UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C, D and F describe recognised principles of good questionnaire design. A is true because clarity and lack of ambiguity are fundamental to obtaining valid responses, while B correctly warns against leading questions that bias answers. Statement C accurately defines double-barrelled questions, and D acknowledges that combining closed and open-ended items can enrich data. F is also true since earlier items can set a context that shapes responses to later questions, whereas E is false because pre-testing is vital for detecting problems in wording and layout.

Option A:
Option A omits statement F, failing to note that question order may systematically influence responses. Although A, B, C and D are correct, the absence of F means the option does not contain all true statements provided in the item. Therefore, it is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B excludes statement C, ignoring the problem of double-barrelled questions, which can confuse respondents and obscure interpretation. While A, B, D and F are correct, leaving out C weakens the overall description of item construction. Consequently, this option cannot be the correct answer.

Option C:
Option C leaves out statement A, which addresses clarity and unambiguity, the most fundamental requirement for any questionnaire item. Even though it includes B, D and F, missing A makes the option an inadequate summary of sound item-writing practice.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it groups A, B, C, D and F, all of which align with accepted guidelines in survey research. It deliberately excludes E, which inaccurately dismisses the importance of pre-testing. Thus this combination presents all and only the correct statements.

Statements A, B and C set out accepted principles of questionnaire construction: alignment with objectives, avoidance of double-barrelled wording and a clear, logical layout. Statement D is false because leading questions bias responses and threaten validity, and E is false since questionnaires often combine closed and open-ended items. Thus, the combination including A, B and C, and excluding D and E, is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it does not include C, leaving out the importance of layout and sequencing for respondent comprehension and data quality. A and B alone do not cover all major design concerns.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits A, failing to stress that each item should relate directly to the study’s objectives, which is fundamental for content validity.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because it incorporates E, which incorrectly demands that all items be open-ended, and omits B, which correctly warns against double-barrelled questions. This mix of omission and error makes the option invalid.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it gathers the three statements that reflect good practice while rejecting D and E, which promote bias and an unnecessarily restrictive view of question format.