Psychology

Chapter 1. Understanding PsychologyTextbook Solutions

NIOS Class 12 Psychology Chapter 1 Answers

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.1

1. The study of Psychology includes knowing more about

a. Experiences

b. Behaviour

c. Mental processes

d. All of the above

2. Thinking, reasoning, concentration and attention are included in

a. Human memory

b. Human cognition

c. Human emotions

d. Human experiences

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.2

1. Psychology is a natural science because it

a. is based on empirical, verifiable data

b. studies aspects of Biology

c. studies aspects of Physics

c. studies aspects of both Biology and Physics

2. Psychology is also a Social Science because

a. it studies various cultures

b. it studies various aspects of geographical conditions influencing a culture

c. it studies about human beings in the social and cultural context, where it is difficult to gather data.

d. it is related very clearly to Sociology, Economics and Geography.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.3

1. Structuralism states_________ as an important method of knowing about a person.

a. free association

b. introspection

c. hypnosis

d. dream interpretation

2. The humanistic perspective emphasizes on a person’s need to ……………

a. enhance the understanding of self.

b. perceive objects as a whole.

c. interpret one’s dreams.

d. able to learn through imitation.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.4

Fill in the blank choosing the correct option.

1. Edward Titchener and other structuralists used ……………….and observational methods to understand the various domains of human nature.

a. Case study

b. Interview

c. Questionnaire

d. Experimental

2. A successful doctor takes assistance from in treating patients suffering from chronic psychological disorders.

a. Clinical and counselling psychologist

b. Organizational psychologist

c. Forensic psychologist

d. Educational psychologist

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.5

1. The ecological consequences of human actions can best be known by ……………

a. Counselling Psychologist

b. Clinical Psychologist

c. Social Psychologist

d. Environmental Psychologist

2. ………… are able to help alleviate the ill effects of substance use and abuse. They also help in rehabilitation after de addiction programs.

a. Social Psychologist

b. Developmental Psychologist

c. Community Psychologist

d. School Psychologist

TERMINAL EXERCISE

1. What is the nature of Psychology as a discipline?

Ans: Psychology is the scientific study of all these experiences, behaviours and mental processes like knowing, thinking, reasoning, understanding, etc. These mental processes are also part of human cognition. The study of Psychology is important as it helps improve the lives of people. It enables them to develop an insight into their thoughts and actions.

2. Is Psychology a Natural Science or a Social Science? State reasons for your answer.

Ans: Psychology tries to navigate the pertinence of sociocultural (values) environment in understanding human experiences, emotions and actions. Therefore, Psychology is recognized as a Social Science.

3. How is the behavioural perspective different from the structuralist and functionalist viewpoints?

Ans:

The structuralists established that Psychology is the study of the structure of the mind and consciousness (awareness). The method used by them to understand conscious processes was introspection. Through introspection, the subject describes his/ her conscious experiences.
Functionalism: This new field focused not on the structure of the mind (structuralist view), but on its functions. Psychologists such as William James, John Dewey and James Angell proposed that Psychology as a discipline should focus on how behaviour functions and what the mind does rather than the components or structure of the mind. Thus, the term functionalism was used to represent this school of thought.
Behavioristic perspective: This school of thought suggested that the study of Psychology should focus on observable behaviour that can be observed and measured scientifically. John B Watson was the first behaviourist. He proposed that one can gain an understanding of a behaviour by studying and modifying the environment in which people operate. The processes involved in human learning are the basis of behaviourism.

4. ‘In India, attempts are being made to integrate ancient Indian Psychology with modern Western Psychology’. Explain the statement with reference to development of Psychology in India.

Ans: There is a Journal of Indian Psychology published by Andhra University. Andhra University also has an Institute of Yoga and Consciousness. Many attempts are being made to integrate ancient Indian Psychology with modern Western Psychology.

5. Explain the evolution of Psychology from the late nineteenth century to the modern time.

Ans: In the early twentieth century, Psychology was at a nascent stage. The Western influence

was predominant due to the impact of the British on the Indians. Most of the early Indian Psychologists were philosophers. The establishment of the first psychological laboratory in India at Calcutta in 1916 marked the beginning of Psychology as a discipline.

6. How does Music, Fine Arts, Dance and other Performing Arts influence our behaviour and cognition?

Ans: Psychologists aim at understanding and improving the behaviour and performance of an individual. Studies have revealed that music and ragas heal the mind. The rhythms in music have a calming impact on human beings. Fine arts, drawing and painting and performing arts help a person vent out negative feelings. The person can identify their potential and live a more fulfilling life. Dance and theatre are therapeutic and are widely used by psychologists. It enables a person to develop an understanding of oneself.

7. ‘The subject matter of Psychology is based on other disciplines and vice versa’.With reference to this statement, explain the relationship between the following.

a. Psychology and Engineering

b.Psychology and Computer Science

Ans:

a. Psychology and Engineering: Engineers are meant to design and develop products for use by human beings. Understanding human cognition and emotions helps them in being able to make the products user-friendly. The connection between architects and engineers with human beings enhances the technological effectiveness of the design and its practical utility.
b.Psychology and Computer Science: Development in the field of Computer Science has aided in enhancing the knowledge of Psychology and its application. Similarly, the study of Psychology has been imperative in developing Computer softwares, HCIE (Human Computer Interaction Engineering) and AI (artificial intelligence). Computer engineers rely on research in Psychology and use research methods developed by psychologists in developing computer programs that mimic the human mind. Thereby enhancing the understanding of cognitive sciences.

8. Enumerate the relevance of Psychology in various other disciplines that you study.

Ans:

Sociology: Factors related to group norms, leadership, attitudes, collective behaviour, sociocultural factors, etc., are interrelated. They help in developing an understanding of both Social Psychology and Sociology.
Economics: The study of Economics is more meaningful when human behaviour is understood. Understanding human wants (which may be infinite) , consumer behaviour, savings, allocating funds for causes, etc., helps an economist understand decision-making behaviour.
Political Science: The study of Psychology helps in understanding leadership behaviour, exercise of powers, voting behaviour, political conflicts, human rights, gender equality, discrimination, stereotypes, conformity and exercise of powers by governments. The practices followed by democrats, socialists, capitalists, or even dictators can be understood from a psychological perspective.
Philosophy: Psychology was born of Philosophy, and the major concern of Philosophy was to know the nature of the human mind and how humans behave in a particular manner. Until the end of the 19th century, Edward Titchener and other structuralists used experimental and observational methods to understand the various domains of human nature.
Medicine: The mind and the body are inseparable for diagnosis, treatment and healthy healing. Most medical practitioners are aware of this aspect. Thus, a successful doctor takes assistance from clinical and counselling psychologists in treating patients suffering from chronic diseases like anxiety disorders, heart ailments, AIDS, cancer, paralysis, etc.
Law and Criminology: Law seeks to regulate human behaviour, while Psychology seeks to understand human behaviour in a particular context. Knowledge of Psychology is applied to legal studies and studies of criminal behaviour. Psychology helps the legal professionals to develop an understanding of the social and cognitive principles, such as eyewitness memory, jury bias, constructive memory, decision-making, trials, investigations, ethical codes and human rights, interviewing skills, punishment, parole, rehabilitation, etc.
Computer Science: Development in the field of Computer Science has aided in enhancing the knowledge of Psychology and its application. Similarly, the study of Psychology has been imperative in developing Computer softwares, HCIE (Human Computer Interaction Engineering) and AI (artificial intelligence). Computer engineers rely on research in Psychology and use research methods developed by psychologists in developing computer programs that mimic the human mind. Thereby enhancing the understanding of cognitive sciences.
Engineering and Architecture: Engineers are meant to design and develop products for use by human beings. Understanding human cognition and emotions helps them in being able to make the products user-friendly.
Music, Fine Arts, Dance and other Performing Arts: Psychologists aim at understanding and improving the behaviour and performance of an individual. Studies have revealed that music and ragas heal the mind. The rhythms in music have a calming impact on human beings. Fine arts, drawing and painting and performing arts help a person vent out negative feelings. The person can identify their potential and live a more fulfilling life. Dance and theatre are therapeutic and are widely used by psychologists. It enables a person to develop an understanding of oneself.

9. Explain the role that Psychologists play in hospitals and organizations.

Ans:

Clinical psychologists use standardized tests as an aid to diagnose psychological disorders. A counselling psychologist helps people deal with issues that they face, such as choosing a career, marriage, raising a family, performing at work, etc. These problems do not involve psychological disorders.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology is concerned with the Psychology of the workplace. Various intelligence and aptitude tests are used by companies in their hiring and placement programs. All aspects of work settings, like leadership, communication within the organization, supervision of personnel, productivity, interpersonal and intergroup relations, causes of industrial strife, counselling employees, allocating work, managing team morale, goal setting, motivational and emotional concerns, job design, etc., are assisted by organisational psychologists at work place.

10. What is the area of work of educational and school psychology?

Ans: Educational psychologists study all aspects of the educational process. They apply principles of learning, perception and motivation to the curriculum to deal more effectively with the learning situations. Thus, much of the work of educational psychologists is devoted to areas of curriculum planning, teacher training and instruction design. They plan and devise a curriculum that is based on the students’ abilities and needs. Moreover, this suggested curriculum and teaching methodology is inclusive, student-friendly and help in generating interest in the students. Educational Psychology may include School Psychology, where Psychologists work with educators, and sometimes families of students, devising ways to improve the cognitive, emotional and social development of children at school. They are devoted to counselling children in elementary and secondary schools who have academic, emotional or behavioural problems.