UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Qualitative research focuses on understanding meanings, experiences and social processes as seen by participants. It uses methods such as interviews, observations and document analysis to collect detailed narrative data. Analysis often involves identifying themes, patterns and interpretations rather than numerical summaries. Thus, an approach centred on participants’ perspectives and rich narratives is correctly termed qualitative research.

Option A:
Experimental research manipulates variables under controlled conditions to test cause–effect relationships and usually relies on quantitative measurements and statistical analysis. While it may include some qualitative elements, it is not defined primarily by narrative understanding from participants’ viewpoints. Therefore, experimental is not the right completion.

Option B:
Survey research typically uses structured questionnaires to gather information from large samples, with responses summarised numerically. Although open-ended survey questions can yield qualitative data, the survey approach is not inherently interpretive and narrative-focused in the same way. Hence, survey does not best fit the stem.

Option C:
Qualitative research aims to capture context, language and meaning, often accepting that multiple realities exist and that the researcher is part of the interpretive process. This emphasis on depth and subjectivity matches precisely what the question describes.

Option D:
Correlational research examines the statistical relationships between quantitative variables without manipulating them and is primarily numerical in orientation. It does not typically rely on rich narrative data or participants’ interpretations, so correlational is not appropriate here.

Statements A, B, C and D outline core features of case study and ethnographic research, while F clarifies their strengths and limits. A is true because case studies focus intensively on a few cases, and B is accurate in noting that ethnographies involve prolonged engagement to understand cultural patterns. C is correct that both designs rely on multiple data sources, and D rightly distinguishes intrinsic, instrumental and collective case studies. F is also true because such designs yield deep contextual insights but are not intended for broad statistical generalisation, whereas E is false since a single brief questionnaire cannot replace the immersive data collection required for ethnography.

Option A:
Option A omits statement F, thereby not acknowledging the issue of limited statistical generalisability despite rich context. Although A, B, C and D are correct, leaving out F means the option is incomplete in presenting both strengths and limitations.

Option B:
Option B leaves out statement C, ignoring the multi-source nature of data in case studies and ethnographies. While A, B, D and F are correct, the omission of C means the option does not fully capture the methodological richness of these designs.

Option C:
Option C excludes statement A, overlooking the defining focus of case study on single or few cases. Even though it includes B, D and F, missing A results in an incomplete description of the case study component of the question.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it combines A, B, C, D and F, offering a full and accurate picture of both case study and ethnographic research. It excludes E, which contradicts the requirement for extended, multi-method fieldwork in ethnography. Thus, this option contains all and only the true statements.