ISC Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2026 with Solutions

SECTION A - 14 MARKS

Question 1

(i) Ravi possesses expertise in science subjects and in mathematics. He also has the skill to apply complex formulas of statistics.
According to Charles Spearman’s theory, what type of intelligence does Ravi display? [1 Mark]

Answer: Ravi displays 's' i.e. specific intelligence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Charles Spearman proposed the Two-Factor Theory of intelligence, comprising 'g' (general) factor and 's' (specific) factor.
b) Students must remember that specific abilities like mathematical or statistical expertise represent the 's' factor.

(ii) Sigmund Freud believed in a driving force within the psyche that comprised pleasure-seeking behaviours of the Id. What term did he use to denote this force? [1 Mark]

Answer: Libido

Teacher's Note:
a) Libido is the psychic energy fueled by the pleasure principle, primarily associated with the Id.
b) Ensure exact terminology is used without altering psychoanalytic terms.

(iii) Jaspreet, aged ten years, asks her friend, Reema to help her clean her room. Reema readily agrees and helps Jaspreet as she does not want to upset her. She wants to be liked and appreciated.
According to Lawrence Kohlberg, name the sub-stage of the orientation of moral development that Reema is displaying. [1 Mark]

Answer: Good Girl/Good Boy Orientation

Teacher's Note:
a) This sub-stage falls under the conventional level of moral development where conformity is driven by social approval.
b) Students often confuse conventional stages; focus on the desire to be liked and praised.

(iv) Name the theory of Intelligence that is represented by a three-dimensional cube with many sub-categories and is difficult to measure. [1 Mark]

Answer: Model of Intellect (J.P. Guilford)

Teacher's Note:
a) Guilford's Structure-of-Intellect model classifies intellectual traits along operations, contents, and products.
b) Mentioning J.P. Guilford alongside the model name ensures complete credit.

(v) Hannah failed her dance audition. She blamed the Judge as being biased. When her friend, Sabha failed, she said it was due to Sabha’s lack of preparation.
Name the type of bias displayed by Hannah. [1 Mark]

Answer: Self-Serving bias

Teacher's Note:
a) Self-serving bias is the tendency to attribute one's own failures to external factors and others' failures to internal factors.
b) Clearly distinguish this from the fundamental attribution error by focusing on the self-versus-other dichotomy.

(vi) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: People tend to change their attitudes when their behaviour conflicts with their beliefs.
Reason: Cognitive dissonance creates physical discomfort and motivates individuals to reduce it. [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.

Cognitive dissonance creates psychological discomfort, not physical discomfort.

Teacher's Note:
a) Read reason statements carefully for subtle trick words like physical versus psychological.
b) Cognitive dissonance theory by Leon Festinger focuses on psychological tension resulting from conflicting cognitions.

(vii) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: A stressful work deadline can lead to strain with increased levels of anxiety.
Reason: Stress is the cause and strain is the effect. [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.

Stress acts as the external pressure factor, while strain is the individual's reaction.

Teacher's Note:
a) Stressors produce stress reactions, leading to physiological or psychological strain.
b) Ensure students understand the fundamental distinction between stress (stimulus/cause) and strain (response/effect).

(viii) Study the relation between the first two terms / phrases and complete the analogy. [1 Mark]
(a) Conservation: Concrete Operational Stage :: Abstract thought: ____________

Answer: Formal Operational Stage

Teacher's Note:
a) Piaget's stages of cognitive development link specific cognitive abilities to age-appropriate stages.
b) Abstract thought emerges during the formal operational stage starting around adolescence.

(b) Ego: Reality Principle :: Super ego: ___________ [1 Mark]

Answer: Morality principle

Teacher's Note:
a) The structural model of personality associates the Id with the pleasure principle, Ego with reality, and Super ego with morality.
b) Memorize the governing principles for each component of personality.

(ix) A psychologist diagnoses an individual as ‘abnormal’ based on their dangerous behaviour.
Which one of the following is an example of ‘dangerous’ behaviour? [1 Mark]
(a) Soma becomes violent and attacks individuals when they do not agree with her.
(b) Keya has few friends as she is rude, unaccommodating and upsets others.
(c) Shyama’s friends feel embarrassed and avoid going out with her as she wears flashy and bold clothes.
(d) Rahim has become disoriented and moody after his accident.

Answer: (a) Soma becomes violent and attacks individuals when they do not agree with her.

Physical violence directly poses a danger to others, fulfilling the dangerousness criterion of abnormality.

Teacher's Note:
a) The 'dangers' criterion involves behavior that poses a threat to oneself or others.
b) Rudaeness or eccentric clothing choices do not constitute clinical danger.

(x) Albert Bandura places great emphasis on the concept of Self-Efficacy. It relates to an individual’s faith and confidence in their ability to perform some tasks successfully.
Which one of the following scenarios is the correct example of this term? [1 Mark]
(a) Harjot applies for the post of Captain of her House in her school. She thinks that she is capable despite her inability to organise and lead the team.
(b) Zara participates in a singing competition. She believes that she deserves to win even though some have performed better than her.
(c) David is demoralised as he performs poorly in a Computer Science examination. He thought that he had studied well and was sure that he would secure a rank in it.
(d) Kanak believes that he can finish the project well within a tight timeline. He has done similar projects earlier despite the paucity of time.

Answer: (d) Kanak believes that he can finish the project well within a tight timeline. He has done similar projects earlier despite the paucity of time.

Self-efficacy is grounded in past accomplishments and realistic assessment of capabilities for future performance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Self-efficacy reflects confidence based on actual competence and past experience rather than blind optimism.
b) Distinguish self-efficacy from unrealistic self-enhancement or narcissism.

(xi) Shadab can confidently say ‘no’ to a request he cannot fulfil. He has high self-esteem and expresses his opinions without being self-conscious.
Which one of the following skills is Shadab exhibiting? [1 Mark]
(a) Assertiveness
(b) Positive attitude
(c) Rational thinking
(d) Mindfulness

Answer: (a) Assertiveness

Assertiveness involves standing up for one's rights and expressing thoughts honestly without violating others' rights.

Teacher's Note:
a) Assertiveness contrasts with passivity and aggressiveness.
b) Key markers include saying 'no' comfortably and expressing boundaries clearly.

(xii) Sumisha is a counsellor and makes a summary of the thoughts shared by her client in her own words. Which one of the following skills of communication is exhibited by Sumisha? [1 Mark]
(a) Attention
(b) Listening
(c) Paraphrasing
(d) Reception

Answer: (c) Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is restating the client's core message in the counsellor's own words to check understanding.

Teacher's Note:
a) Paraphrasing demonstrates active listening and ensures perceptual accuracy in counseling.
b) Do not confuse it with simple listening or mere hearing.

(xiii) Maya is a content writer who works mostly from home. While she likes the freedom and flexibility of working from home, she sometimes misses interacting and socialising with her community of coworkers. She visits her office twice a week and meets her colleagues to sort out work related matters. She also joins a group of writers on social media whom she meets at a local café once a week. She brainstorms on various topics with them and exchanges ideas.
Which one of the following groups relate to Maya’s social life? [1 Mark]
(P) A group which involves roles performed by members in the organisation in a specific manner within rules and regulations.
(Q) A group in which members’ likes and dislikes are considered over those who are not a part of it.
(R) A group that relates to one another and exchanges their feelings as they are related by blood.
(S) A group in which the members motivate one another and assist those who are new in the field.
(a) Only (P) and (S)
(b) Only (Q) and (P)
(c) Only (P) and (R)
(d) Only (R) and (Q)

Answer: (a) Only (P) and (S)

The official key shows (a) Only (P) and (S); the correct answer reflects formal organizational work groups and peer professional support groups.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analyze group characteristics based on organizational structure and peer support.
b) Statement P describes formal office roles, and S describes writer group support networks.

SECTION B - 28 MARKS

Question 2

(i) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Stress can adversely affect one’s health. Some of the key biological mechanisms through which stress impacts health is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and cortisol. The studies reviewed in this article confirm that stress has an impact on multiple biological systems affecting one’s health. Counsellors work with such people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological problems. They help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their well-being.
(Source (edited): Stress and Health: A Review of Psychobiological Processes. Daryl B. O'Connor, Julian F. Thayer and Kavitha Vedhara, Vol. 72:663-688)
(a) With reference to the above study, explain any two characteristics of a Counsellor that would help to enhance an individual’s well-being. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Authenticity: A counsellor must possess genuineness, fostering trust and developing rapport with the client.
2. Empathy: It is the ability to understand feelings from another person's perspective by stepping into their shoes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Core counseling skills include empathy, unconditional positive regard, authenticity, and active listening.
b) Students must explicitly state two characteristics with brief definitions for full credit.

(b) With reference to the above study on biological mechanisms, examine any two long-term effects of stress on health. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Immune System suppression: Prolonged stress disrupts immune functioning by depleting proteins needed for white blood cells, lowering bodily immunity.
2. Coronary Heart Disease: Stress elevates blood pressure and releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to rapid blood clotting and increased cardiac risks.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect physiological mechanisms like HPA axis activation and cortisol to long-term pathological outcomes.
b) Acceptable alternatives include hypertension, ulcers, or asthma.

OR

(ii) Riya and Meher are assigned the same hostel room with three other girls. The room is small and often noisy. While Riya feels stressed, complains of lack of privacy, and prefers to study in the library, Meher adjusts well, chats with everyone, and does not mind the space constraints.
(a) Suggest how Riya can develop a positive attitude towards her situation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Riya can practice positive thinking and cognitive reframing to lower perceived stress levels.
2. She can cultivate optimism by expecting favorable life outcomes and developing tolerance toward her roommates.

Teacher's Note:
a) Fostering a positive attitude involves cognitive strategies, realistic expectations, and stress-coping mechanisms.
b) Tailor the suggestion specifically to Riya's hostel overcrowding scenario.

(b) Referring to Riya’s and Meher’s responses, explain how individual reactions to crowded situations can impact their well-being. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Riya has low crowding tolerance, leading to feelings of overwhelm, lack of privacy, and psychological strain that impair her studies.
2. Meher demonstrates high crowding tolerance, allowing her to adapt easily, remain socially active, and maintain emotional stability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Crowding tolerance dictates whether spatial constraints manifest as psychological distress or neutral adjustment.
b) Ensure both individuals' contrasting responses are explicitly contrasted.

Question 3

When judging the value of a product or an experience, people may be overly influenced by the state in which they consumed and / or experienced it, giving an overrated response. For example, Anthony tried out a new restaurant when he was very hungry and subsequently rated it as high quality. He was the only one to review it with five stars, as compared to one star by all the other customers.
(Source (edited): Kareem Haggag, Devin G Pope, Kinsey B Bryant-Lees, Maarten W Bos. The Review of Economic Studies, Volume 86, Issue 5, October 2019, Pages 2136-2183).
(i) Briefly explain the type of judgment indicated above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The judgment indicates attribution bias or personal bias influenced by internal states.
2. It reflects a disproportionate weight assigned to subjective internal feelings (such as hunger) rather than objective external features.

Teacher's Note:
a) Attribution bias occurs when internal states skew objective evaluations of experiences or products.
b) Define the bias clearly before linking it to the scenario.

(ii) Referring to Harold Kelley’s theory, explain the cause behind Anthony’s response referred to above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. According to Kelley's model, consensus is low because all other customers rated the restaurant poorly.
2. Due to low consensus, the behavior is attributed to internal/dispositional causes, specifically Anthony's temporary state of extreme hunger rather than the restaurant's actual quality.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kelley's attribution model utilizes consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency.
b) Low consensus specifically points toward personal internal factors rather than external stimulus quality.

Question 4 [4 Marks]

Read the conversation given below and answer the question that follows.
Rohan meets his therapist regarding a family problem that he is facing. According to him, the therapist does not respond to him.
Rohan: “You seem to neither listen to me nor bother about my problem since you are not saying anything.”
Therapist: “I am listening. But it looks like you are very upset.”
Rohan: “You are just like my father who ignores me whenever I wish to share my problems. You seem indifferent towards my feelings just like him.”
Therapist: “Rohan, I am understanding you. But I am angry and hurt at this moment by what you are saying. You should not compare me to your father. Please apologise to me.”
Evaluate the conversation between the patient Rohan and his Therapist to explain Transference and Counter Transference.

Answer:
1. Transference occurs when a client redirects unconscious feelings and past relationship expectations onto the therapist, as seen when Rohan projects his feelings about his indifferent father onto the therapist.
2. Countertransference occurs when a therapist reacts to the client by projecting their own unresolved emotional responses, as demonstrated when the therapist becomes personally hurt, reactive, and demands an apology instead of maintaining professional neutrality.

Teacher's Note:
a) Transference is client-to-therapist projection, whereas countertransference is therapist-to-client emotional reactivity.
b) Answers must reference specific dialogues from the transcript to earn full marks.

Question 5

(i) Name any one psychomotor sub-test of GATB. [1 Mark]

Answer: Manual dexterity / finger dexterity / motor coordination (any one).

Teacher's Note:
a) The General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) measures multiple distinct aptitudes including psychomotor domains.
b) Naming any single recognized psychomotor subtest is sufficient.

(ii) Explain any three subtests of GATB that measure the other composites apart from the one referred to in subpart (i). [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. General Learning Ability: Measures overall capacity to understand, learn, and apply new information quickly.
2. Verbal Aptitude: Measures the ability to understand and effectively use language, vocabulary, and grammar.
3. Numerical Aptitude: Measures the ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and solve numerical problems quickly and accurately.

Teacher's Note:
a) GATB includes various aptitude composites such as spatial aptitude, form perception, and clerical perception.
b) Provide clear, concise functional explanations for any three valid non-psychomotor subtests.

Question 6

(i) Read the study given below and answer the following questions.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,563 adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years. They were enrolled in 204 government schools in all 12 districts in a city in India. The results were alarming, as many as 30 percent of the adolescents indulged in substance abuse. This raised serious concerns over their well-being and future.
(Source: Tribune News Service, Aug 08, 2024)
(a) With reference to the given study, explain the possible symptoms of substance abuse among the adolescents referred to above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Psychological symptoms: Chronic depression, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and impaired academic or social functioning.
2. Tolerance and Withdrawal: Needing increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect, and experiencing physical discomfort or tremors when unavailable.

Teacher's Note:
a) Substance abuse indicators span behavioral, psychological, and physiological domains.
b) Listing any two clear symptoms outlined in clinical literature is acceptable.

(b) In your opinion, how would such behaviours of adolescents lead to delinquency? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Substance abuse impairs moral judgment and mental control, increasing susceptibility to aggressive outbursts and illegal activities.
2. Individuals may resort to unlawful means such as theft to procure drugs due to severe addiction and financial distress.

Teacher's Note:
a) Establish a direct causative link between substance dependency and juvenile delinquency.
b) Highlight factors like peer pressure, cognitive impairment, and criminal procurement methods.

OR

(ii) Researchers like Bronfenbrenner pointed to the role of lack of mothering i.e. tender and affectionate care, producing long-term deficits in children raised in institutions like orphanages. He concluded that children are most vulnerable to long term negative effects of institutionalisation in the first six months of life. The risk decreases with children who are admitted into orphanages at older ages. Moving to a more developmentally supportive environment, reduces the negative effects of institutionalization.
(Source: Age At Adoption from Institutional Care, Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev, 2013)
(a) According to Bronfenbrenner, explain two ecological systems that young children brought up in an orphanage are deprived of. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Microsystem: Children lack immediate reciprocal interactions with family members, diverse caregivers, and enriched home environments essential for emotional growth.
2. Mesosystem: Children lack linkages between different settings, such as home, school, and community peer networks, limiting broader developmental exposure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Bronfenbrenner's ecological model emphasizes nested environmental systems influencing child development.
b) Clearly explain how orphanage life specifically restricts microsystemic interactions and mesosystemic linkages.

(b) Based on the study as stated above, discuss any two points to highlight the importance of understanding lifespan development. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It enables parents, teachers, and caregivers to understand age-appropriate developmental milestones and provide supportive environments.
2. It helps mental health professionals detect early developmental deficits, learning disabilities, or emotional trauma to implement timely interventions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Lifespan development provides a roadmap of normative growth stages and vulnerability periods.
b) Select any two practical applications such as early intervention or parenting guidance.

Question 7 [4 Marks]

Study the graph given below that represents the percentage of cases of males and females suffering from Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa and answer the question that follows.

[Figure: Bar chart comparing the percentage of men and women with Anorexia and Bulimia. Men show lower rates (approx 10% Anorexia, 35% Bulimia) compared to women (approx 25% Anorexia, 40% Bulimia).]

Interpret the graph given above and compare the symptoms of the two disorders.

Answer:
1. Interpretation: Eating disorders are more prevalent in women than in men, with bulimia being more common than anorexia across both genders.
2. Anorexia Symptoms: Characterized by severe dietary restriction, relentless pursuit of thinness, distorted body image, and dangerously low body weight.
3. Bulimia Symptoms: Characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory purging behaviors (such as vomiting or laxative misuse) driven by intense fear of weight gain.

Teacher's Note:
a) Graph interpretation must include comparative gender data and prevalence statistics.
b) Symptom comparison must clearly differentiate between self-starvation (anorexia) and the binge-purge cycle (bulimia).

Question 8

Ravi worries excessively and is restless all the time. He feels fatigued and finds it difficult to concentrate. He always has a sense of unease and dread and feels that something bad is about to happen. His mother suffered from similar symptoms. His psychiatrist has diagnosed it as Generalised Anxiety Disorder. He has also advised a medical examination to determine the cause of Ravi’s psychological state.
(i) Explain the approach to abnormality that Ravi’s psychiatrist has adopted. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Ravi's psychiatrist has adopted the biological perspective.
2. This perspective attributes psychological disorders to physical causes such as genetic inheritance, neurochemical imbalances, or brain abnormalities, emphasizing medical diagnosis and treatment.

Teacher's Note:
a) The biological model views mental disorders as somatic illnesses requiring physical interventions.
b) Recommending medical examinations strongly signifies a biological orientation.

(ii) Explain any two causes for Ravi’s psychological condition. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Biological/Genetic factors: A genetic predisposition inherited through family lines, such as a family history of anxiety disorders.
2. Chemical Imbalance: A functional deficiency of neurotransmitters like GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) which normally reduces anxiety in stressful situations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Generalized Anxiety Disorder has multi-factorial etiologies spanning biological, chemical, and cognitive domains.
b) Mentioning clear causes like genetic predisposition or neurotransmitter deficits earns full credit.

SECTION C - 28 MARKS

Question 9

(i) Discuss Carl Rogers’ theory of Personality. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Humanistic Perspective: Carl Rogers believed human beings naturally move toward growth and self-actualization, striving to become fully functioning individuals.
2. Fully Functioning Person: Characterized by openness to experience, existential living, organismic trust, experiential freedom, and creativity.
3. Self-Concept and Congruence: Psychological health requires congruence between self-image and the ideal self. Discrepancies create tension and anxiety.
4. Conditional Positive Regard: Society and caregivers impose conditions of worth, causing individuals to deny true feelings and develop distorted self-concepts.
5. Anxiety and Defense Mechanisms: Discrepancies between experience and self-concept create anxiety, managed through defense mechanisms like distortion or denial.
6. Unconditional Positive Regard: Rogers emphasized therapy within an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard to help individuals realign their self-concept and achieve congruence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Rogers' person-centered theory focuses heavily on self-actualization, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.
b) Long-form answers must systematically cover core theoretical constructs like self-concept, congruence, and defense mechanisms.

(ii) Briefly explain any one criticism of Carl Rogers’ theory of Personality. [1 Mark]

Answer: The concept of a fully functioning person is loosely defined, lacking rigorous empirical evidence and making systematic research difficult.

Teacher's Note:
a) Humanistic theories are often criticized for being overly subjective, abstract, and difficult to test empirically.
b) Any single valid criticism regarding lack of empirical validation is acceptable.

Question 10

The graph given below represents the prevalence of psychological disorders during the Covid-19 lockdown in India.
(Source: Coronavirus lockdown | Rise in post-traumatic stress disorder, 2021)
(a) From the given data, identify the psychological disorder that has the highest reported percentage. State any two of its symptoms. [3 Marks]

[Figure: Bar graph of psychological disorders during COVID-19 lockdown showing Insomnia (32.5%), Anxiety (25%), Bi-polar Mood Disorder (24.7%), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (35%).]

Answer:
1. Disorder with highest reported percentage: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (35%).
2. Symptom 1: Disorientation or denial regarding the traumatic event, accompanied by physical reactions like sleep difficulties and increased heartbeat.
3. Symptom 2: Emotional reactions such as intense grief, fear, irritability, anger, helplessness, or feelings of detachment and withdrawal from others.

Teacher's Note:
a) Accurate data extraction from graphs is essential before listing clinical symptoms.
b) Ensure symptoms are written in complete sentences as requested by the rubric.

(b) State the two stages of the disorder with the lowest percentage as shown in the graph. Discuss any three causes of this disorder. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Disorder with lowest percentage: Bipolar Mood Disorder (24.7%), which is characterized by alternating stages of Mania and Depression.
2. Biological Causes: Genetic predisposition and neurochemical imbalances such as over-secretion of cortisol or excessive calcium into brain cells.
3. Brain Structure Anomalies: Abnormal hyperactivity in brain regions associated with emotion coordination and low activity in areas linked to concentration and judgment.
4. Psychological and Cognitive Factors: Early childhood loss and negative cognitive beliefs developed through interactions with parents or significant figures.

Teacher's Note:
a) Bipolar disorder involves distinct alternating phases of mood swings (Mania and Depression).
b) Clearly categorize three distinct etiological causes for comprehensive credit.

Question 11

(i) What is emotional intelligence? [1 Mark]

Answer: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate one's own emotions as well as the emotions of others.

Teacher's Note:
a) Salovey and Mayer defined emotional intelligence as a subset of social intelligence involving emotional monitoring.
b) Keep definitions concise and precise covering perception, appraisal, and regulation.

(ii) Comment on the relevance of assessing Emotional Intelligence of candidates for a job. [1 Mark]

Answer: It ensures whether an individual is an environmental fit, capable of handling job-related stress, workplace tensions, and crisis situations effectively.

Teacher's Note:
a) Employers assess emotional intelligence to predict interpersonal collaboration and stress resilience.
b) Frame the answer specifically from an organizational or employer's perspective.

(iii) Explain five characteristics of Emotionally Intelligent persons that organisations use as criteria to select suitable candidates. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Sensitivity to colleagues: High sensitivity to the feelings, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics of coworkers.
2. Non-verbal awareness: Ability to notice subtle emotional cues in others through body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.
3. Constructive problem solving: Keeping thoughts clear and incorporating workable suggestions during decision-making.
4. Emotional self-awareness: Deep understanding of the powerful influence and intensity of one's own emotions.
5. Self-regulation: Ability to control and regulate emotional expressions when dealing with self and others to foster organizational harmony.

Teacher's Note:
a) Workplace emotional intelligence bridges technical competence with collaborative capability.
b) List and briefly explain five distinct behavioral markers of emotional intelligence.

OR

(iv) What is intelligence quotient? [1 Mark]

Answer: Intelligence Quotient is an index of measurement derived from standardized tests indicating the ratio of mental age to chronological age multiplied by 100.

Teacher's Note:
a) William Stern formulated the concept of IQ ratio.
b) Mention mental age and chronological age relationship clearly.

(v) Comment on the relevance of measuring Intelligence Quotient in an individual. [1 Mark]

Answer: Measuring IQ is highly relevant as intelligence is a fundamental individual difference widely utilized in educational placement, clinical diagnosis, and job selection.

Teacher's Note:
a) IQ testing remains a cornerstone of psychometric assessment in applied psychology.
b) Focus on its practical utility in decision-making across domains.

(vi) Explain any five positive characteristics of individuals with superior intelligence. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Superior general ability: Exceptional performance across cognitive, academic, and creative domains compared to peers.
2. Advanced learning rate: Rapid acquisition of new concepts, excellent memory, and unusually large vocabulary.
3. Heightened sensitivity: Unusual alertness, keen observation, and advanced problem-solving skills even in infancy or early childhood.
4. Intrinsic motivation: High levels of self-esteem, curiosity, and persistent drive toward intellectual or creative tasks.
5. Independent thinking: Possessing non-conformist thinking styles and superior generalization and discrimination abilities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Giftedness or superior intelligence encompasses diverse cognitive and psychological traits.
b) Detail any five recognized characteristics outlined by organizations like the National Association for Gifted Children.

Question 12

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
Arjun moved from his home in a rural area to a busy area in a metropolitan city, for higher education. He lived in the old, congested part of the city where the small window in his room showed a contrasting view to the fresh air and open green fields of his hometown. In a few months, he developed headache, felt tired and tensed. He found it hard to concentrate on his studies and felt anxious in the crowds outside.
(i) Explain four environmental factors that affect Arjun. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Noise Pollution: Constant sounds from urban traffic and construction caused stress, irritability, and difficulty in concentration.
2. Air Pollution: Poor air quality from traffic and unclean surroundings triggered physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.
3. Lack of Cleanliness: Unhygienic surroundings contributed to psychological discomfort and stress.
4. Overcrowding: Living in a congested metropolitan area restricted personal space, leading to mental fatigue and anxiety.

Teacher's Note:
a) Environmental stressors significantly impact physical and psychological well-being.
b) Link each factor directly back to Arjun's reported symptoms from the vignette.

(ii) Suggest any three ways to help Arjun develop pro-environmental behaviours. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Reduce Pollution: Encourage Arjun to use eco-friendly transport options like walking, cycling, or carpooling to lower air and noise pollution.
2. Proper Garbage Management: Suggest waste segregation and recycling practices at home to maintain cleanliness in his surroundings.
3. Promote Green Spaces: Involve him in tree plantation drives or community initiatives to improve air quality and create calming environments.

Teacher's Note:
a) Pro-environmental behavior involves actions that minimize environmental degradation and promote sustainability.
b) Provide practical, actionable recommendations tailored to Arjun's urban student lifestyle.