⋆
]]
⋆
PYC1502: Psychology in Society
OCT/NOV Examination 2026 Preparation
Covers Past Papers: 2023 to 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
[ Psychology & Human Sciences – UNISA [
_ Exam Revision Guide
PYC1502
Module Code:
Psychology in Society
Module Name:
OCT/NOV 2023, OCT/NOV 2024,
Papers Covered:
OCT/NOV 2025
OCT/NOV 2026
Exam Prep For:
50 MCQs (2 marks each = 100 marks)
Format:
2 Hours
Duration:
Use this guide to revise thoroughly. Focus on understanding, not memorisation.
Exam Revision Notes | PYC1502 | 2023–2026
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
ò How to Use This Revision Guide
This document covers three OCT/NOV examination sittings (2023, 2024, 2025) and
is structured to prepare you for the OCT/NOV 2026 examination. The PYC1502 exam
consists of 50 multiple-choice questions worth 2 marks each (total 100 marks). Questions
are drawn from all 8 study units.
Key Concept
PYC1502 Exam Structure: 50 MCQs, 2 hours, 4 options per question. Every ques-
tion carries equal weight. No negative marking. If unsure, always attempt an answer.
Units covered:
1. Unit 1 – Psychology as a Science
2. Unit 2 – Stress
3. Unit 3 – Sensation and Perception
4. Unit 4 – Motivation
5. Unit 5 – The Psychology of Groups
6. Unit 6 – Societal Issues: Violence, Racism and Prejudice
7. Unit 7 – Work and Organisational Psychology
8. Unit 8 – Research Methods in Psychology
Page 2 of 26
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
z SECTION A: OCT/NOV 2025 Examination
⋆ Exam Tip
The 2025 paper continued the format of 50 MCQs. Questions emphasised application
of theory to real-life South African scenarios, especially stress, group dynamics, and
workplace motivation.
Page 3 of 26
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
Question 1 [2] marks
Question: Nosipho works as a nurse in a public hospital. She has been experiencing
persistent fatigue, emotional detachment from patients, and a sense of ineffectiveness in
her role. Which concept in psychology best describes what Nosipho is experiencing?
1. Acute stress reaction
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder
3. Burnout
4. Generalised anxiety disorder
Answer: Option 3 – Burnout
Burnout is a state of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is
characterised by three dimensions:
• Emotional exhaustion: feeling drained and depleted of emotional resources
• Depersonalisation (cynicism): emotional detachment or negative attitudes towards
one’s work or clients
• Reduced personal accomplishment: feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of achievement
Burnout differs from acute stress (short-term) and PTSD (trauma-based) and is specifically
associated with prolonged occupational stress, common in helping professions such as nursing
and social work.
¥ Example
In South Africa, healthcare workers in under-resourced public hospitals frequently
report burnout due to staff shortages, high patient loads, and insufficient support
systems.
Page 4 of 26
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
Question 2 [2] marks
Question: According to Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress, which
type of appraisal involves a person evaluating what they can do to overcome or manage a
stressful situation?
1. Primary appraisal
2. Secondary appraisal
3. Reappraisal
4. Cognitive appraisal
Answer: Option 2 – Secondary appraisal
Key Concept
Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model views stress as a transaction be-
tween the person and the environment. It involves two appraisal stages:
• Primary appraisal: Is this situation relevant to me? Is it harmful, threatening, or
challenging?
• Secondary appraisal: What can I do about it? What coping resources do I have?
• Reappraisal: Revised evaluation after initial coping attempts
Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of available coping options and resources to manage the
stressful event. It is not simply “thinking again” – it is a distinct cognitive step focused on
coping capacity.
. Watch Out
Do not confuse primary appraisal (is this stressful?) with secondary appraisal
(what can I do?). Many students mix these up in exams.
Page 5 of 26
, PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
Question 3 [2] marks
Question: Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the body’s response to
prolonged stress in three stages. Which sequence correctly represents these stages?
1. Resistance – Alarm – Exhaustion
2. Alarm – Exhaustion – Resistance
3. Alarm – Resistance – Exhaustion
4. Exhaustion – Alarm – Resistance
Answer: Option 3 – Alarm – Resistance – Exhaustion
Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the physiological re-
sponse to prolonged stressors:
STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3
Alarm Resistance Exhaustion
(fight-or-flight) (adaptation) (depletion)
• Alarm stage: The body mobilises its defences; adrenaline is released; fight-or-flight re-
sponse activated
• Resistance stage: The body tries to cope and adapt; physiological arousal remains ele-
vated but below alarm level
• Exhaustion stage: Resources are depleted; the body can no longer sustain resistance;
illness or collapse may follow
Page 6 of 26
]]
⋆
PYC1502: Psychology in Society
OCT/NOV Examination 2026 Preparation
Covers Past Papers: 2023 to 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
[ Psychology & Human Sciences – UNISA [
_ Exam Revision Guide
PYC1502
Module Code:
Psychology in Society
Module Name:
OCT/NOV 2023, OCT/NOV 2024,
Papers Covered:
OCT/NOV 2025
OCT/NOV 2026
Exam Prep For:
50 MCQs (2 marks each = 100 marks)
Format:
2 Hours
Duration:
Use this guide to revise thoroughly. Focus on understanding, not memorisation.
Exam Revision Notes | PYC1502 | 2023–2026
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
ò How to Use This Revision Guide
This document covers three OCT/NOV examination sittings (2023, 2024, 2025) and
is structured to prepare you for the OCT/NOV 2026 examination. The PYC1502 exam
consists of 50 multiple-choice questions worth 2 marks each (total 100 marks). Questions
are drawn from all 8 study units.
Key Concept
PYC1502 Exam Structure: 50 MCQs, 2 hours, 4 options per question. Every ques-
tion carries equal weight. No negative marking. If unsure, always attempt an answer.
Units covered:
1. Unit 1 – Psychology as a Science
2. Unit 2 – Stress
3. Unit 3 – Sensation and Perception
4. Unit 4 – Motivation
5. Unit 5 – The Psychology of Groups
6. Unit 6 – Societal Issues: Violence, Racism and Prejudice
7. Unit 7 – Work and Organisational Psychology
8. Unit 8 – Research Methods in Psychology
Page 2 of 26
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
z SECTION A: OCT/NOV 2025 Examination
⋆ Exam Tip
The 2025 paper continued the format of 50 MCQs. Questions emphasised application
of theory to real-life South African scenarios, especially stress, group dynamics, and
workplace motivation.
Page 3 of 26
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
Question 1 [2] marks
Question: Nosipho works as a nurse in a public hospital. She has been experiencing
persistent fatigue, emotional detachment from patients, and a sense of ineffectiveness in
her role. Which concept in psychology best describes what Nosipho is experiencing?
1. Acute stress reaction
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder
3. Burnout
4. Generalised anxiety disorder
Answer: Option 3 – Burnout
Burnout is a state of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is
characterised by three dimensions:
• Emotional exhaustion: feeling drained and depleted of emotional resources
• Depersonalisation (cynicism): emotional detachment or negative attitudes towards
one’s work or clients
• Reduced personal accomplishment: feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of achievement
Burnout differs from acute stress (short-term) and PTSD (trauma-based) and is specifically
associated with prolonged occupational stress, common in helping professions such as nursing
and social work.
¥ Example
In South Africa, healthcare workers in under-resourced public hospitals frequently
report burnout due to staff shortages, high patient loads, and insufficient support
systems.
Page 4 of 26
,PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
Question 2 [2] marks
Question: According to Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress, which
type of appraisal involves a person evaluating what they can do to overcome or manage a
stressful situation?
1. Primary appraisal
2. Secondary appraisal
3. Reappraisal
4. Cognitive appraisal
Answer: Option 2 – Secondary appraisal
Key Concept
Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model views stress as a transaction be-
tween the person and the environment. It involves two appraisal stages:
• Primary appraisal: Is this situation relevant to me? Is it harmful, threatening, or
challenging?
• Secondary appraisal: What can I do about it? What coping resources do I have?
• Reappraisal: Revised evaluation after initial coping attempts
Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of available coping options and resources to manage the
stressful event. It is not simply “thinking again” – it is a distinct cognitive step focused on
coping capacity.
. Watch Out
Do not confuse primary appraisal (is this stressful?) with secondary appraisal
(what can I do?). Many students mix these up in exams.
Page 5 of 26
, PYC1502 | Exam Revision OCT/NOV 2023–2025
Question 3 [2] marks
Question: Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the body’s response to
prolonged stress in three stages. Which sequence correctly represents these stages?
1. Resistance – Alarm – Exhaustion
2. Alarm – Exhaustion – Resistance
3. Alarm – Resistance – Exhaustion
4. Exhaustion – Alarm – Resistance
Answer: Option 3 – Alarm – Resistance – Exhaustion
Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the physiological re-
sponse to prolonged stressors:
STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3
Alarm Resistance Exhaustion
(fight-or-flight) (adaptation) (depletion)
• Alarm stage: The body mobilises its defences; adrenaline is released; fight-or-flight re-
sponse activated
• Resistance stage: The body tries to cope and adapt; physiological arousal remains ele-
vated but below alarm level
• Exhaustion stage: Resources are depleted; the body can no longer sustain resistance;
illness or collapse may follow
Page 6 of 26
