UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Objectivity means that research conclusions are grounded in observable facts, data and logical reasoning rather than in the researcher’s personal opinions or emotions. It requires the use of systematic methods, clear criteria and transparent procedures. When objectivity is high, different competent researchers examining the same data are likely to reach similar conclusions. Therefore, basing findings on evidence rather than preference reflects objectivity.

Option A:
Feasibility refers to the practicality of conducting a study in terms of time, resources and access, and does not directly address whether findings are evidence-based or biased.

Option B:
Generalisability concerns the extent to which results can be applied to populations or settings beyond the sample studied; it depends partly on sampling and design but is distinct from the issue of personal bias.

Option C:
Objectivity encourages researchers to design studies that minimise bias, such as through blinding or standardisation, and to present results honestly regardless of expectations. This commitment to evidence aligns exactly with the stem, making this option correct.

Option D:
Subjectivity emphasises personal perspectives and interpretations, which may be valued in some qualitative approaches but contradict the specific idea of freeing findings from personal preferences described in the question.

In this question statements A, B, D and E reflect core features of research design, while statement C is incorrect. Statement A is true because a research design indeed acts as a blueprint guiding data collection, measurement and analysis. Statement B is correct since a well-planned design seeks to minimise bias and enhance the reliability of data, and statement D properly characterises descriptive designs as portraying characteristics of populations or phenomena. Statement E is also true as causal-comparative research explores cause–effect relationships without direct manipulation of independent variables, whereas statement C is false because even exploratory studies require at least a tentative design or plan.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and E but leaves out D. Although A, B and E are correct, D is also a true statement about descriptive research designs. By omitting D, this combination does not include all the correct statements and so cannot be accepted as the right answer.

Option B:
Option B selects B, D and E but omits A. While B, D and E are accurate, excluding A means the crucial general idea of research design as a blueprint for the entire study is missing. A complete set of correct statements must include A as well, so this option is incomplete.

Option C:
Option C correctly groups A, B, D and E, all of which present a coherent understanding of research design and related types of studies. It omits statement C, which wrongly suggests that exploratory studies do not need any design. Since this option contains all and only the true statements, it is the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D adds statement C to the otherwise correct combination of A, D and E. Because C is false, claiming that exploratory studies never require a design, its inclusion makes the entire combination incorrect. A valid option cannot mix misleading statements with true ones, so this choice is not acceptable.