Most Important Topics for IGNOU MAPC MPC-004 (Advanced Social Psychology) | Exam-Focused Guide

If you're preparing for the IGNOU MAPC Term-End Exams for MPC-004: Advanced Social Psychology, this blog will serve as your ultimate guide.

After reviewing the official syllabus and analyzing past year papers from 2020 to 2024, I’ve compiled a complete and exam-oriented list of the most important topics you must focus on.

This list is categorized into Long Answers (10 marks), Medium Answers (6 marks), and Short Notes (3 marks) to help you plan better!

📚 Important Topics for MPC-004 (Advanced Social Psychology)

🔹 High-Frequency Long Answer Topics (10 Marks)

• Nature, Concept, and Historical Development of Social Psychology

• Research Methods in Social Psychology (Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, Correlational, Ethnographic)

• Social Perception and Attribution (Focus on Attribution Errors)

• Attitudes (Nature, Components, Formation, and Change)

• Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination (Causes, Maintenance, and Reduction)

• Aggression and Violence (Causes, Types, and Theories)

• Prosocial Behavior (Helping Behavior, Altruism, Factors)

• Group Dynamics (Formation, Structure, Functions, Cohesion)

• Crowd Behavior (Concept and Theories)

• Social Influence (Conformity, Compliance, Obedience)

• Conflict (Types, Causes, Effects, Conflict Resolution Strategies)

🔹 Medium Answer Topics (6 Marks)

• Attribution Errors (Fundamental Attribution Error, Self-Serving Bias)

• Self-Perception Theory (Bem)

• Theories of Crowd Behavior

• Factors Affecting Interpersonal Attraction

• Factors Responsible for Formation of Stereotypes

• Factors Influencing Attitude Change

• Cooperation vs Competition

• Population Psychology

• Social Impact Theory

• Ethical Issues in Social Psychological Research

• Prosocial Behavior vs Altruistic Behavior

• Group Rules and Functions

🔹 Short Notes Topics (3 Marks)

• Normative Social Influence

• Primacy vs Recency Effect

• Schema

• Fundamental Attribution Error

• Low-Ball Technique

• Reciprocity-of-Liking Rule

• Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis

• Heider’s Balance Theory

• Correlational Method

• Cultural Patterning

• Forms of Social Conflict

• Altruism

• Social Isolation

🧠 Super Important Topics (Must Prepare!)

Concept	Focus Area
Research Methods	Experimental, Correlational, Ethnographic
Attribution Theory	Errors and Applications
Prejudice and Discrimination	Development, Maintenance, Reduction
Aggression	Nature, Causes, Theories
Prosocial Behavior	Altruism, Helping in Emergencies
Group Dynamics	Group Structure, Cohesion, Communication
Crowd Behavior	Crowd Theories and Group Mind
Conformity, Compliance, Obedience	Cialdini’s Principles, Asch's Experiment

By focusing on these important topics, you can easily cover 85–90% of the MPC-004 exam content. Prioritize understanding theories deeply, practicing structured answers, and linking concepts where possible (for example: linking attribution errors with social perception).

Prepare smart, revise wisely, and you'll be ready to ace your IGNOU MAPC exam in Advanced Social Psychology! 🚀

Good Luck! 🍀

Tags: IGNOU MAPC Important Topics, IGNOU MPC-004 Preparation, Advanced Social Psychology IGNOU Notes, MAPC Term-End Exam Preparation, IGNOU Social Psychology Topics