If you are preparing for teaching competitive exams like CTET, HTET, REET, UPTET, DSSSB, KVS, or NVS, then Educational Psychology is one of the most important subjects in your syllabus. Questions from this topic are asked in almost every teaching exam and play a crucial role in final selection.
In this post, we provide MCQ on Educational Psychology with Answers for Competitive Exams, specially designed according to the latest exam pattern. All questions are written in simple language with correct answers to help you understand concepts clearly.
Whether you are starting your preparation or revising important topics, these MCQs will help improve your concept clarity, practice level, and exam confidence.
Most Important Psychology MCQ for CTET, HTET, REET
1. Educational psychology is mainly concerned with the study of:
- (A) Teaching methods only
- (B) Learning processes of students
- (C) School administration
- (D) Curriculum design
Explanation: Educational psychology focuses on how students learn, behave, and develop in educational settings.
2. Who is known as the father of educational psychology?
- (A) John Dewey
- (B) William James
- (C) B.F. Skinner
- (D) Jean Piaget
Explanation: William James is regarded as the father of educational psychology due to his contributions to teaching and learning principles.
3. Which method is considered the scientific method in educational psychology?
- (A) Observation method
- (B) Experimental method
- (C) Case study method
- (D) Survey method
Explanation: The experimental method is scientific because it involves control, manipulation, and verification of variables.
4. The concept of “learning by doing” was given by:
- (A) Skinner
- (B) Thorndike
- (C) John Dewey
- (D) Pavlov
Explanation: John Dewey emphasized active learning through real-life experiences.
5. Which theory of learning is based on stimulus-response connection?
- (A) Gestalt theory
- (B) Insight theory
- (C) Trial and Error theory
- (D) Cognitive theory
Explanation: Thorndike’s Trial and Error theory explains learning as forming stimulus-response connections.
6. Intelligence quotient (IQ) is calculated by:
- (A) Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age × 100
- (B) Chronological Age ÷ Mental Age × 100
- (C) Mental Age × Chronological Age
- (D) Mental Age − Chronological Age
Explanation: IQ is determined by comparing mental age with chronological age and multiplying by 100.
7. Which type of motivation comes from within the learner?
- (A) Extrinsic motivation
- (B) Social motivation
- (C) Intrinsic motivation
- (D) Negative motivation
Explanation: Intrinsic motivation arises from internal interest or satisfaction in the task itself.
8. The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by:
- (A) Alfred Binet
- (B) Howard Gardner
- (C) Spearman
- (D) Thurstone
Explanation: Howard Gardner proposed that intelligence consists of multiple independent abilities.
9. Which stage of development is characterized by rapid physical growth?
- (A) Childhood
- (B) Adolescence
- (C) Adulthood
- (D) Old age
Explanation: Adolescence is marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes.
10. Which type of memory has the longest retention?
- (A) Sensory memory
- (B) Short-term memory
- (C) Working memory
- (D) Long-term memory
Explanation: Long-term memory stores information for extended periods, sometimes for a lifetime.
11. Which psychologist is associated with the theory of classical conditioning?
- (A) B.F. Skinner
- (B) Ivan Pavlov
- (C) Edward Thorndike
- (D) Albert Bandura
Explanation: Ivan Pavlov proposed the theory of classical conditioning based on stimulus–response association.
12. Operant conditioning theory was given by:
- (A) Pavlov
- (B) Watson
- (C) B.F. Skinner
- (D) Kohler
Explanation: Skinner explained learning as a result of reinforcement and punishment.
13. Insight learning theory is related to:
- (A) Behaviorism
- (B) Gestalt psychology
- (C) Psychoanalysis
- (D) Connectionism
Explanation: Insight learning emphasizes understanding the whole situation, a key idea of Gestalt psychology.
14. Who gave the law of effect?
- (A) Skinner
- (B) Pavlov
- (C) Thorndike
- (D) Watson
Explanation: The law of effect states that responses followed by satisfaction are strengthened.
15. Emotional development is most rapid during:
- (A) Infancy
- (B) Childhood
- (C) Adolescence
- (D) Adulthood
Explanation: Adolescence is marked by intense emotional changes and instability.
16. Which test is used to measure intelligence?
- (A) Achievement test
- (B) Aptitude test
- (C) Intelligence test
- (D) Attitude test
Explanation: Intelligence tests are specifically designed to measure cognitive abilities.
17. Motivation related to rewards and punishment is called:
- (A) Intrinsic motivation
- (B) Extrinsic motivation
- (C) Social motivation
- (D) Positive motivation
Explanation: Extrinsic motivation depends on external rewards or punishments.
18. Which memory stores information for a few seconds?
- (A) Long-term memory
- (B) Short-term memory
- (C) Sensory memory
- (D) Working memory
Explanation: Sensory memory holds sensory information for a very brief duration.
19. Which factor affects learning the most?
- (A) Intelligence
- (B) Motivation
- (C) Environment
- (D) All of the above
Explanation: Learning is influenced by intelligence, motivation, and environmental factors.
20. The main aim of educational psychology is to:
- (A) Train teachers
- (B) Understand learner behavior
- (C) Prepare syllabus
- (D) Conduct examinations
Explanation: Educational psychology helps teachers understand how learners think, learn, and behave.
21. Who introduced the concept of ‘mental age’?
- (A) Spearman
- (B) Alfred Binet
- (C) Thurstone
- (D) Gardner
Explanation: Alfred Binet introduced the concept of mental age while developing the first intelligence test.
22. Which law of learning emphasizes practice and repetition?
- (A) Law of Effect
- (B) Law of Readiness
- (C) Law of Exercise
- (D) Law of Motivation
Explanation: Thorndike’s Law of Exercise states that practice strengthens learning connections.
23. Which psychologist propounded the social learning theory?
- (A) Skinner
- (B) Bandura
- (C) Pavlov
- (D) Freud
Explanation: Albert Bandura emphasized learning through observation and imitation.
24. Which type of reinforcement strengthens behavior?
- (A) Negative reinforcement
- (B) Positive reinforcement
- (C) Punishment
- (D) Extinction
Explanation: Positive reinforcement increases behavior by providing rewards.
25. Gestalt psychology emphasizes:
- (A) Parts
- (B) Trial and error
- (C) Whole perception
- (D) Reinforcement
Explanation: Gestalt psychology believes learning occurs through understanding the whole situation.
26. Which stage of Piaget’s cognitive development involves abstract thinking?
- (A) Sensory-motor
- (B) Pre-operational
- (C) Concrete operational
- (D) Formal operational
Explanation: Abstract and logical thinking develops in the formal operational stage.
27. Intelligence tests measure:
- (A) Emotional ability
- (B) Social skills
- (C) Mental abilities
- (D) Physical strength
Explanation: Intelligence tests assess reasoning, problem-solving, and thinking abilities.
28. Which memory is also called ‘working memory’?
- (A) Sensory memory
- (B) Short-term memory
- (C) Long-term memory
- (D) Episodic memory
Explanation: Short-term memory is often referred to as working memory.
29. Which factor is internal to the learner?
- (A) Environment
- (B) Teacher
- (C) Motivation
- (D) Curriculum
Explanation: Motivation originates within the learner and directly affects learning.
30. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to:
- (A) Solve mathematical problems
- (B) Control emotions
- (C) Memorize facts
- (D) Speak fluently
Explanation: Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions.
31. Which method studies individual behavior deeply?
- (A) Survey method
- (B) Experimental method
- (C) Case study method
- (D) Observation method
Explanation: Case study method provides an in-depth analysis of individual behavior.
32. Learning that occurs by observing others is called:
- (A) Trial and error learning
- (B) Insight learning
- (C) Observational learning
- (D) Rote learning
Explanation: Observational learning occurs by watching and imitating others.
33. Who propounded the theory of emotional development?
- (A) Freud
- (B) Maslow
- (C) Thorndike
- (D) Skinner
Explanation: Freud explained emotional development through psychosexual stages.
34. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy includes self-esteem?
- (A) Physiological needs
- (B) Safety needs
- (C) Esteem needs
- (D) Self-actualization
Explanation: Esteem needs include self-respect, confidence, and recognition.
35. Which is not a type of learning?
- (A) Insight learning
- (B) Motor learning
- (C) Verbal learning
- (D) Physical learning
Explanation: Physical learning is not a recognized category of learning.
36. Which memory involves personal experiences?
- (A) Semantic memory
- (B) Procedural memory
- (C) Episodic memory
- (D) Sensory memory
Explanation: Episodic memory stores personal life experiences.
37. Who gave the concept of ‘Zone of Proximal Development’?
- (A) Piaget
- (B) Bruner
- (C) Vygotsky
- (D) Kohlberg
Explanation: Vygotsky introduced the Zone of Proximal Development in learning theory.
38. Which test measures achievement?
- (A) Intelligence test
- (B) Aptitude test
- (C) Achievement test
- (D) Personality test
Explanation: Achievement tests evaluate knowledge gained in a subject.
39. Which personality trait refers to emotional stability?
- (A) Neuroticism
- (B) Introversion
- (C) Extroversion
- (D) Psychoticism
Explanation: Low neuroticism indicates emotional stability.
40. The primary role of a teacher in learning is:
- (A) Instructor
- (B) Facilitator
- (C) Controller
- (D) Examiner
Explanation: Modern educational psychology views the teacher as a facilitator of learning.
41. Which concept explains forgetting due to interference of similar information?
- (A) Decay theory
- (B) Interference theory
- (C) Trace theory
- (D) Motivation theory
Explanation: Interference theory states that similar learning interferes with recall of information.
42. Which psychologist is associated with programmed learning?
- (A) Thorndike
- (B) Skinner
- (C) Piaget
- (D) Bruner
Explanation: Skinner promoted programmed instruction based on operant conditioning.
43. Which schedule of reinforcement gives reward after a fixed time?
- (A) Fixed ratio
- (B) Variable ratio
- (C) Fixed interval
- (D) Variable interval
Explanation: In fixed interval schedule, reinforcement is given after a fixed time period.
44. Which stage of moral development focuses on social approval?
- (A) Pre-conventional
- (B) Conventional
- (C) Post-conventional
- (D) Autonomous
Explanation: Conventional level emphasizes maintaining social order and approval.
45. Who proposed the spiral curriculum?
- (A) Bruner
- (B) Piaget
- (C) Dewey
- (D) Ausubel
Explanation: Bruner suggested concepts should be revisited in increasing depth—spiral curriculum.
46. Learning by insight was demonstrated using:
- (A) Cat
- (B) Dog
- (C) Chimpanzee
- (D) Rat
Explanation: Köhler used chimpanzees to demonstrate insight learning.
47. Which type of attention is intentional and goal-directed?
- (A) Involuntary attention
- (B) Voluntary attention
- (C) Passive attention
- (D) Habitual attention
Explanation: Voluntary attention is consciously directed towards a goal.
48. Which factor best improves retention?
- (A) Rote learning
- (B) Meaningful learning
- (C) Overlearning
- (D) Cramming
Explanation: Meaningful learning connects new knowledge with prior understanding, improving retention.
49. Which is a projective personality test?
- (A) MMPI
- (B) Rorschach Inkblot Test
- (C) Binet Test
- (D) Achievement Test
Explanation: Projective tests reveal personality through ambiguous stimuli.
50. Which learning principle states readiness enhances learning?
- (A) Law of Exercise
- (B) Law of Effect
- (C) Law of Readiness
- (D) Law of Motivation
Explanation: Learning is effective when the learner is mentally prepared.
51. Who emphasized advance organizers in learning?
- (A) Bruner
- (B) Ausubel
- (C) Skinner
- (D) Bandura
Explanation: Ausubel proposed advance organizers to facilitate meaningful learning.
52. Which learning curve shows sudden improvement?
- (A) Trial and error
- (B) Insight learning
- (C) Rote learning
- (D) Motor learning
Explanation: Insight learning shows abrupt improvement after understanding the problem.
53. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s feelings to others?
- (A) Repression
- (B) Projection
- (C) Regression
- (D) Rationalization
Explanation: Projection shifts unacceptable feelings onto others.
54. Which memory system stores skills and habits?
- (A) Episodic
- (B) Semantic
- (C) Procedural
- (D) Sensory
Explanation: Procedural memory stores motor skills and habits.
55. Which classroom technique promotes active learning?
- (A) Lecture method
- (B) Dictation
- (C) Project method
- (D) Note copying
Explanation: Project method encourages learner participation and problem-solving.
56. Which type of evaluation is continuous and diagnostic?
- (A) Summative
- (B) Formative
- (C) Norm-referenced
- (D) Criterion-referenced
Explanation: Formative evaluation provides ongoing feedback to improve learning.
57. Who proposed theory of moral development stages?
- (A) Erikson
- (B) Kohlberg
- (C) Piaget
- (D) Freud
Explanation: Kohlberg described moral development in three levels with six stages.
58. Which factor causes individual differences most?
- (A) Heredity
- (B) Environment
- (C) Training
- (D) All of the above
Explanation: Individual differences arise from heredity, environment, and experiences.
59. Which motivation theory emphasizes needs hierarchy?
- (A) Hull
- (B) Maslow
- (C) McClelland
- (D) Skinner
Explanation: Maslow proposed a hierarchy of human needs motivating behavior.
60. The best role of feedback in learning is to:
- (A) Punish errors
- (B) Rank students
- (C) Reinforce correct responses
- (D) Increase workload
Explanation: Feedback strengthens correct learning and guides improvement.
61. Which concept refers to learning without reinforcement?
- (A) Trial and error learning
- (B) Insight learning
- (C) Latent learning
- (D) Operant conditioning
Explanation: Latent learning occurs without reinforcement and is demonstrated when motivation appears.
62. Who proposed the theory of psychosocial development?
- (A) Freud
- (B) Erikson
- (C) Piaget
- (D) Kohlberg
Explanation: Erikson explained development through eight psychosocial stages across the lifespan.
63. Which learning type is based on repeated practice of movements?
- (A) Verbal learning
- (B) Insight learning
- (C) Motor learning
- (D) Concept learning
Explanation: Motor learning involves acquiring skills through repeated physical practice.
64. Which test compares a learner’s performance with a set standard?
- (A) Norm-referenced test
- (B) Intelligence test
- (C) Criterion-referenced test
- (D) Achievement test
Explanation: Criterion-referenced tests measure performance against fixed criteria or standards.
65. Which principle of learning stresses the role of motivation?
- (A) Law of Readiness
- (B) Law of Exercise
- (C) Law of Effect
- (D) Law of Attitude
Explanation: The Law of Readiness emphasizes motivation and preparedness for learning.
66. Which factor mainly influences attention in the classroom?
- (A) Interest
- (B) Intelligence
- (C) Fatigue
- (D) All of the above
Explanation: Attention is affected by interest, mental ability, and physical condition.
67. Who is associated with the theory of concept learning?
- (A) Bruner
- (B) Skinner
- (C) Pavlov
- (D) Watson
Explanation: Bruner emphasized concept attainment through discovery learning.
68. Which memory system retains information permanently?
- (A) Sensory memory
- (B) Short-term memory
- (C) Working memory
- (D) Long-term memory
Explanation: Long-term memory stores information for very long durations.
69. Which teaching method best supports constructivist learning?
- (A) Lecture method
- (B) Discovery method
- (C) Drill method
- (D) Dictation method
Explanation: Constructivism encourages learners to construct knowledge through discovery.
70. Which defense mechanism involves reverting to earlier behavior?
- (A) Projection
- (B) Repression
- (C) Regression
- (D) Sublimation
Explanation: Regression is returning to immature behavior under stress.
71. Which learning theory emphasizes reinforcement?
- (A) Cognitive theory
- (B) Behaviorism
- (C) Gestalt theory
- (D) Humanistic theory
Explanation: Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior shaped by reinforcement.
72. Who developed the first standardized intelligence test?
- (A) Spearman
- (B) Binet
- (C) Terman
- (D) Gardner
Explanation: Alfred Binet developed the first practical intelligence test.
73. Which schedule of reinforcement is most resistant to extinction?
- (A) Fixed ratio
- (B) Fixed interval
- (C) Variable ratio
- (D) Variable interval
Explanation: Variable ratio reinforcement produces high and steady response rates.
74. Which level of learning involves understanding relationships?
- (A) Rote learning
- (B) Verbal learning
- (C) Insight learning
- (D) Motor learning
Explanation: Insight learning focuses on perceiving relationships within a problem.
75. Which type of intelligence relates to self-awareness?
- (A) Linguistic
- (B) Logical-mathematical
- (C) Intrapersonal
- (D) Interpersonal
Explanation: Intrapersonal intelligence involves understanding oneself.
76. Which teaching aid appeals most to the sense of sight?
- (A) Audio aids
- (B) Visual aids
- (C) Audio-visual aids
- (D) Verbal aids
Explanation: Visual aids directly appeal to learners’ visual sense.
77. Which evaluation is conducted at the end of a course?
- (A) Diagnostic
- (B) Formative
- (C) Summative
- (D) Continuous
Explanation: Summative evaluation measures overall achievement at the end of instruction.
78. Which theory emphasizes self-actualization?
- (A) Behaviorist
- (B) Psychoanalytic
- (C) Humanistic
- (D) Cognitive
Explanation: Humanistic theory focuses on personal growth and self-actualization.
79. Which learning style prefers diagrams and charts?
- (A) Auditory
- (B) Kinesthetic
- (C) Visual
- (D) Verbal
Explanation: Visual learners learn best through images and diagrams.
80. The main purpose of guidance in schools is to:
- (A) Control students
- (B) Punish students
- (C) Help students adjust
- (D) Rank students
Explanation: Guidance helps students adjust academically, socially, and emotionally.
81. Which concept refers to readiness to respond to a particular stimulus?
- (A) Motivation
- (B) Attitude
- (C) Interest
- (D) Habit
Explanation: Attitude reflects a learned readiness to respond positively or negatively toward objects or situations.
82. Who proposed the theory of meaningful verbal learning?
- (A) Bruner
- (B) Ausubel
- (C) Skinner
- (D) Gagné
Explanation: Ausubel emphasized meaningful learning through advance organizers and prior knowledge.
83. Which learning outcome involves attitudes and values?
- (A) Cognitive
- (B) Psychomotor
- (C) Affective
- (D) Conceptual
Explanation: The affective domain deals with attitudes, values, and emotions.
84. Which test measures potential for future performance?
- (A) Achievement test
- (B) Intelligence test
- (C) Aptitude test
- (D) Diagnostic test
Explanation: Aptitude tests predict future performance in specific areas.
85. Which method best suits teaching problem-solving skills?
- (A) Lecture
- (B) Discussion
- (C) Heuristic method
- (D) Dictation
Explanation: The heuristic method encourages learners to discover solutions independently.
86. Which factor does NOT influence forgetting?
- (A) Interference
- (B) Motivation
- (C) Practice
- (D) Time
Explanation: Practice strengthens memory and reduces forgetting.
87. Who emphasized reinforcement schedules in learning?
- (A) Pavlov
- (B) Skinner
- (C) Bandura
- (D) Tolman
Explanation: Skinner detailed schedules of reinforcement in operant conditioning.
88. Which intelligence is related to understanding others?
- (A) Intrapersonal
- (B) Linguistic
- (C) Interpersonal
- (D) Spatial
Explanation: Interpersonal intelligence involves sensitivity to others’ feelings and intentions.
89. Which classroom climate best supports learning?
- (A) Authoritarian
- (B) Democratic
- (C) Laissez-faire
- (D) Rigid
Explanation: A democratic climate promotes participation, motivation, and understanding.
90. Which process involves organizing and interpreting sensory information?
- (A) Attention
- (B) Sensation
- (C) Perception
- (D) Memory
Explanation: Perception organizes and interprets sensory inputs into meaningful patterns.
91. Which motivation theory emphasizes achievement, affiliation, and power?
- (A) Maslow
- (B) Hull
- (C) McClelland
- (D) Herzberg
Explanation: McClelland identified needs for achievement, affiliation, and power.
92. Which stage of Erikson focuses on identity vs role confusion?
- (A) Childhood
- (B) Adolescence
- (C) Early adulthood
- (D) Middle adulthood
Explanation: Erikson described identity formation as the key task of adolescence.
93. Which learning theory stresses mental processes?
- (A) Behaviorist
- (B) Cognitive
- (C) Humanistic
- (D) Psychoanalytic
Explanation: Cognitive theories focus on internal mental processes like thinking and memory.
94. Which assessment identifies learning difficulties at the start?
- (A) Formative
- (B) Summative
- (C) Diagnostic
- (D) Continuous
Explanation: Diagnostic assessment identifies strengths and weaknesses before instruction.
95. Which type of learning is fastest initially?
- (A) Trial and error
- (B) Insight learning
- (C) Rote learning
- (D) Motor learning
Explanation: Rote learning shows quick initial gains but low long-term retention.
96. Which concept explains transfer of learning?
- (A) Reinforcement
- (B) Generalization
- (C) Motivation
- (D) Fatigue
Explanation: Generalization allows learning to transfer to similar situations.
97. Which domain includes skill-based outcomes?
- (A) Cognitive
- (B) Affective
- (C) Psychomotor
- (D) Social
Explanation: The psychomotor domain covers physical and motor skills.
98. Which theory supports learning through modeling?
- (A) Operant conditioning
- (B) Social learning theory
- (C) Gestalt theory
- (D) Humanistic theory
Explanation: Bandura’s social learning theory emphasizes modeling and imitation.
99. Which factor enhances concept formation?
- (A) Rote memorization
- (B) Varied examples
- (C) Punishment
- (D) Cramming
Explanation: Exposure to varied examples helps learners form and generalize concepts.
100. The primary goal of educational psychology is to:
- (A) Control behavior
- (B) Improve teaching–learning process
- (C) Standardize tests
- (D) Enforce discipline
Explanation: Educational psychology aims to enhance effective teaching and meaningful learning.
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