ISC Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025 with Solutions

SECTION A - 14 MARKS

Question 1

(i) Name the stage of crisis in Psychosocial Development, when one attempts to maintain their sense of dignity as they become a senior citizen and feel worthless if they fail to maintain it. [1 Mark]

Answer: Integrity Vs Despair

Teacher's Note:
a) This stage is the final stage of Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, occurring during old age.
b) Ensure you mention both poles of the crisis (Integrity versus Despair) accurately as named by Erikson.

(ii) Illustrate a subtype of schizophrenia in which individuals have an irrational and persistent feeling that someone is going to harm them. [1 Mark]

Answer: Paranoid Schizophrenia

Teacher's Note:
a) Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized predominantly by well-systematized delusions of persecution or harm.
b) Students should be careful to specify the exact subtype rather than just describing the general symptoms of schizophrenia.

(iii) Observe the image shown below and identify the stage of cognitive development. [1 Mark]
[Figure: An infant sitting on the floor reaching for and exploring objects, with a mirror reflection nearby, demonstrating sensorimotor interaction with the environment.]

Answer: Sensorimotor

Teacher's Note:
a) The sensorimotor stage spans from birth to about 2 years according to Piaget's theory.
b) Recognition of visual cues indicating object manipulation and sensory exploration is key to identifying this stage.

(iv) Rajeshwari wears T-shirt and jeans on her first day to work. She notices that her colleagues wear formal clothes. Although no one tells her to do so, she feels the need to dress up formally to avoid appearing different from the rest.
What type of social influence is exhibited in the above scenario? [1 Mark]

Answer: Conformity

Teacher's Note:
a) Conformity refers to adjusting one's behavior to align with group norms or expectations without explicit commands.
b) Distinguish clearly between conformity, compliance, and obedience based on whether explicit pressure or perceived social norms are present.

(v) As part of the Student Council, you are organising a campaign on promoting awareness among students on substance abuse. Indicate any one way of persuasion that you will use to bring a positive attitudinal change among the students. [1 Mark]

Answer: Will organise a session with an expert in this field as experts are more persuasive than the non-experts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Credibility and expertise of the communicator significantly enhance the effectiveness of a persuasive message.
b) Any valid persuasive technique such as using emotional appeal, credible speakers, or interactive workshops is acceptable.

(vi) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: The id, ego, and superego constitute the three components of Freud’s Structural Model of Personality.
Reason: Each component operates independently and does not influence the functioning of others. [1 Mark]
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Answer: (c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.

The id, ego, and superego interact constantly and influence each other in determining human behavior.

Teacher's Note:
a) Freud's structural model emphasizes dynamic interaction and constant conflict among the three mental structures.
b) Read the reason carefully; claiming they operate independently contradicts psychoanalytic theory.

(vii) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: Individuals with good academic abilities may not be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with their families and friends.
Reason: Such individuals possess a high level of intelligence quotient but have low emotional intelligence. [1 Mark]
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Answer: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

High IQ does not guarantee high EQ, which is essential for managing relationships.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emotional intelligence governs empathy and interpersonal dynamics, which are distinct from academic intelligence.
b) High academic success can sometimes coexist with deficits in social and emotional competencies.

(viii) State whether the following is True or False.
As a counselling skill, paraphrasing involves a verbatim repetition of what the client says to ensure accurate understanding and agreement on the part of the counsellor. [1 Mark]

Answer: True

Teacher's Note:
a) Paraphrasing helps the client know that the counsellor is actively listening and accurately grasping the core message.
b) Note that paraphrasing involves restating the client's words in the counsellor's own words rather than mere parroting.

(ix) Study the relation between the first two words and then fill in the fourth word.
Choleric: Hippocrates :: Mesomorphic : _____________ [1 Mark]

Answer: Sheldon

Teacher's Note:
a) Hippocrates classified personality types based on humors, while William Sheldon classified personality types based on somatotypes (body builds).

b) Always check the underlying theoretical classification system when solving analogy questions in psychology.

(x) Study the relation between the first two words and then fill in the fourth word.
Good boy-Good girl orientation: Conventional level :: Universal ethical principle orientation:____________ [1 Mark]

Answer: Post-conventional level

Teacher's Note:
a) Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development categorize universal ethical principles under the post-conventional level.
b) Memorize the specific stages under Pre-conventional, Conventional, and Post-conventional levels of moral reasoning.

(xi) Exosystem is an ecological system in which the individual does not directly experience an event or a situation, but the situation still has an influence on their life.
Which one of the following scenarios is the correct example of this term? [1 Mark]
(a) Seema works in a competitive corporate environment. Due to the strict workplace policies and stress levels, she is not able to spend enough time with her teenage daughter which influences her daughter’s wellbeing.
(b) Arif’s parents meet his class teacher at the Parent Teacher Meeting. The teacher praises him for his good academic results which makes Arif extremely happy.
(c) Sophia looks forward to Christmas as she enjoys celebrating with her cousins, aunts and uncles. They go for outings and spend time together as a family.
(d) Harsimran had applied for an undergraduate course in an Engineering college of his choice and got the admission. He is excited and looking forward to this new phase in his life.

Answer: (a) Seema works in a competitive corporate environment. Due to the strict workplace policies and stress levels, she is not able to spend enough time with her teenage daughter which influences her daughter’s wellbeing.

The mother's workplace is an exosystem setting that indirectly impacts the child.

Teacher's Note:
a) Urie Bronfenbrenner's exosystem involves settings that do not contain the individual directly but affect their immediate environment.
b) Analyze whether the person directly participates in the setting or is impacted indirectly through intermediate contexts.

(xii) In the Five Factor Model of Personality, which one of the following focuses on an individual’s ability in organising, taking responsibility and being efficient? [1 Mark]
(a) Extraversion
(b) Agreeableness
(c) Conscientiousness
(d) Openness to Experience

Answer: (c) Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness measures goal-directed behavior, organization, and dependability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Recall the OCEAN acronym (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism) for the Big Five traits.
b) Traits like organization and reliability are primary markers of high conscientiousness.

(xiii) Ravi, aged ten years, displayed signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. His parents were advised by the counsellor to prepare a routine for Ravi. Every time he showed adaptive behaviour, he was awarded a golden star. Once he even earned twenty such stars and was allowed to exchange them for a chocolate of his choice.
Which one of the following therapies did the counsellor advise for Ravi? [1 Mark]
(a) Systematic desensitisation
(b) Token Economy
(c) Modelling
(d) Flooding

Answer: (b) Token Economy

Earning tokens (stars) to exchange for a reward is the hallmark of token economy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Token economy is a behavior modification technique based on operant conditioning principles.
b) Differentiate token economy from other behavioral therapies by looking for secondary reinforcers (tokens) that can be traded for primary rewards.

(xiv) Which of the following statements are correct about Rationalisation?
(P) It is an effective strategy to cope with stress and anxiety levels.
(Q) It enables individuals to protect their sense of self from unpleasant truths.
(R) It leads to self-deception in an individual.
(S) It allows for an expression of repressed desires and urges. [1 Mark]
(a) Only (P) and (Q)
(b) Only (R) and (S)
(c) Only (Q) and (R)
(d) Only (P) and (S)

Answer: (c) Only (Q) and (R)

Rationalisation involves creating false but plausible excuses to justify unacceptable behavior, leading to self-deception and protecting the self from unpleasant truths.

Teacher's Note:
a) Defense mechanisms distort reality to protect the ego from anxiety.
b) Statement P is incorrect because defense mechanisms are generally maladaptive coping strategies in the long run.

SECTION B - 28 MARKS

Question 2

(i) Kirti bought a birthday gift for her close friend, Soma. Soma did not like the gift but did not express this to Kirti. She thought that it would make Kirti feel bad. Instead, she told Kirti that it was very thoughtful of her to give her a gift.

(a) Describe the process used by Soma to change her own attitude. [2 Marks]

Answer: Soma used Cognitive Dissonance to change her own attitude. It is an unpleasant internal state that arises when individuals notice inconsistency between two or more attitudes or between their attitude and behaviour.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define cognitive dissonance clearly as a state of psychological tension resulting from conflicting cognitions.
b) Emphasize that the individual is motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing attitudes or behavior.

(b) Outline any two ways by which Soma changed her attitude. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Soma changed her attitude by convincing herself that it was thoughtful of Kirti to get her a gift, making her attitude and behavior more consistent with each other.
2. She focused on the positive aspects of the situation and used self-affirmation to reduce cognitive dissonance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Accept direct ways, indirect ways, or self-affirmation strategies related to cognitive dissonance reduction.
b) Ensure the explanation connects theoretical concepts directly to Soma's specific situation.

OR

(ii) Soham, a dedicated stay-at-home father, is often ridiculed by his family and friends who believe caregiving responsibilities fall on the woman as the wife. Despite his commitment and capabilities in managing household, Soham constantly faces prejudice due to these biases against men as house husbands and stay-at-home-fathers while the wife goes to work. This attitude of family and friends saddens him.

(a) Explain any two causes for the prejudice Soham is facing. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Social learning and cultural norms lead people to observe others and expect traditional gender roles, making them unable to accept Soham's deviation from the norm.
2. Stereotyping causes society to believe men should not be stay-at-home fathers as caregiving is traditionally viewed as a woman's role.

Teacher's Note:
a) Prejudice often stems from rigid cultural stereotypes and social learning.
b) Students must explicitly link the causes to gender roles and societal expectations.

(b) Suggest any two strategies for Soham to overcome this prejudice. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Soham should interact directly with his family and friends to develop mutual understanding and improve relationships.
2. He should educate himself and others on the existence of gender stereotypes and cultural biases.

Teacher's Note:
a) Intergroup contact and education are effective strategies to reduce prejudice.
b) Any relevant and constructive psychological approach to handling interpersonal bias is accepted.

Question 3

Sheetal aims to become a Forest Range Officer as she enjoys being amongst wildlife and wants to protect them from any harm.

(i) Identify the type of intelligence that Sheetal possesses. Which theory of Intelligence is being indicated here? [2 Marks]

Answer: Sheetal possesses Naturalistic intelligence. Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences is being indicated here.

Teacher's Note:
a) Naturalistic intelligence involves expertise in the recognition and classification of the numerous species of flora and fauna.
b) Always mention both the specific intelligence type and the corresponding theorist to secure full marks.

(ii) According to the above theory of Intelligence, enumerate any two types of intelligence, other than the one referred to above, and any two corresponding professions. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Verbal-Linguistic skills: The ability to think in words and use language to express meaning. Corresponding professions: Authors, Journalists.
2. Bodily-Kinesthetic skills: The ability to manipulate objects and be physically adept. Corresponding professions: Athletes, Dancers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Gardner's theory proposes multiple independent modalities of intelligence.
b) Ensure that the types and professions listed strictly exclude naturalistic intelligence.

Question 4

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow.
Mother Teresa believed that by loving and serving others, she would fulfill her mission of compassion for mankind. She reached out to the poor and the destitute in the community. She was understanding; she treated everyone with dignity and respected people who she interacted with and was loyal to the people of her fraternity. She is said to be fond of chocolates and ice cream.
(Source (edited): Mother Theresa's Mysterious Diet - A Sweet Tooth? February 2, 2022 By Sophia Smith)

(i) Keeping in view Allport's theory, identify and explain the most important trait in Mother Teresa. [2 Marks]

Answer: According to Gordon Allport's trait theory, the most important trait in Mother Teresa is her aim to be compassionate and to love and serve fellow humans. This is a cardinal trait, which is a generalized disposition so pervasive and dominant that virtually every act of the person is traceable to it.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cardinal traits are extremely rare and define an individual's entire life and personality.
b) Students must identify 'cardinal trait' and explain its characteristics based on Allport's model.

(ii) Relate the following traits of Mother Teresa to the traits given by Allport. [2 Marks]
(a) She was understanding; she treated everyone with dignity and respected people who she interacted with and was loyal to her fraternity.
(b) She is said to be fond of chocolates and ice cream.

Answer: (a) Central trait
(b) Secondary trait

Teacher's Note:
a) Central traits are foundational characteristics that form the core of an individual's personality.
b) Secondary traits are less consistent and peripheral preferences, such as food habits.

Question 5 [4 Marks]

High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common lifestyle diseases today worldwide. The fact that the younger population in India is being diagnosed with high blood pressure is very alarming. Majority of the population with high blood pressure simply pops a pill to control it.
Source (edited): www.freepressjournal.in
With reference to the above news extract, enumerate any four effective ways to reduce stress among the youth of India. [4 Marks]

Answer: 1. Practicing yoga and meditation to calm the mind and relax the body.
2. Engaging in regular physical exercise and maintaining a balanced diet.
3. Developing life skills and assertiveness to handle academic and social pressures effectively.
4. Adopting self-care practices and relaxation training techniques to lower physiological arousal.

Teacher's Note:
a) Stress management techniques help mitigate lifestyle disorders like hypertension among youth.
b) Ensure all four points are written as complete sentences as required by standard evaluation guidelines.

Question 6

(i) Aditi faces recurring periods of intense emotional swings. In some phases, she feels unusually energised, talks rapidly, and indulges in impulsive activities like excessive spending of money. At other times, she withdraws from social interactions, experiences deep sadness, and finds it challenging to focus or engage in daily activities.

(a) List the two stages of the psychological disorder displayed by Aditi. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Manic stage
2. Depression stage

Teacher's Note:
a) The symptoms describe Bipolar Mood Disorder, characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
b) State both phases clearly to secure full marks.

(b) Explain any two potential causes of this psychological disorder. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Biological factors, such as genetic predisposition, brain structure differences, or neurochemical imbalances.
2. Environmental and social stressors, including traumatic life events or chronic high stress.

Teacher's Note:
a) Psychological disorders typically arise from a biopsychosocial interaction.
b) Briefly explain how each factor contributes to the onset of bipolar disorder.

OR

(ii) "The onset of the disorder was gradual, but even today, I still remember the painful episode in my life. I had completed medical school with great success. It seemed as if my hard work had paid off and my dreams were realised. However, within two weeks thereafter, I was unable to complete my work in a timely fashion. I had trouble concentrating on even the simplest of tasks. I felt intense gloom and felt lonely even amongst my friends. I was unable to sleep and felt fatigued and worthless all the time. I remained slow, inefficient and disorganized."
Source(edited): https://www.massmed.org/Physician_Health_Services/Helping_Yourself_and_…

(a) Identify the psychological disorder indicated above. [1 Mark]

Answer: Severe Depression

Teacher's Note:
a) Persistent gloom, fatigue, insomnia, and worthlessness are classic clinical indicators of major depressive disorder.
b) Read case excerpts carefully to distinguish between unipolar depression and bipolar disorders.

(b) Specify any three ways by which Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) can be used to help the patient recover from the psychological disorder. [3 Marks]

Answer: 1. Identifying the Activating event (A) that triggers emotional distress in the patient.
2. Uncovering the irrational Beliefs (B) and negative thought patterns maintained by the patient regarding the event.
3. Challenging and disputing these irrational beliefs so that the emotional Consequence (C) changes from sadness to adaptive emotional responses.

Teacher's Note:
a) Albert Ellis developed RET based on the ABC framework to help patients replace irrational beliefs with rational cognitions.
b) Explain all three components (A, B, and C) clearly in sequence.

Question 7

Ananta, aged 8 years and her sister Rashmi aged 4 years, are given a set of objects like coloured marbles, toy animals and plastic fruits. They are asked to sort and classify these objects. Ananta can sort the objects based on colour, shape, and size easily. However, Rashmi cannot sort these objects based on their features.

(i) According to Piaget's theory, what stages of cognitive development are Ananta and Rashmi currently in? [2 Marks]

Answer: Ananta (aged 8 years) is in the Concrete Operational stage. Rashmi (aged 4 years) is in the Pre-operational stage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Children aged 7 to 11 years typically operate in Piaget's concrete operational stage.
b) Children aged 2 to 7 years operate in the pre-operational stage.

(ii) Contrast the stages of cognitive development of Ananta and Rashmi on any two bases. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Conservation: Pre-operational children (Rashmi) struggle with conservation, whereas concrete operational children (Ananta) grasp that quantity remains constant despite changes in appearance.
2. Seriation and Classification: Concrete operational children can successfully classify and arrange objects by multiple dimensions, whereas pre-operational children struggle with such systematic tasks.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide clear comparative points demonstrating the cognitive gains achieved in middle childhood.
b) Valid contrast bases include egocentrism, conservation, and seriation.

Question 8

Mohan follows a strict vegetarian diet and assumes that a majority of his friends and acquaintances prefer a vegetarian lifestyle. He overestimates the number of people who share the same dietary choice as him.

(i) Identify the bias shown by Mohan. [1 Mark]

Answer: False Consensus Effect

Teacher's Note:
a) The false consensus effect is a cognitive bias where people overestimate the extent to which others share their beliefs, behaviors, and preferences.
b) Ensure accurate naming of psychological attribution biases.

(ii) Describe any two biases, citing a suitable example for each. [3 Marks]

Answer: 1. Self-serving bias: A cognitive bias where individuals attribute positive events to their own character or abilities, while attributing negative events to external factors. Example: A student claiming getting an 'A' grade is due to their brilliance, but blaming a poor grade on a tough teacher.
2. Motivated scepticism: A bias where individuals are more critical and sceptical of information that contradicts their existing beliefs. Example: Rejecting scientific data about climate change because it contradicts personal political beliefs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Full marks require both a clear psychological description and a valid supporting example for each bias.
b) Examples must clearly illustrate the specific cognitive distortion mentioned.

SECTION C - 28 MARKS

Question 9

A: Aron is good at planning, monitoring and executing the tasks.
B: Radha can innovate new things using given items in a unique manner.
C: Saajid can apply his knowledge to everyday situations in life.

(i) By referring to Sternberg's theory, identify the components of intelligence displayed by A, B, and C in the figure given above. [3 Marks]

Answer: A - Analytical or Componential intelligence
B - Experiential or Creative intelligence
C - Practical or Contextual intelligence

Teacher's Note:
a) Robert Sternberg's Triarchic Theory divides intelligence into analytical, creative, and practical dimensions.
b) Match each person's description accurately with the corresponding sub-theory component.

(ii) Elaborate on any two characteristics each of A and C. [4 Marks]

Answer: Characteristics of Analytical Intelligence (A):
1. Ability to analyze information, recognize patterns, and solve problems systematically.
2. High efficiency in cognitive processes like memory, attention, and logical reasoning.
Characteristics of Practical Intelligence (C):
1. Ability to draw on past experiences to navigate current life situations successfully.
2. Street smartness and a clear understanding of social dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide detailed elaboration for each of the selected components.
b) Ensure distinct characteristics are outlined for both analytical and practical intelligence.

Question 10

(i) Observe the image given below and answer the questions that follow.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/disasters-inflicted-deep-woun…
[Figure: Screenshot of a news headline reading - Disasters inflicted deep wounds on the Himalayan communities: Youth for Himalaya.]

(a) Predict any two possible psychological impact that natural disasters can have on the Himalayan community. [2 Marks]

Answer: 1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and feelings of severe shock or helplessness.
2. Emotional reactions such as grief, depression, guilt of survival, and behavioral withdrawal from social interactions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Natural disasters often cause severe, long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma.
b) Accept any two valid psychological impacts supported by disaster psychology literature.

(b) Enumerate any five ways to promote pro-environmental behaviour among people. [5 Marks]

Answer: 1. Reducing air pollution by keeping vehicles in good condition or switching to eco-friendly transport.
2. Managing garbage disposal sensibly by separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
3. Planting trees and ensuring their continuous care and maintenance.
4. Saying 'no' to plastics in any form to reduce toxic pollution of water, air, and soil.
5. Enforcing optimal environmental design laws and reducing non-biodegradable packaging.

Teacher's Note:
a) Pro-environmental behavior is crucial for sustainable development and mitigating climate change.
b) Each point must be framed as a complete sentence as instructed in the evaluation guidelines.

OR

(ii) Uday Foundation announced free distribution of blankets for the underprivileged. The image given below shows an unexpectedly large number of people who turned up on the site of blanket distribution causing chaos and discomfort.
(Source: Times Special - Ketak Desai Jan' 15, 2023)
[Figure: Photograph showing a dense, unmanaged crowd gathered for a distribution drive, depicting congestion and chaos.]

(a) Interpret any three salient features of such a gathering. [3 Marks]

Answer: 1. Feeling of discomfort and physical suffocation due to overcrowding.
2. Loss or significant decrease in personal privacy.
3. Feeling of loss of control over social interaction and the immediate environment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Crowding is a subjective feeling of not having enough space, often leading to psychological stress.
b) List three clear features as observed in dense crowds.

(b) Explain any four psychological effects of such large gatherings that happen suddenly. [4 Marks]

Answer: 1. Leads to abnormal behavior, panic, and heightened aggression.
2. Lowers cognitive performance on complex tasks requiring sustained attention.
3. Adversely affects memory and emotional regulation.
4. Invades personal space, frequently triggering selfish or self-centered behavioral patterns.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sudden large gatherings or mob situations disrupt normal cognitive and social functioning.
b) Briefly explain how each psychological effect manifests in individuals.

Question 11

Ten participants, all having a phobia of spiders, were divided into two groups for a study that aimed at determining the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Systematic Desensitisation. Each group underwent two sessions of each therapy. At the end of every session, the effectiveness of therapies was measured based on a questionnaire on Anxiety, which was filled by the participants.
The responses of the participants have been depicted in the graph given below.
[Figure: Bar graph titled 'Effectiveness of Treatment' showing anxiety levels dropping from Session 1 to Session 2 for both Systematic Desensitization and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, with CBT showing a more substantial reduction in anxiety scores.]

(i) Refer to the graph shown above and determine which treatment was more effective. Contrast the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Systematic Desensitisation. [3 Marks]

Answer: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) was more effective in treating the phobia compared to Systematic Desensitisation. While CBT involves identifying and restructuring distorted cognitive patterns along with behavioral exposure, Systematic Desensitisation is a classical conditioning technique pairing gradual anxiety-producing stimuli with relaxation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analysis of the graph indicates greater reduction in anxiety levels following CBT sessions.
b) Clearly define and contrast both therapeutic approaches to earn full credit.

(ii) Discuss any two symptoms and any two causes of Phobias. [4 Marks]

Answer: Symptoms of Phobia:
1. The fear is unreasonable or excessive, but the individual feels unable to rationalize it.
2. The phobic situation is consistently avoided or endured with intense distress, causing impaired functioning.
Causes of Phobia:
1. Biological factors: Genetic predisposition and neurotransmitter imbalances (such as serotonin) or an overactive amygdala.
2. Behavioral and classical conditioning: Developing a phobia through traumatic association with a neutral stimulus.

Teacher's Note:
a) Phobias are characterized by intense, persistent, irrational fears of specific objects or situations.
b) Ensure that both symptoms and causes are distinct and clearly explained.

Question 12

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
Fifteen candidates applied for the position of Executive Manager in a private company. The candidates were called individually for a conversation in the first round of recruitment. In the second round, they were given a list of statements on personality factors that they had to rate a scale value for. The final round consisted of a group task in which the candidates were divided into three groups. Each group had to overcome a problem situation given to them.
The performance of the candidates in all these rounds was observed by a panel of Directors of the Company.

(i) Describe the types of behavioural analysis that were conducted on the candidates in the first and second rounds. [4 Marks]

Answer: First Round - Interview: A widely used method of assessing personality involving a face-to-face conversation where specific questions are asked to evaluate the candidate's suitability.
Second Round - Behavioural Rating Scales: Assessment instruments completed by raters where candidates rate personality factor statements, helping measure targeted behavioral traits in professional settings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Personality assessment in selection procedures relies on standardized observation and rating tools.
b) Accurately describe both interviews and rating scales based on the given passage.

(ii) In your opinion, which type of behavioural analysis would help the directors select the suitable candidate? Justify your answer by giving two reasons. [3 Marks]

Answer: The interview combined with behavioral rating scales and group task observation would be most suitable.
Reason 1: Interviews allow direct observation of communication skills, confidence, and interpersonal behavior.
Reason 2: Group tasks provide insight into teamwork, leadership potential, and problem-solving abilities under pressure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Evaluative questions require reasoned arguments supported by psychological assessment principles.
b) Ensure both justification points are robust and directly related to managerial selection criteria.