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CUET 2025 Psychology Question Paper with Answers & Solutions

50 questions with answer key & explanations

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Q1.
An advertisement for cooking food in a pressure cooker points out that this saves fuel and is economical. What message characteristic is being highlighted in the advertisement?
A. Emotional
B. Rational ✓
C. Familial
D. Personal
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Highlighting saving fuel and being economical appeals to logic and reason, a rational message in persuasion rather than an emotional appeal.

Q2.
Ananya is pursuing the science stream and aims to be a doctor some day. However, Ananya strums her guitar and sings along whenever she is free. Although she is not a great singer, her spirits lift when she sings along. What is this attribute called?
A. Aptitude
B. Personality
C. Interest ✓
D. Intelligence
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Interest is a preference for engaging in an activity for its own enjoyment. She is not skilled (not aptitude) but enjoys singing, indicating interest.

Q3.
The ability to monitor one's own and other's emotions, to discriminate among them and to use the information to guide one's thinking and actions is called:
A. Social intelligence
B. Emotional intelligence ✓
C. Interpersonal intelligence
D. Abstract intelligence
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

This is the standard NCERT (Salovey and Mayer) definition of emotional intelligence.

Q4.
Kohs Block Design Test contains a number of wooden blocks to be arranged in a design within a given time period. This test is an example of:
A. Performance test ✓
B. Non-verbal test
C. Verbal test
D. Aptitude test
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Kohs Block Design requires manipulation of objects (blocks), making it a performance test of intelligence.

Q5.
Arshiya has an I.Q. of 135. She is an all-rounder. She not only scores at the top of her class but is also an international chess player and a remarkable beat player as well. Arshiya can be classified as:
A. Gifted ✓
B. Smart
C. Creative
D. Intelligent
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

High IQ (above 130) combined with exceptional all-round talents characterises giftedness as defined in NCERT.

Q6.
Identify the facets of intelligence in the Indian tradition from the following options: (A) Cognitive capacity (B) Social competence (C) Emotional competence (D) Individualistic orientation (E) Entrepreneurial competence Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A), (B), (C) and (D) only
B. (B), (C), (D) and (E) only
C. (A), (B), (C) and (E) Only ✓
D. (A), (C), (D) and (E) only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

The integral (Indian) notion of intelligence has facets: cognitive capacity, social competence, emotional competence and entrepreneurial competence. Individualistic orientation is not one of them.

Q7.
Match List-I with List-II List-I: (A) Poets and writers (B) Scientists (C) Philosophers and spiritual leaders (D) Athletes, dancers and gymnasts List-II: (I) Intrapersonal (II) Bodily-Kinaesthetic (III) Logical-Mathematical (IV) Linguistic Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
B. (A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)
C. (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)
D. (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II) ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Gardner's intelligences: Poets/writers=Linguistic(IV), Scientists=Logical-Mathematical(III), Philosophers/spiritual leaders=Intrapersonal(I), Athletes/dancers=Bodily-Kinaesthetic(II).

Q8.
An in-depth study of the individual in terms of his/her psychological attributes, psychological history in the context of his/her psycho-social and physical environment is known as:
A. Interview
B. Self-report
C. Psychological test
D. Case-study ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

An in-depth study of an individual is the definition of the case study method.

Q9.
Which of the following can be categorised under the verbal test? (A) Stanford-Binet Test (B) Alexander's Passalong Test (C) Raven's Progressive Matrices (D) Draw-a-Man Test Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) only ✓
B. (C) only
C. (B) and (D) only
D. (C) and (D) only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Stanford-Binet is a verbal test requiring language. Passalong and Draw-a-Man are performance tests; Raven's Progressive Matrices is non-verbal.

Q10.
Arrange the psychosexual stages of personality development in the correct sequence: (A) Anal (B) Oral (C) Genital (D) Latency (E) Phallic Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A), (B), (E), (D), (C)
B. (B), (A), (E), (D), (C) ✓
C. (B), (A), (C), (D), (E)
D. (A), (B), (D), (E), (C)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Freud's psychosexual stages: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital = (B),(A),(E),(D),(C).

Q11.
Source traits are: (A) stable (B) result of the interaction between surface traits (C) considered as the building blocks of personality (D) quite generalised dispositions Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) and (B) only
B. (B) and (C) only
C. (A) and (C) only ✓
D. (A) and (D) only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Cattell's source traits are stable and are the underlying building blocks of personality, while surface traits are derived from them.

Q12.
Match List-I with List-II List-I: (A) Interactional approach (B) Type approach (C) Trait approach (D) Cultural approach List-II: (I) Understands personality in relation to the features of ecological and cultural environment (II) Focuses on identifying primary characteristics of the people (III) Situational characteristics play an important role in determining our behaviour (IV) Examines certain broad patterns in the observed behavioural characteristics of the individuals Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)
B. (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)
C. (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (I) ✓
D. (A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Interactional=situational characteristics(III); Type=broad patterns(IV); Trait=primary characteristics(II); Cultural=ecological/cultural environment(I).

Q13.
Which technique of personality assessment puts individuals into certain categories in terms of their behavioural qualities?
A. Interview
B. Behavioural rating ✓
C. Nomination
D. Situational test
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Behavioural ratings place individuals into categories on the basis of their behavioural qualities, as stated in NCERT.

Q14.
According to Jung's analytical psychology, 'God' and 'Mother earth' are examples of:
A. Superiority complex
B. Superego
C. Archetypes ✓
D. Basic anxiety
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Jung's collective unconscious contains archetypes; God and Mother Earth are cited examples of archetypes.

Q15.
Tendency of the subject to agree with items irrespective of their content is called:
A. Acquiescence ✓
B. Halo effect
C. Social desirability
D. Extreme response bias
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Acquiescence is the tendency to agree with items regardless of their content.

Q16.
As an actor, the self actively engages in the process of knowing itself. This status of self is called ______.
A. self as subject ✓
B. self as object
C. ideal self
D. real self
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

When the self is the knower/actor engaged in knowing, it is self-as-subject; when known, it is self-as-object.

Q17.
The client-centered therapy developed by Carl Rogers is based on:
A. Psychodynamic approach
B. Cognitive approach
C. Behavioural approach
D. Humanistic approach ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Carl Rogers' client-centred therapy is rooted in the humanistic (existential) approach.

Q18.
Who is NOT associated with the trait approach of personality?
A. Costa and McCrae
B. Allport
C. Sheldon ✓
D. Cattell
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Sheldon proposed a type approach (somatotypes). Allport, Cattell, and Costa & McCrae are trait theorists.

Q19.
Who developed the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)?
A. Morgan and Murray ✓
B. Binet and Simon
C. Miller and Dollard
D. Costa and McCrae
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

TAT was developed by Morgan and Murray.

Q20.
What is the full form of PTSD?
A. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ✓
B. Pre Traumatic Stress Disorder
C. Post Traumatic Situational Disorder
D. Pre Traumatic Situational Disorder
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

PTSD = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Q21.
Tinku has been undergoing Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). Identify the correct sequence of the therapeutic process: (A) Negative emotions and behaviours as consequences of the antecedent event are identified and noted (B) Client's irrational beliefs which are distorting present reality are identified (C) Antecedent events which caused psychological distress are noted (D) The irrational beliefs are refuted by the therapist through non-directive questioning (E) Eventually, the client is able to replace the irrational beliefs with the rational ones. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (B), (D), (A), (C), (E)
B. (C), (B), (A), (D), (E) ✓
C. (D), (B), (A), (C), (E)
D. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

RET follows the ABC sequence: Antecedent noted(C), irrational Beliefs identified(B), Consequence emotions noted(A), beliefs refuted via questioning(D), replaced with rational ones(E) = (C),(B),(A),(D),(E).

Q22.
Who used the concept of 'balance' in his theory of attitude change?
A. Leon Festinger
B. Fritz Heider ✓
C. Richard LaPiere
D. Gordon Allport
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Fritz Heider's balance theory (P-O-X triad) explains attitude change via cognitive balance.

Q23.
Which one of the following is NOT a significant property of attitude?
A. Valence
B. Centrality
C. Extremeness
D. Quantity ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

NCERT lists valence, extremeness, simplicity/complexity (multiplexity), and centrality as properties of attitude. Quantity is not one.

Q24.
Who has proposed two-step concept to describe the process of attitude change?
A. Mohsin ✓
B. Heider
C. Janis
D. Triplett
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

S.M. Mohsin proposed the two-step concept of attitude change in NCERT.

Q25.
Festinger and Carlsmith conducted a famous experiment in the field of social psychology. This experiment was related to:
A. Groupthink
B. Prejudice
C. Cognitive dissonance ✓
D. Schema
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

The Festinger and Carlsmith (1959) experiment demonstrated cognitive dissonance.

Q26.
Which one of the following strategies is not effective in dealing with prejudice?
A. Minimising opportunities for learning prejudices
B. Encouraging the tendency towards self-fulfilling prophecy among the victims of prejudice ✓
C. Changing discriminatory attitudes
D. De-emphasising a narrow social identity based on the ingroup
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Effective strategies discourage self-fulfilling prophecy among victims; encouraging it would worsen prejudice, so it is not effective.

Q27.
Match List-I with List-II List-I: (A) Cohesiveness (B) Status (C) Roles (D) Group polarisation List-II: (I) Strengthening of group's initial position as a result of group interaction and discussion (II) Socially defined expectation that are expected to be fulfilled (III) Relative position given to group members by others (IV) Togetherness or mutual attraction among group members Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)
B. (A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
C. (A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)
D. (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I) ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Cohesiveness=togetherness(IV); Status=relative position(III); Roles=socially defined expectations(II); Group polarisation=strengthening of initial position(I).

Q28.
Arrange the following from the highest to lowest level of correlation in terms of IQ: (A) The correlation between siblings reared together (B) The correlation between identical twins reared together (C) The correlation between siblings reared apart (D) The correlation between identical twins reared in different environments (E) The correlation of fraternal twins reared together Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (E), (D), (C), (A), (B)
B. (C), (A), (E), (D), (B)
C. (B), (E), (D), (A), (C)
D. (B), (D), (E), (A), (C) ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Highest to lowest IQ correlation: identical twins together(B) > identical twins apart(D) > fraternal twins together(E) > siblings together(A) > siblings apart(C) = (B),(D),(E),(A),(C).

Q29.
Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of the ______ neurotransmitter.
A. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ✓
B. Serotonin
C. Dopamine
D. Cortisol
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Anxiety disorders are linked to low activity of GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Q30.
Which model emphasises that 'psychological disorders are the result of learning maladaptive ways of behaving'?
A. Psychodynamic model
B. Behavioural model ✓
C. Cognitive model
D. Humanistic-existential model
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

The behavioural model holds that disorders arise from learning maladaptive behaviours.

Q31.
Pari, who is eight years old now, continues to cling to her parents and refuses to go to school without them. She screams, throws tantrums and feels fearful when she is left alone in a room by herself. These are characteristic features of:
A. Panic disorder
B. Phobia
C. Separation anxiety disorder ✓
D. Generalised anxiety disorder
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Clinging to parents, refusing school, and distress when separated are hallmarks of separation anxiety disorder.

Q32.
Archit works in an office where he feels that he is being spied on. He is sure that people deliberately assign him more work as they want him thrown out on grounds of incompetence. Archit also feels that people tamper with his computer and call him from multiple numbers to attack his personal space. What kind of delusion is Archit suffering from?
A. Delusion of grandeur
B. Delusion of reference
C. Delusion of control
D. Delusion of persecution ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Belief that others are out to harm/spy on/conspire against him is a delusion of persecution.

Q33.
Arrange different levels of Intellectual Disability in order of higher to lower level of dysfunctioning: (A) Mild (B) Moderate (C) Severe (D) Profound Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A), (B), (C), (D)
B. (C), (B), (D), (A)
C. (B), (A), (C), (D)
D. (D), (C), (B), (A) ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Higher to lower dysfunctioning means most severe first: Profound > Severe > Moderate > Mild = (D),(C),(B),(A).

Q34.
Match List-I with List-II List-I (Disorder): (A) Schizophrenia (B) Bipolar and Related Disorders (C) Separation Anxiety Disorder (D) Somatic Symptom Disorder List-II (Symptom(s)): (I) Overly preoccupied with body-related symptoms (II) Positive symptoms (III) Fear (IV) Suicidal thoughts Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (IV)
B. (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)
C. (A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (I) ✓
D. (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Schizophrenia=positive symptoms(II); Bipolar=suicidal thoughts(IV); Separation Anxiety=fear(III); Somatic Symptom=preoccupied with body symptoms(I).

Q35.
Which of the following is NOT a component of the therapeutic relationship?
A. Contractual nature of the relationship
B. Limited duration of the therapy
C. Trusting and confiding relationship
D. Peer counseling ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

The therapeutic relationship components are contractual nature, limited duration, and a trusting/confiding bond. Peer counselling is not a component.

Q36.
In an upscale food delivery chain, the delivery persons are given badges for timely food delivery at the end of each month. Bonus is given annually in exchange for six such badges. The company has therefore been able to retain most of its employees and get better returns year after year. Which behavioural technique is being used to reinforce delivery personnel?
A. Negative reinforcement
B. Differential reinforcement
C. Modelling
D. Token economy ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Earning tokens (badges) exchangeable for rewards (bonus) is the token economy technique.

Q37.
What is the most appropriate goal of Logotherapy?
A. To unlearn faulty behaviour patterns
B. To facilitate the client to find the meaning of his/her being ✓
C. Cognitive restructuring which in turn reduces anxiety
D. To increase an individual's self-awareness
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Frankl's logotherapy (logos = meaning) aims to help the client find meaning in their existence.

Q38.
Aparna went to her college counsellor with her problem that was causing her sleepless nights. Later, she realized that the counsellor had shared the details with the staff of the college. Aparna's faith was completely shaken, and she resolved never to trust any counsellor. Which one of the following ethics has been breached by the counsellor?
A. Informed consent
B. Confidentiality of the client ✓
C. Respect for human rights and dignity
D. Professional competence
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Sharing the client's disclosed details with others violates confidentiality.

Q39.
Match List-I with List-II List-I: (A) Emotional unburdening (B) Therapist variable (C) Patient variable (D) Therapeutic alliance List-II: (I) Healing bond between therapist and client (II) Expectation of improvement due to the treatment (III) Catharsis (IV) Absence of unresolved emotional conflicts Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
B. (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (I) ✓
C. (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
D. (A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Emotional unburdening=catharsis(III); Therapist variable=absence of unresolved conflicts(IV); Patient variable=expectation of improvement(II); Therapeutic alliance=healing bond(I).

Q40.
Aslam, a 12-year-old, gets too tired by evening to complete his homework. This is because he goes off for football training soon after school. The school counsellor advised Aslam to reduce his football training time and increase his weekend practice time. This way, Aslam will not be too tired and will be able to complete his homework. Identify the antecedent operation:
A. Not completing his homework
B. Playing football after school
C. Reduce his football training time on weekdays ✓
D. Completing his homework happily
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

An antecedent operation changes the conditions that precede the behaviour. Reducing weekday football training time alters the antecedent so homework can be completed.

The prisoners in the concentration camps in World War-II had lost faith in the future...
Q41.
Which method has the writer used to rise above his sufferings in the concentration camp?
A. Cognitive Behavioural Techniques
B. Creative Visualisation ✓
C. Biofeedback
D. Relaxation Techniques
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

He imagined himself vividly giving a lecture, using mental imagery to cope; this is creative visualisation.

Q42.
The prisoners in the concentration camps were in a state of despair that caused them physical and mental 'wear and tear'. This state can best be described by which term?
A. Eustress
B. Strain
C. Distress ✓
D. Burnout
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

The damaging, negative stress causing wear and tear is distress (as opposed to eustress, the positive stress).

Q43.
Choose the correct sequence of the method used by the author as a stress management technique: (A) One must set a realistic goal. (B) Visualize when the mind is quiet, body is relaxed and eyes are closed. (C) This will enable the creative energy to turn an imagined scene into reality. (D) This reduces the risk of interference from unbidden thoughts. (E) This subjective experience will effectively reduce stress. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A), (C), (B), (E), (D)
B. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
C. (A), (D), (B), (C), (E)
D. (A), (B), (D), (C), (E) ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Creative visualisation sequence: set realistic goal(A), visualise with quiet mind and closed eyes(B), this reduces interference from unbidden thoughts(D), creative energy turns scene into reality(C), reducing stress(E) = (A),(B),(D),(C),(E).

Q44.
Identify the correct fact/s related to the stress management technique used by the author in the passage. (A) Use of images and imagery to deal with stress. (B) The yogic method of meditation for refocusing of attention. (C) Procedure to monitor and reduce physiological aspects of stress by providing feedback. (D) Replacing negative and irrational thoughts with positive and rational ones. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) and (B) only
B. (A) only ✓
C. (B) only
D. (B) and (D) only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

The technique is creative visualisation = use of images and imagery(A). (B) is meditation, (C) is biofeedback, (D) is cognitive technique - none match.

Q45.
The survivors of World War-II who were prisoners in the concentration camps had the common personality trait which consists of 'the three Cs', i.e. commitment, control and challenges. These traits are referred to as:
A. Self-esteem
B. Hardiness ✓
C. Assertiveness
D. Rational thinking
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

The three Cs - commitment, control and challenge - constitute hardiness.

Just as individuals compare themselves with others...
Q46.
The strengthening of the group's initial position as a result of group discussion and interaction is referred to as:
A. Group polarisation ✓
B. Groupthink
C. Obedience
D. Social loafing
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Strengthening of the group's initial position through discussion is group polarisation.

Q47.
When you find others also favouring your opinion against the employee, who was caught taking a bribe, you feel that your view is being validated by the public. This phenomenon is called:
A. Cohesiveness
B. Autokinetic effect
C. Compliance
D. Bandwagon effect ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Feeling validated because others share your opinion (jumping on the popular view) is the bandwagon effect.

Q48.
Identify the correct statements in reference to the influence of group on individual behavior: (A) Individuals are more likely to take extreme decisions than the group. (B) When you find others favouring your opinion, you feel that your view is being validated by the public (C) When you find people having similar views, you are likely to perceive them as in-group and as a consequence your views get strengthened. (D) Groups are more likely to take extreme decisions than individuals alone. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) and (B) only
B. (B), (C) and (D) only ✓
C. (A) and (C) only
D. (A), (B) and (C) only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

(A) is false - groups, not individuals, take more extreme decisions. (B), (C), (D) are correct as per the passage.

Q49.
When you find others having views similar to yours, you are likely to perceive them as:
A. Ingroup ✓
B. Outgroup
C. Non conformists
D. Friends
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

People with similar views are perceived as ingroup, strengthening one's views.

Q50.
Match List-I with List-II List-I: (A) Members are viewed differently and are often perceived negatively (B) The strengthening of the group's initial position as a result of group interaction and discussion (C) Appearance of consensus or unanimous agreement within a group (D) Team spirit or 'we' feeling or a sense of belongingness to the group List-II: (I) Group polarisation (II) Cohesiveness (III) Outgroup (IV) Groupthink Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)
B. (A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)
C. (A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (I), (D) - (IV)
D. (A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II) ✓
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Perceived negatively=outgroup(III); strengthening of initial position=group polarisation(I); appearance of consensus=groupthink(IV); we-feeling/belongingness=cohesiveness(II).

Original question paper source: National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET (UG) 2025. Reproduced for educational use. Answers & explanations by UniDrill.