Experimental and non experimental research – UGC NET Question

Statements A, C, D and E together describe core features of experimental, non-experimental and quasi-experimental research. Statement A is true because experiments require manipulation of an independent variable and control of extraneous variables as far as possible. Statement C is correct since descriptive and correlational studies are non-experimental; they do not involve manipulation of variables. Statement D is true because random assignment is a hallmark of true experimental designs, and statement E is correct as quasi-experimental designs lack full control over randomisation or manipulation. Statement B is false because experimental research can be conducted in field settings as well as laboratories, so the complete set of correct statements is A, C, D and E.

Option A:
Option A includes A, C and D, which are all true statements about experimental and non-experimental research, but it omits E. Since E is also a correct statement about quasi-experimental designs lacking full control, leaving it out makes the combination incomplete. A correct option must include all the true statements specified in the list, so this option cannot be accepted.

Option B:
Option B selects A, D and E and ignores C. Although A, D and E are correct, C is also true because descriptive and correlational studies are classical examples of non-experimental research. By failing to include C, the option does not reflect the complete set of correct statements. Therefore Option B is not the right answer.

Option C:
Option C correctly groups A, C, D and E, all of which accurately characterise experimental, non-experimental and quasi-experimental designs. It excludes statement B, which is wrong because experiments can be conducted outside laboratories as field experiments. Since this choice contains all and only the true statements, it is the best answer to the question.

Option D:
Option D brings together C, D and E but leaves out A. While C, D and E are indeed true, excluding A ignores the essential feature that experiments involve manipulation of an independent variable and control of extraneous variables. Because it omits one of the key correct statements, this option is also incorrect.