CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive

CSS | Past Paper | Group 7 | 2024 | Part 2 | Descriptive

Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive (Part 2).

Question 2

Explore the field of cognitive psychology by discussing key concepts such as memory, problem solving and decision-making. Critically evaluate the Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory with examples.

Introduction

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with how people think, learn, remember, and solve problems. It focuses on the internal processes of the mind. These processes help us understand how we interpret and respond to the world around us.

Key Concepts of Cognitive Psychology

1. Memory

Memory is the ability to store, retain and recall information when needed.

Sensory Memory: Very short, like remembering a flash of lightning.
Short-Term Memory: Holds info for a short time (15–30 seconds), like a phone number.
Long-Term Memory: Stores information for a long time, like childhood memories.
Example: Remembering the steps of math formula in an exam shows use of long-term memory.

2. Problem Solving

Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.

Algorithms: Step-by-step methods (like solving a math problem).
Heuristics: Mental shortcuts (like guessing answers in MCQs).
Insight: Sudden solution or ‘aha’ moment.
Example: A student who can’t open a stuck bottle, but suddenly tries a spoon to open it, is using insight.

3. Decision-Making

It refers to choosing between alternatives to reach a conclusion.

It involves analyzing information, thinking about consequences and selecting the best option.
Example: Choosing between science or arts group after matric is a decision-making process.

Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory

Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who explained how children’s thinking develops in four stages.

1. Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years)

Child learns through senses and movements.
Learns object permanence (things exist even if not seen).
Example: A baby cries when mother leaves room because he knows she still exists.

2. Preoperational Stage (2–7 years)

Child uses language and imagination.
Egocentric thinking – can’t see others’ point of view.
Example: A kid covers his eyes and thinks no one can see him.

3. Concrete Operational Stage (7–11 years)

Logical thinking starts, but with concrete objects only.
Understands conservation (like same water in different glass shapes).
Example: Child knows that a wide glass doesn’t have more juice than a tall one.

4. Formal Operational Stage (12+ years)

Develops abstract thinking and reasoning.
Can think of future and hypothetical situations.
Example: Teenagers can think about politics or philosophy.

Critical Evaluation of Piaget’s Theory

Strengths

First theory to explain how thinking develops step-by-step.
Many teachers use his stages to design age-appropriate learning activities.
It encouraged more research in child psychology.

Criticism

Piaget underestimated children’s abilities. Some kids show advanced thinking earlier.
He ignored the role of culture and social interaction.
Development may not be so fixed in stages—it may happen more gradually or vary by child.

Example: Vygotsky argued that social interaction and language play a big role in learning, which Piaget didn’t focus much on.

Conclusion

Cognitive psychology is very useful in understanding how our brain works in real life, especially in memory, problem solving, and making decisions. Piaget’s theory is a strong foundation in understanding child development, but it’s not perfect. New research adds more depth to his ideas by including culture, language, and social influences.

Question 3

Why Emotional Intelligence (EI) is more important than Intelligence Quotient (IQ)? Which one, do you think, matters more for your career & personal development.

Introduction

Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) are both important in life. But EI is about understanding and managing emotions, while IQ is more about logic and problem-solving. In today’s world, EI is often more important than IQ for success in career and personal life.

What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?

EI means the ability to:

Understand your own emotions
Control your emotions
Understand others’ emotions (empathy)
Manage relationships with others

Daniel Goleman, a psychologist, popularized EI and explained its 5 key components:

1. Self-Awareness

Knowing your own emotions and how they affect your actions.
Example: A team leader who notices he’s angry and avoids shouting at others.

2. Self-Regulation

Controlling your emotions and reacting calmly.
Example: A student who gets a bad grade but doesn’t give up, and studies harder next time.

3. Motivation

Staying focused and working hard for goals.
Example: An employee who keeps learning even when there’s no immediate reward.

4. Empathy

Understanding other people’s feelings.
Example: A nurse comforting a patient by understanding their pain.

5. Social Skills

Handling relationships, teamwork, and communication well.
Example: A manager solving conflicts between team members smoothly.

What is Intelligence Quotient (IQ)?

IQ is a score from standardized tests that measure:

Logical reasoning
Mathematical ability
Language skills
Memory and problem-solving

People with high IQ can think fast and solve complex problems.
Example: A scientist solving difficult equations or inventing something new.

Why EI is More Important Than IQ?

1. Better Relationships

People with high EI can understand and support others, leading to stronger friendships and teamwork. IQ doesn’t help with emotions.

2. Leadership Skills

Leaders with EI inspire and guide others well. They stay calm in pressure and motivate teams. IQ alone can’t build leadership.

3. Handling Stress and Conflict

EI helps you to manage stress, failure, and anger. People with high IQ but low EI may panic or overreact in tough situations.

4. Workplace Success

Jobs today need communication, teamwork, flexibility, and empathy—all based on EI.

5. Adaptability and Mental Health

EI makes a person more resilient and mentally strong, which is more useful than just book-smart IQ.

Personal Opinion: Which One Matters More?

In my opinion, Emotional Intelligence matters more than IQ for both career and personal growth. In school, IQ helps us score well, but in real life, we need EI to:

Communicate properly
Work with others
Handle stress and pressure
Make smart social decisions

A person with average IQ but high EI can become a successful leader or entrepreneur, while someone with high IQ but poor EI may struggle in relationships and teamwork.

Conclusion

IQ might help you get a job, but EI helps you grow in it. In today’s competitive and social world, emotional intelligence plays a bigger role in success. Balancing both is best, but EI is what truly shapes our personality, leadership, and emotional well-being.

Question 4

Define the concept of emotions in psychology. Compare and contrast the James-Lange theory, Cannon-Bard theory and Schachter-Singer two-factor theory. Illustrate your answer with real-life examples.

Introduction

Emotions are strong feelings that affect our thoughts, behavior, and body. In psychology, emotions are studied to understand how people react to different situations, like happiness, fear, anger, or sadness. Emotions are not just feelings—they also include physical changes in the body and how we express them.

Definition of Emotion

Emotion is a complex psychological state that includes three parts:

Physiological arousal (like heartbeat, sweating)
Expressive behavior (like smiling, crying)
Conscious experience (like feeling happy, sad, scared)

Major Theories of Emotion

1. James-Lange Theory

“We feel emotion because we notice our body reacting first”.

This theory says that physical changes come first, then we feel the emotion.

Example:
You’re walking in a dark street and suddenly hear footsteps behind you.

First your heart beats faster and hands shake (physical change)
Then you feel fear.

So, “I am afraid because I tremble”.

Criticism:

Not all emotions have different body reactions
Sometimes emotion comes even without physical change

2. Cannon-Bard Theory

“We feel emotion and physical arousal at the same time”.

This theory says that the brain sends signals at the same time to the body and the mind.

Example:
You see a snake.

Your heart races
At the same time, you feel fear

So, “I am afraid and my heart is pounding at the same time”.

Criticism:

Doesn’t explain how we feel different emotions with similar body reactions

3. Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

“Emotion = Physical Arousal + Cognitive Label”

This theory says that we feel emotions by noticing our body change and then giving it a label based on the situation.

Example:
You’re about to give a speech and your heart is racing.

If you think “I’m excited,” you feel excitement.
If you think “I’m scared,” you feel fear.

So, same body response, but the emotion depends on how we interpret the situation.

Criticism:

It needs conscious thinking, but sometimes emotions come too fast to think

Comparison Table

Theory	Physical Arousal	Emotion Timing	Key Idea
James-Lange	First	After body changes	Feelings come after body reactions
Cannon-Bard	Same time	At same time as body	Brain sends signals to body and mind together
Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor)	First + Interpretation	After labeling arousal	Emotion depends on both arousal and thinking

Conclusion

Understanding emotions helps in many areas like mental health, stress control, and relationships. All three theories try to explain how we feel emotions, and each has strengths and weaknesses. Among them, Schachter-Singer’s theory is more accepted today because it explains the role of both body and brain together with thinking. But in real life, emotions are complex and may involve all these processes together.

Question 5

Describe Psychoanalytical approach by Freud and what are the techniques used in psychoanalytic therapy?

Introduction

The psychoanalytical approach was developed by Sigmund Freud, one of the most famous psychologists in history. This theory focuses on how unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and inner conflicts shape human behavior. Freud believed that most of our actions are influenced by hidden thoughts and desires we don’t even realize.

Main Concepts of Psychoanalytical Approach

1. The Unconscious Mind

Freud said the human mind has three parts:

Conscious: What we are aware of
Preconscious: Memories we can bring up
Unconscious: Hidden desires, fears, and trauma

Most of our behavior comes from the unconscious mind.

2. Structure of Personality

Id: Present from birth, it wants pleasure. It works on “pleasure principle”.
Example: A child crying for chocolate immediately.
Ego: Deals with reality, tries to satisfy Id in a safe way. Works on “reality principle”.
Example: Waiting until dinner time to eat.
Superego: Represents morality and rules. It tells us what is right or wrong.
Example: Feeling guilty after lying to someone.

These three are always in conflict, and this causes anxiety.

3. Defense Mechanisms

To reduce anxiety, ego uses defense mechanisms:

Repression: Forgetting painful memories
Denial: Refusing to accept truth
Projection: Blaming others for your own feelings
Regression: Acting like a child during stress

Psychoanalytic Therapy Techniques

Freud developed therapy to bring unconscious thoughts into consciousness, so a person can deal with them. Some techniques include:

1. Free Association

The patient says whatever comes to mind without filtering.
Therapist listens to find hidden thoughts.
Example: A patient starts talking about school, then suddenly mentions fear of exams.

2. Dream Analysis

Freud called dreams the “royal road to unconscious”.
Dreams have two parts:
- Manifest content (what we remember)
- Latent content (hidden meaning)
  Example: Dreaming of falling might mean fear of failure.

3. Transference

The patient transfers feelings about someone else (like a parent) to the therapist.
Example: A patient gets angry at the therapist like they would at their father.

4. Interpretation

Therapist gives meaning to what the patient says or dreams.
Helps patient become aware of unconscious conflicts.

5. Catharsis

Releasing strong, buried emotions by talking about past events.
Helps in healing emotional pain.

Criticism of Psychoanalytic Approach

Too focused on sex and aggression
Not scientific—difficult to test unconscious
Therapy is long and expensive
But it started the idea that childhood and unconscious matter, which changed psychology forever.

Conclusion

Freud’s psychoanalytical approach changed how we understand the human mind. Even though many modern psychologists don’t agree with everything Freud said, his ideas about the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and childhood still influence therapy today. His techniques like free association and dream analysis are still used in psychoanalysis to help people deal with hidden emotional problems.

Question 6

Discuss the biological, social and personality factors behind the anxiety disorders. Differentiate between panic disorder, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder according to the DSM criteria.

Introduction

Anxiety disorders are mental conditions where a person feels too much fear, worry, or nervousness, even when there is no real danger. These disorders affect thoughts, body, and daily life. They can be caused by a mix of biological, social, and personality factors.

Factors Behind Anxiety Disorders

1. Biological Factors

Genetics: Anxiety can run in families. If your parents have anxiety, you may also develop it.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalance of chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA can cause anxiety.
Overactive Amygdala: This part of brain handles fear. If it’s too active, small things feel dangerous.
Medical Illnesses: Thyroid problems, heart disease, or drug withdrawal can trigger anxiety.

2. Social Factors

Stressful Life Events: Losing a job, exams, or family problems can increase anxiety.
Trauma: Abuse, accidents, or witnessing violence in childhood may lead to long-term anxiety.
Poor Social Support: Lack of friends or support system can make anxiety worse.
Cultural Pressure: High expectations, body image, or marriage pressure can also cause anxiety.

3. Personality Factors

Perfectionism: People who always want everything to be perfect are more likely to worry.
Low Self-Esteem: Those who feel worthless or helpless may face more anxiety.
Shyness or Timidity: Introverted people may fear social situations more.
Negative Thinking Style: Overthinking, imagining worst-case scenarios, or always expecting failure adds to anxiety.

Types of Anxiety Disorders According to DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

1. Panic Disorder

Definition: Sudden attacks of extreme fear or discomfort with no warning.
DSM-5 Criteria:

At least 2 unexpected panic attacks
Worry about more attacks for 1 month
Symptoms during attack:
- Heart racing
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Feeling like dying or losing control

Example: A person sitting in class suddenly feels like they can’t breathe and thinks they’re going to die, even though nothing is happening.

2. Phobias

Definition: Strong, irrational fear of specific objects or situations.
Types:

Specific Phobia: Fear of heights, spiders, flying, etc.
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): Fear of being judged in public
Agoraphobia: Fear of open or crowded places

DSM-5 Criteria:

Fear is excessive and out of proportion
Person avoids the situation or faces it with intense fear
Fear lasts for 6 months or more
It affects daily life

Example: A person refuses to go to weddings because of fear of talking to people.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Definition: Person has repeated unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and does ritual behaviors (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.

DSM-5 Criteria:

Obsessions: Thoughts like fear of germs, needing things in order
Compulsions: Washing hands many times, checking locks repeatedly
Person knows the thoughts are irrational but can’t stop
Behaviors take more than 1 hour daily and affect daily life

Example: A man washes his hands 20 times a day because he feels they’re still dirty.

Conclusion

Anxiety disorders are not just “overthinking”—they are real mental health problems caused by biological, social, and personality factors. Disorders like panic attacks, phobias, and OCD are explained clearly in the DSM to help in diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these can help in early detection and better management of anxiety.

Question 7

Explain Milgram’s experiments on obedience. Discuss the major criticism on Milgram’s experiments.

Introduction

Stanley Milgram was an American psychologist who became famous for his experiment on obedience to authority. His research showed how ordinary people can follow orders, even when those orders can hurt others. It raised serious questions about human behavior, especially after World War II and the Nazi Holocaust.

Milgram’s Obedience Experiment (1961)

Objective

To find out:

“Would people obey an authority figure even if it meant harming another person?”

Procedure

Participants were told they were part of a study on learning.
They were assigned the role of a “teacher”, while the “learner” (actually an actor) was placed in another room.
The teacher was told to give electric shocks to the learner every time they gave a wrong answer.
Shocks started from 15 volts to 450 volts (fake shocks, but participants didn’t know).
The learner screamed in pain, begged to stop, or stayed silent (pretending to be unconscious).
If the teacher hesitated, the experimenter in a white lab coat said:
- “Please continue”.
- “The experiment requires that you continue”.
- “It is absolutely essential that you continue”.

Results

65% of participants gave the maximum shock of 450 volts.
Many were nervous, sweating, shaking, but still obeyed.
Even when the learner screamed or asked to stop, people continued because the authority told them to.

Conclusion

Milgram concluded that:

Obedience to authority is strong, even stronger than personal morals.
People obey not because they are evil, but because they believe they are not responsible—the authority is.

Real-Life Relevance

Helps explain how ordinary soldiers or citizens commit acts of violence under orders.
Can be linked to Nazi officers saying “I was just following orders”.

Major Criticisms of Milgram’s Experiment

1. Ethical Issues

Deception: Participants were lied to about the real purpose of the experiment.
Emotional Harm: Many felt guilt, stress, and trauma believing they hurt someone.
No proper informed consent was taken.

2. Lack of Right to Withdraw

Participants were pressured to continue, even if they wanted to stop.
The experimenter used verbal prods that made quitting hard.

3. Artificial Setting

The lab was not a real-life situation, so people may have acted differently.
People might have guessed it was fake and just went along.

4. Cultural Bias

The experiment was done in America in the 1960s. Results may not apply to other countries or times.

5. No Long-Term Follow-Up

Researchers didn’t properly check how participants felt after weeks or months.

Milgram’s Response to Criticism

He said most participants were glad to be part of the research.
He also debriefed them after and told them the shocks were fake.
Later versions of the study with better ethics showed similar results.

Conclusion

Milgram’s experiment is one of the most important in psychology. It shows how normal people can do harmful things when following orders. Even though it has been criticized for ethics and methods, it opened the door to studying authority, morality, and human behavior in a deeper way.

Question 8

Write short notes on any two of the following:

a. Pituitary gland
b. Thyroid gland
c. Adrenal glands

a. Pituitary Gland

Introduction

The pituitary gland is known as the “master gland” of the body. It controls many other glands in the endocrine system. It is about the size of a pea and located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus.

Structure

The gland has two main parts:

Anterior Pituitary (front part)
Posterior Pituitary (back part)

Functions of Anterior Pituitary

It produces many hormones, including:

Growth Hormone (GH) – Helps in body growth and development
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – Controls thyroid gland
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) – Stimulates adrenal glands
FSH & LH – Controls sexual functions and fertility
Prolactin – Helps in milk production in females

Functions of Posterior Pituitary

Oxytocin – Helps in childbirth and bonding
ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) – Controls water balance in the body

Disorders

Too much GH → Gigantism (in children), Acromegaly (in adults)
Too little GH → Dwarfism
Pituitary Tumor → Can disturb hormone levels and cause vision problems

Conclusion

The pituitary gland is small but very powerful. It controls other glands and affects growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Problems in this gland can affect the whole body.

b. Thyroid Gland

Introduction

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, in front of the windpipe (trachea). It is responsible for regulating metabolism through hormone release.

Hormones Produced

Thyroxine (T4)
Triiodothyronine (T3)
These hormones control how fast the body uses energy, heart rate, and body temperature.
Calcitonin – Helps in calcium balance

Functions

Controls metabolism (how fast the body burns energy)
Affects growth and development, especially in children
Maintains body temperature and heart rate

Disorders

Hypothyroidism (Low hormone)
- Symptoms: Weight gain, tiredness, slow heart rate
- Cause: Iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s disease
Hyperthyroidism (Too much hormone)
- Symptoms: Weight loss, anxiety, fast heart rate
- Cause: Graves’ disease
Goiter – Swelling of thyroid gland
Cretinism – In children, low thyroid causes mental and physical growth problems

Conclusion

The thyroid gland plays a key role in energy and growth. If not working properly, it affects the whole body. It must be kept healthy through iodine-rich diet and regular checkups.

c. Adrena lGland

Introduction

The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of both kidneys. Each gland has two parts:

Adrenal Cortex (outer part)
Adrenal Medulla (inner part)

Hormones from Adrenal Cortex

Cortisol – Helps control stress, blood sugar, and metabolism
Aldosterone – Controls blood pressure and salt balance
Androgens – Sex hormones (small amounts)

Hormones from Adrenal Medulla

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine)

These hormones prepare the body for “fight or flight” during danger by increasing heart rate, breathing, and energy.

Functions

Helps the body respond to stress
Maintains blood pressure and water balance
Controls energy and immune system
Supports sexual development

Disorders

Addison’s Disease: Low hormone levels → Weakness, weight loss, low BP
Cushing’s Syndrome: Too much cortisol → Fat face, weak muscles, high BP
Adrenal Tumors: Can affect hormone levels

Conclusion

The adrenal glands help the body handle stress and control many vital functions. Without them, we would not be able to survive physical or emotional pressure.

📘 Benefits of Practicing This Descriptive Paper

✅ These CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive questions are compiled from authentic FPSC CSS past papers, following the real written exam format.
💬 Attempting this CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive helps students master structured writing and analytical skills for CSS exams.
🧾 Every question in this CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive strictly follows the official CSS exam syllabus approved by FPSC.
📊 Students preparing for CSS 2024 can rely on this CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive to practice time management and topic selection.
🔍 The solved CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive contains concise explanations to improve conceptual understanding and writing clarity.
🎯 Regular revision of this CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive builds confidence and strengthens your preparation for the CSS written paper.
🏆 This CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive is essential for mastering exam techniques and achieving success in the FPSC CSS examination.

Download CSS Past Paper 2024 – Psychology

🏁 Final Note

Keep revising these CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive to strengthen your grip on important concepts and improve accuracy in upcoming CSS exams. Regular practice with these CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology Descriptive will help you score higher and build full command over the CSS exam syllabus.

👉 Also read CSS Past Paper 2024 Psychology (Part-I MCQs)

📰 Check out other years’ past papers of Psychology.

🔗 Check FPSC past papers directly from the official FPSC website.

Post Views: 359