Syllabus for UPSC Psychology Optional Subject Exam:

The syllabus for the UPSC Psychology Optional Subject Exam is divided into two papers, Paper I and Paper II. Each paper consists of different topics that cover various aspects of psychology. Here is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:

Paper I:
1. Foundations of Psychology:
- Introduction to Psychology: Definition and scope, methods of psychology, and its relationship with other disciplines.
- Research Methods: Types of research, experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental methods, and basic statistical concepts.
- Biological Basis of Behavior: Structure and functions of the nervous system, endocrine system, and genetic basis of behavior.
- Sensation and Perception: Sensory processes, attention, perception, and illusions.

2. Development of Human Behavior:
- Life Span Development: Principles, stages, and factors influencing human development.
- Cognitive Development: Theory of Piaget, language and thought development, and theories of learning.
- Social, Emotional, and Moral Development: Theories of socialization, emotional intelligence, and moral development.

3. Learning:
- Theories of Learning: Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning theory, and observational learning.
- Transfer of Learning: Types of transfer, factors affecting transfer, and training and development.

4. Memory and Forgetting:
- Memory Processes: Encoding, storage, and retrieval processes.
- Theories of Forgetting: Decay theory, interference theory, and retrieval failure theory.

5. Thinking and Problem Solving:
- Nature of Thinking: Concept formation, reasoning, and problem-solving.
- Decision Making: Types of decisions, decision-making models, and biases in decision making.

Paper II:
1. Social Psychology:
- Nature and Scope: Definition, methods, and applications of social psychology.
- Social Perception and Cognition: Attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, and social cognition.
- Interpersonal Attraction: Factors influencing attraction, love, and relationships.

2. Nature, Concept, and Approaches of Abnormal Behavior:
- Classification and Diagnosis: DSM and ICD classification systems, assessment methods.
- Psychotherapies: Psychoanalysis, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and humanistic therapy.
- Health Psychology: Stress, coping mechanisms, and psychological aspects of health and illness.

3. Applications of Psychology:
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Job analysis, motivation, leadership, and organizational development.
- Community Psychology: Community mental health, prevention, and rehabilitation programs.
- Psychology of Gender: Gender roles, gender identity, and gender bias.

4. Psychological Measurement:
- Tests and Measurement: Types of tests, reliability, validity, and test construction.
- Statistical Methods: Descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation, regression, and factor analysis.

By covering these topics, candidates can gain a comprehensive understanding of psychology and its applications. It is important to refer to the recommended textbooks and study materials to prepare effectively for the UPSC Psychology Optional Subject Exam.