomers,’ but no scores were disclosed. At the end of the school
year, all the students retook the test. While the overall scores had risen, the so called ‘intellectual
bloomers’ had improved the most because of the teachers' efforts and the attention they got from
them. The evidence seemed to indicate that the teachers’ expectations had an impact on the student
outcomes, especially in the younger students. A similar process works in the opposite direction in the
case of low expectations. The idea of the Pygmalion effect can be applied in many situations. Our
beliefs about others can lead us to treat them in such a way that they subsequently start behaving in
accordance with our beliefs.
33. Identify and explain the source of prejudice which leads students to perform poorly. Answer:
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy-Brief explanation. The target group may behave in ways that justify the
prejudice. (½ +½ = 1)
34 Explain the cognitive and behavioral components of the teachers’ attitude towards the ‘intellectual
bloomers’ in the Rosenthal study.
Answer: Cognitive component- Teachers’ expectations and belief that the students are highly
intelligent and can understand easily. Behavioral components- the teachers’ attention and effort.

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