CUET 2026 Psychology May 21 Shift 1 Question Paper- Download Answer Key and Solution PDF

Concept:
Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences repeated panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, and fear of dying or losing control.

Step 1: Understanding the situation described in the question.

Riya suddenly experiences:

Intense fear
Racing heartbeat
Breathlessness
Dizziness
Fear of death
Avoidance of crowded places


All these symptoms are characteristic features of panic attacks.

Step 2: Relating the symptoms to Panic Disorder.

People suffering from Panic Disorder often experience sudden attacks without warning. During these attacks, the body shows strong physical reactions due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Common symptoms include:

Palpitations or fast heartbeat
Sweating
Trembling
Difficulty in breathing
Feeling faint or dizzy
Fear of dying
Fear of losing control


Riya’s symptoms perfectly match these features.

Step 3: Analyzing each option carefully.


Option (A): Hallucinations

Hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that are not present. These are mainly associated with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, not Panic Disorder.

Option (B): Sudden episodes of intense fear and physical discomfort

This is the defining symptom of Panic Disorder because panic attacks involve sudden intense fear along with physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and breathlessness.

Option (C): Loss of memory

Memory loss is not a major symptom of Panic Disorder. It is more commonly associated with neurological disorders or dissociative disorders.

Option (D): Multiple personalities

Multiple personalities are related to Dissociative Identity Disorder and not Panic Disorder.

Step 4: Final conclusion.

The symptom most strongly associated with Panic Disorder is: \[ \boxed{Sudden episodes of intense fear and physical discomfort} \] Quick Tip: Panic attacks usually peak within a few minutes and may create a strong feeling that something terrible is about to happen, even when there is no real danger.

Concept:
Coping refers to the methods used by individuals to handle stress and difficult situations. Psychologists mainly classify coping strategies into:

Problem-focused coping — directly dealing with the source of stress.
Emotion-focused coping — managing emotional reactions caused by stress.


Healthy coping strategies help a person reduce stress and improve emotional balance.

Step 1: Identifying the stressful situation.

Arjun was stressed because of upcoming entrance examinations.
Examinations can create pressure, anxiety, and fear regarding performance and future outcomes.

Step 2: Recognizing problem-focused coping behavior.

Arjun prepared a study schedule.
This strategy directly addresses the cause of stress by improving preparation and time management.

Such actions are called problem-focused coping because the person actively tries to solve the problem causing stress.
\[ Study schedule \Rightarrow Problem-focused coping \]

Step 3: Recognizing emotion-focused coping behavior.

Arjun also:

Practiced meditation
Shared worries with close friends


Meditation helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Talking to friends provides emotional support and relief.

These methods help control emotional stress rather than directly solving the external problem.

Therefore, these are examples of emotion-focused coping.
\[ Meditation and emotional support \Rightarrow Emotion-focused coping \]

Step 4: Analyzing the incorrect options.


Option (A): Maladaptive coping

Maladaptive coping includes unhealthy methods such as aggression, denial, smoking, or substance abuse. Arjun did not use such methods.

Option (C): Substance dependence

Substance dependence means relying on alcohol or drugs to handle stress. This is not mentioned in the case.

Option (D): Avoidance behavior

Avoidance behavior means escaping from stressful situations instead of dealing with them. Arjun faced his stress positively rather than avoiding it.

Step 5: Final conclusion.

Arjun used both active planning and emotional stress management techniques.
Hence, the coping strategies are: \[ \boxed{Emotion-focused and problem-focused coping} \] Quick Tip: Problem-focused coping tries to solve the problem, while emotion-focused coping tries to control feelings produced by the problem.

Concept:

Message characteristics in advertising and persuasion can be emotional, rational, personal, or social in nature. A rational appeal focuses on logic, usefulness, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and practical benefits of a product or service.

Step 1: Understanding the statement in the advertisement.

The advertisement states that using a pressure cooker:

Saves fuel
Is economical


These points focus on practical utility and financial benefit rather than emotions or relationships.

Step 2: Identifying the type of appeal.

A message that emphasizes:

Saving money
Efficiency
Practical advantage
Logical benefits

is known as a rational appeal.

Step 3: Eliminating incorrect options.


Emotional appeal targets feelings such as happiness, fear, or love.
Familial appeal focuses on family relationships and bonding.
Personal appeal highlights individual identity or self-image.
The given advertisement instead focuses on logical and economic benefits.


Hence, the correct answer is Rational. Quick Tip: Advertisements highlighting cost-saving, durability, efficiency, or utility generally use rational appeals, whereas advertisements focusing on feelings and emotions use emotional appeals.

Concept:

In psychology, interest refers to a person's liking, preference, or attraction toward a particular activity, subject, or experience. A person may enjoy doing an activity even without being exceptionally skilled at it.

Step 1: Understanding the situation described in the question.

Ananya:

Wants to become a doctor.
Enjoys playing the guitar and singing in her free time.
Feels happy and emotionally refreshed while singing.
Is not necessarily very talented in singing.


The key point is that she enjoys the activity and feels emotionally uplifted while doing it.

Step 2: Analyzing the meaning of each option.



Aptitude refers to natural ability or capacity to learn a skill efficiently.
Personality refers to the overall pattern of behavior, emotions, and thinking style of a person.
Interest refers to liking or preference toward an activity.
Intelligence refers to the ability to think, reason, solve problems, and learn.


Step 3: Identifying the most appropriate attribute.

The question clearly states that Ananya enjoys singing and her mood improves while doing it, even though she is not highly skilled at it.

This indicates:

Emotional attraction toward the activity
Personal liking and enjoyment
Voluntary engagement during free time


These are characteristics of interest.

Step 4: Why other options are incorrect.



Aptitude is incorrect because the question specifically mentions she is not a great singer.
Personality is broader and not limited to liking one activity.
Intelligence relates to cognitive ability, not enjoyment of music.


Hence, the correct answer is Interest. Quick Tip: A person may have high interest in an activity without having strong aptitude in it. Interest reflects liking, while aptitude reflects ability.

Concept:

Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to:

Recognize and understand one's own emotions,
Identify emotions in others,
Manage emotions effectively,
Use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.


The concept was popularized by psychologists Peter Salovey, John Mayer, and later Daniel Goleman.

Step 1: Understanding the statement given in the question.

The question mentions the following abilities:

Monitoring one's own emotions,
Monitoring other people's emotions,
Differentiating among emotions,
Using emotional information to guide actions and thinking.


These are the core features of emotional intelligence.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.



Social intelligence mainly refers to handling social situations and understanding social relationships.
Emotional intelligence specifically involves awareness, understanding, and regulation of emotions.
Interpersonal intelligence refers to understanding and interacting effectively with others, according to Gardner's theory.
Abstract intelligence relates to reasoning and problem-solving involving symbols and concepts.


Step 3: Matching the definition.

The statement exactly matches the standard psychological definition of Emotional Intelligence because it emphasizes:

Emotional awareness,
Emotional regulation,
Emotional understanding,
Application of emotions in decision-making.


Therefore, the correct answer is Emotional intelligence.

Step 4: Importance of emotional intelligence.

A person with high emotional intelligence is generally able to:

Manage stress effectively,
Build healthy relationships,
Make balanced decisions,
Show empathy toward others,
Control impulsive reactions.


Thus, emotional intelligence plays a major role in personal, academic, and professional success. Quick Tip: Remember the keyword ``emotions''. Whenever a question involves understanding, monitoring, or managing emotions of self and others, the answer is usually Emotional Intelligence (EI).

Concept:

A Performance Test is a psychological test in which an individual performs certain activities or tasks using objects, patterns, figures, or materials rather than answering verbal questions. Such tests are often used to measure intelligence, reasoning ability, perceptual organization, and problem-solving skills.

Step 1: Understanding the Kohs Block Design Test.

In the Kohs Block Design Test:

A person is given wooden blocks,
The blocks must be arranged into specific patterns or designs,
The arrangement must usually be completed within a limited time,
The task depends more on visual-spatial ability and performance than language.


Thus, the individual demonstrates ability through actual performance.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.



Performance test involves practical execution of tasks and manipulation of objects.
Non-verbal test refers to tests that do not use language heavily.
Verbal test involves language, words, comprehension, and communication.
Aptitude test measures future potential or suitability for a skill or occupation.


Step 3: Identifying the most appropriate category.

Although the Kohs Block Design Test is also largely non-verbal, its primary classification is as a performance test because the subject must physically perform a task using blocks.

The emphasis is on:

Action,
Construction,
Visual organization,
Speed and accuracy of performance.


Hence, the correct answer is Performance test.

Step 4: Additional psychological significance.

Performance tests are especially useful:

For children,
For individuals with language barriers,
For assessing practical and spatial intelligence,
In situations where verbal communication may not accurately reflect ability.


The Kohs Block Design Test is widely used in intelligence assessment and clinical psychology. Quick Tip: If a psychological test requires arranging objects, drawing figures, solving puzzles, or performing actions instead of answering language-based questions, it is generally classified as a performance test.

Concept:

In psychology, individuals with exceptionally high intellectual ability and outstanding performance in multiple areas are often classified as gifted. Gifted individuals generally possess:

High intelligence quotient (I.Q.),
Exceptional academic achievement,
Superior creativity or talent,
Outstanding performance in specific domains such as music, sports, art, or reasoning.


Step 1: Understanding the information given in the question.

The question states that Arshiya:

Has an I.Q. of \(135\),
Scores at the top of her class,
Is an international chess player,
Is also highly talented in beat playing/music.


This shows excellence in:

Academic performance,
Intellectual ability,
Strategic thinking,
Creative or artistic performance.


Step 2: Understanding the significance of I.Q. 135.

An I.Q. score:

Around \(90-110\) is considered average,
Above \(120\) is considered superior,
Around \(130\) or above is generally associated with giftedness.


Since Arshiya has an I.Q. of \(135\), she falls into the gifted category.

Step 3: Analyzing the options.



Gifted refers to individuals with exceptionally high intellectual and creative abilities.
Smart is an informal everyday term and not a precise psychological classification.
Creative refers mainly to originality and innovation but does not fully explain high I.Q. and academic excellence.
Intelligent is a broader term and does not specifically indicate exceptional or superior ability.


Step 4: Selecting the best answer.

Because Arshiya demonstrates:

Very high I.Q.,
Multi-dimensional talent,
Exceptional academic and extracurricular achievement,

she is best classified as Gifted.

Hence, the correct answer is Gifted.

Step 5: Psychological understanding of giftedness.

Gifted individuals often:

Learn quickly,
Show advanced reasoning,
Excel in multiple domains,
Display high creativity and problem-solving skills,
Perform significantly above average peers.


Therefore, Arshiya fits the psychological description of a gifted individual. Quick Tip: In psychology, an I.Q. score of around \(130+\) along with exceptional performance in academics or other fields is commonly associated with giftedness.

Concept:
In the Indian tradition, intelligence is viewed in a broad and holistic manner. It includes mental abilities along with emotional balance, social responsibility, and productive behaviour. The major facets are:

Cognitive Capacity -- Understanding, reasoning, and discrimination.
Social Competence -- Respect, cooperation, and concern for society.
Emotional Competence -- Emotional regulation and self-control.
Entrepreneurial Competence -- Hard work, persistence, and initiative.


Step 1: Identifying the correct dimensions.

The Indian perspective includes cognitive, social, emotional, and entrepreneurial dimensions of intelligence.

Step 2: Checking the incorrect option.

``Individualistic orientation'' is generally linked with Western ideas of personal achievement and independence. Indian tradition gives more importance to collective welfare and social harmony.

Step 3: Selecting the correct combination.

Thus, the correct facets are: \[ (A), (B), (C), and (E) \]

Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(C)} \] Quick Tip: Remember the four major facets of intelligence in Indian tradition using the sequence: \[ \textbf{CSEE = Cognitive, Social, Emotional, Entrepreneurial} \]

Concept:
Psychologists use different methods to study behaviour and personality. A case-study method involves a very detailed and comprehensive investigation of a single person.

Step 1: Understanding the meaning of ``in-depth study''.

The question mentions:

Psychological attributes
Psychological history
Psycho-social environment
Physical environment


These elements indicate a detailed study of the complete life background of an individual.

Step 2: Eliminating incorrect options.


Interview: Only a method of asking questions.
Self-report: Person gives information about themselves.
Psychological test: Measures abilities or traits through standardized procedures.
Case-study: Comprehensive investigation of one individual over time.


Step 3: Selecting the correct answer.

Since the description focuses on a detailed life-based investigation of a person, the correct method is: \[ \boxed{Case-study} \]

Hence, the correct option is: \[ \boxed{(D)} \] Quick Tip: Whenever terms like ``detailed history'', ``background'', ``environment'', or ``complete investigation of one person'' appear in psychology questions, the answer is usually Case-study.

Concept:
Intelligence tests are classified into verbal, non-verbal, and performance tests.


Verbal Tests: Require language understanding and verbal responses.
Non-verbal Tests: Use figures, symbols, and patterns.
Performance Tests: Require physical manipulation or practical activity.


Step 1: Analyzing each test individually.


(A) Stanford-Binet Test:

This is a verbal intelligence test. It requires comprehension of language and verbal responses.

(B) Alexander's Passalong Test:

This is a performance test involving arrangement of blocks and patterns.

(C) Raven's Progressive Matrices:

This is a non-verbal intelligence test based on pattern recognition.

(D) Draw-a-Man Test:

This is a non-verbal/performance-based test involving drawing tasks.

Step 2: Identifying the verbal test.

Among all the given tests, only the Stanford-Binet Test is verbal in nature.

Step 3: Selecting the correct option.

Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(A)\ (A) only} \] Quick Tip: Stanford-Binet is a classic verbal intelligence test, whereas Raven's Progressive Matrices is the most common example of a non-verbal intelligence test.