FAQs on Psychology Paper 2 Preparation

Q 1 Where to read Psychology paper 2 from?

Applied Psychology by Smarak Swain

Social Psychology by  Baron, Branscombe et al

Paper 2 notes by Mukul Pathak Sir

psychologytoday.com

Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioural Sciences  by A K Singh

Newspaper articles that deal with topics like work satisfaction, Role of emotions in workplace, Leaking Pipeline phenomenon, Wellness, Pedagogic innovations in classroom  etc. One needs to scan them from psychology point of view.

Q2  Where from diversity in answers be brought?

Some of the ways diversity can be brought in answers:

Rearrange the talked about concepts in answers such that a touch of novelty is felt while reading it.

Illustrating the answer with newer flowcharts, diagrams. One can think of them while revising the syllabus  and insert them at appropriate places.

Writing newer research findings, case studies in the answers. Giving it a real practical touch by citing examples.

Adopting a newer approach to answer like starting with a quote, or dropping a quote in between or adopting an interactive approach in answers.

Above all there should be diversity in thoughts generated in mind while reading the same material. It is important to focus on different areas of notes to do the same. Herein lies a the challenge for aspirant. Conceptual clarity is needed for this and that comes from good understanding of paper 1.

Q3 What clicked for me this time?

Honestly I cannot tell with 100% conviction what clicked for me this time. In my third attempt i.e. CSE 2013 I scored 237 out of 500. In CSE 2012, I could barely cross 200 marks out of 600. In my first attempt, i.e. in CSE 2011 I scored a handsome 318 out of 600 which was pretty decent considering the highest score was around 350 and scores were not high in general.

But I can to some extent surmise that the extra effort put in this time to improve answer writing skills, thoroughly read the aforesaid books on paper 2 and better command over the concepts of paper 1 helped me frame better answers.

Q4 Are Psycho scores unpredictable?

I have tasted the unpredictability of scores a little. But a lot depends upon what kind of preparation is going into the attempt. With adequate coverage of syllabus and writing practice I think scores don’t vary much. More often than not the complacency that creeps in after a decent score lets one down.

Q5 Is Mukul Pathak Sir’s material sufficient?

I feel if the material is read along with the books mentioned it is sufficient. I recommend referring to the books to grasp the concepts well. Pathak sir’s paper 2 notes provide lot of diverse content whose assimilation itself is a challenging task. I feel it’s always better to refer to books like Baron or NCERT for concepts of paper 1 for greater clarity. Besides this addresses the problem of lack of diversity in answers as well.

Q6 How to revise?

Revision is very key for doing well in this examination. One page notes can be made writing the key words of a chapter for quick revision. It specially helps before examination. I have uploaded a sample of the same earlier in the blog along with test series answers. The subject should not be left at a stretch for say 1-2 months I feel. It is also good to revise chapters of paper 2 with concepts of paper 1 simultaneously. For instance, while studying Work psychology it is better to simultaneously visit chapters like Motivation and Emotion, concepts of Personality and Self, Attitude and Prejudice.

Q7 How to manage such a huge syllabus of Psychology?

When viewed from paper 1 perspective, the syllabus is actually not that huge although it is definitely long. Whole of paper 2 can be written just on the basis of concepts in paper 1. But each chapter of paper 2 brings its own flavor in the concepts of paper 1. It is that flavor that needs to be assimilated while writing answers. For instance, the way attitude and prejudice is talked about in Organizational Psychology is different from the way it is discussed in the chapter of Social Integration and Intergroup conflict. But essentially, concepts are the same. Hence it is important to read paper 2 from the perspective of paper 1. If a compartmentalized approach is adopted the syllabus appears veritably unmanageable.