UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C and E all describe accepted forms and benefits of triangulation. Researchers may combine different data sources, methods and investigators to cross-check evidence, and this typically enhances the credibility and robustness of results. Statement D is false because theory triangulation involves considering multiple theoretical perspectives, not ignoring them. Hence, the correct combination includes A, B, C and E and excludes D.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits E, failing to mention explicitly that the main purpose of triangulation is to strengthen credibility and confidence in findings. Without E, the rationale for using triangulation remains incomplete.

Option B:
Option B contains B, C and E but leaves out A, so it does not refer to data triangulation, which is an important dimension involving varied data sources. This absence means the option does not capture all key forms of triangulation.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it assembles the three main forms of triangulation mentioned and links them with the overarching purpose of improving credibility. It rightly excludes D, which misinterprets theory triangulation as ignoring alternative perspectives.

Option D:
Option D includes A, C and E but omits B, overlooking method triangulation, which is commonly used when combining, for example, interviews and questionnaires. Without B, the picture of triangulation types is incomplete.

Triangulation involves combining multiple data sources, methods, theoretical perspectives or investigators to study the same phenomenon. The rationale is that if different approaches converge on similar conclusions, confidence in the findings increases. Triangulation can be methodological (using surveys and interviews), data-based (using data from different times or settings) or investigator-based (having multiple researchers analyse the data). Because the stem highlights using multiple methods or sources to enhance credibility, it is describing triangulation.

Option A:
Standardisation refers to making procedures uniform across participants or settings, such as using the same instructions or instruments, to reduce variability and bias. While helpful for reliability, it does not by itself involve combining multiple sources or methods. Therefore, standardisation is not the right term for the process described in the stem.

Option B:
Triangulation helps offset the weaknesses of one method with the strengths of another, providing a more nuanced and robust understanding of the research problem. For example, quantitative survey data might be complemented by qualitative interviews that explain underlying reasons. This deliberate use of multiple approaches to reinforce credibility is exactly what the question refers to, making triangulation the correct answer.

Option C:
Stratification is a sampling procedure in which the population is divided into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and samples are drawn from each. Its purpose is to ensure adequate representation of subgroups, not to combine diverse methods or sources for credibility. Consequently, stratification does not fit the description given.

Option D:
Randomisation is the process of assigning participants to groups purely by chance, usually to control for confounding variables in experiments. While it contributes to internal validity, it does not involve the use of multiple methods or investigators as triangulation does. Hence, randomisation is not the appropriate completion here.

Statements A, B, C and D define different forms of triangulation, and E explains its main purpose. A is true because data triangulation uses varied sources or times, while B is correct that investigator triangulation brings in multiple researchers. C accurately describes methodological triangulation, and D is right that theory triangulation applies several theoretical lenses. E is also true since triangulation aims to enhance credibility by cross-checking evidence, whereas F is false because triangulation is widely used in qualitative and mixed-methods research, not only quantitative work.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it includes all the valid statements about types and purposes of triangulation and omits F, which is overly restrictive. Together, these statements show that triangulation can be applied at several levels to strengthen research findings. Hence, this option contains all and only the true statements.

Option B:
Option B excludes statement E, ignoring the central reason for using triangulation, namely enhancing credibility of results. While A, B, C and D are correct, the omission of E leaves the account incomplete. Therefore this option cannot be accepted as correct.

Option C:
Option C incorporates F, which wrongly limits triangulation to quantitative studies, and leaves out A, which defines data triangulation. By mixing a false statement with true ones and omitting a correct statement, this combination becomes conceptually flawed.

Option D:
Option D also includes F and omits B, thereby restricting triangulation to certain methods and ignoring the role of multiple investigators. This inaccurate representation disqualifies the option as a correct answer.