PMS Syllabus for the Subject of Psychology Papers

• 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

1. Different Types of Learning:
2. Classical Conditioning
3. Operant Conditioning
4. Observational Learning

• Memory

1. Short Term and Long Term memory
2. Information Processing Theory
3. Encoding, Storage and Retrieval
4. Forgetting

• Intelligence

1. Extremes of Intelligence: Mental Retardation and Giftedness
2. Theories of Intelligence
3. 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

Total Marks: 100

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