Most Important Topics for IGNOU MAPC MPC-001 (Cognitive Psychology, Learning and Memory) | Exam-Focused Guide

If you're preparing for IGNOU MAPC Term-End Exams, especially for MPC-001: Cognitive Psychology, Learning and Memory, this blog is your ultimate guide.

After analyzing the official syllabus and several years of past year question papers (PYQs), I’ve created a crisp, exam-oriented list of the most important topics.

This post will also categorize the topics based on whether they usually come as Long Answers (10 marks) or Short Answers (6 or 3 marks) to maximize your score efficiently.

👉 Long Answer Topics (10 Marks)

These are typically asked in Section A (450 words answers):

1. Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

   • Nature, Historical Overview, Domains, Research Methods

2. Models of Memory

   • Waugh and Norman’s Model

   • Atkinson-Shiffrin Stage Model

   • Craik and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing

3. Theories of Intelligence

   • Spearman’s Two-Factor Theory (with critical appraisal)

   • Guilford’s Structure of Intellect Theory

   • Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory

   • JP Das’s PASS Theory

4. Creativity

   • Investment and Confluence Theory

   • Stages of Creativity

   • Relationship Between Creativity and Problem Solving

5. Language Acquisition and Processing

   • Behavioristic Theory vs Innateness Theory (Chomsky)

   • Models of Language Processing

6. Problem Solving

   • Stages and Strategies of Problem Solving

   • Traditional vs Gestalt Approach

   • Newell’s Approach to Problem Solving

👉 Short Answer Topics (6 Marks)

These usually appear in Section B (250 words answers):

1. Domains of Cognitive Psychology

2. Principles of Information Processing

3. Factors Affecting Problem Solving

4. Cultural, Intellectual, Emotional Blocks to Problem Solving

5. Multilingualism and Thinking

6. Contribution of Alfred Binet and IQ Concept

7. Types of Aphasia and Speech Sound Disorders

8. Cellular Bases of Learning and Memory

9. Typologies of Problems (Simple vs Complex, etc.)

👉 Very Short Answer Topics (3 Marks)

Usually short notes asked in Section C (100 words answers):

1. Hippocampus

2. Einstellung Effect

3. Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognitive Domain

4. Procedural vs Declarative Memory

5. Surface vs Deep Structure in Language

6. Dyspraxia

7. Existential Intelligence

8. Miller’s Magic Number

9. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

10. Alzheimer's Disease

Pro Tip: Focus more on theories and models for long answers. Definitions, differences, and stages are typically picked for short notes.

By strategically preparing these important topics for MPC-001, you can cover around 80-90% of your Term-End Exam paper efficiently. Stay consistent, practice previous year questions, and you’re on your way to scoring high!

Good luck with your IGNOU MAPC journey! 🚀

Tags: IGNOU MPC-001 Important Topics, IGNOU MAPC 1st Year Exam Guide, Cognitive Psychology Learning Memory IGNOU, IGNOU MAPC Preparation, MPC001 Past Year Questions, IGNOU Psychology Notes