UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statement D is wrong because no single method can be assumed to answer all research questions adequately in every context. Different questions may require different kinds of data and perspectives. Statements A, B, C and E are correct: interviews provide depth, questionnaires can reach large samples, observation records behaviour in context and multiple methods can triangulate findings. Thus, D alone contradicts good methodological practice.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it isolates D as the only statement that misrepresents data collection practice. It accepts that diverse tools have complementary strengths and that combining them can increase credibility. This option is consistent with the idea of methodological pluralism in research.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds A to the list of wrong statements, even though A correctly describes the strength of interviews in capturing rich experiential data. Misclassifying A as wrong underestimates the value of qualitative interviewing.

Option C:
Option C is also wrong because it treats C and D as jointly wrong, despite C correctly stating that observation can capture natural behaviour. By labelling observation as incorrect, this option ignores a fundamental method in field research.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups B with D and E and thereby mislabels B and E as wrong. Both B and E are accurate descriptions of how questionnaires and multiple methods function in research, so their inclusion among “wrong” statements makes this option invalid.

Primary data are original information gathered firsthand by the researcher through methods such as surveys, experiments, observations or interviews. They are tailored to address the specific objectives and context of the current study. Because they are collected directly, issues of relevance and accuracy can be handled during the data collection process. Therefore, data collected specifically for the present investigation are correctly called primary data.

Option A:
Secondary data are information that already exist, having been collected by others for different purposes, such as government reports or previous research. While they may be reused, they are not gathered directly by the researcher for the current study, so secondary is not the correct completion.

Option B:
Primary data have the advantage of greater control over measurement procedures, timing and sampling, which can enhance validity and reliability when collected carefully. However, they are also more costly and time-consuming to obtain. These features match the description in the stem of data collected directly by the researcher.

Option C:
Documentary data are usually drawn from written records such as reports, letters or institutional documents and may be either primary or secondary depending on their origin and use. The term does not specifically denote direct collection for a particular study. Hence, documentary is not the best answer.

Option D:
Archival data refer to stored records or datasets, often created in the past, which researchers may access as secondary sources. They are not necessarily collected specifically for the current investigation, so archival is not the appropriate term here.