UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statement C is wrong because research questions do not have to be yes/no questions; they may be descriptive, comparative or explanatory in form. Statements A, B, D and E are correct: questions should be clear, hypotheses testable, vagueness leads to design problems and exploratory work may proceed with questions but no formal hypotheses. Therefore, C alone is the incorrect statement here.

Option A:
Option A is wrong because it combines C with D, even though D accurately highlights that vague questions make it difficult to choose appropriate designs and methods. By classifying D as wrong, this option misrepresents a genuine methodological risk.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it labels A, which rightly demands clarity and focus, as wrong along with C. This undermines a basic principle of good research question formulation.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it isolates C as the only statement inconsistent with accepted research practice. It acknowledges the diversity of question forms that can guide inquiry.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it pairs C with E, wrongly implying that using questions without hypotheses in exploratory work is a mistake. E is actually a true description of how exploratory studies often proceed.

Statements A, B, D and E are correct descriptions of hypotheses and research questions, while C and F are false. Statement A is true because hypotheses are tentative, testable answers to research problems. Statement B correctly notes that open-ended research questions suit exploratory work, and statement D is right that hypotheses guide the type of data required. Statement E is also true, as good hypotheses specify variables and their expected relationships, whereas C is false because qualitative work need not use statistical hypotheses and F is false since hypotheses may be revised as understanding develops.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and D but leaves out E. By omitting E, it ignores the important requirement that hypotheses should specify relationships among variables. Although the included statements are correct, the combination is incomplete and thus not fully acceptable.

Option B:
Option B brings together A, B, D and E, forming a coherent picture of the role and nature of hypotheses and research questions. It excludes C, which wrongly universalises statistical hypotheses in qualitative research, and F, which denies the possibility of revision. Because it contains all and only the true statements, this option is the correct answer.

Option C:
Option C contains A, D and E but omits B. While A, D and E are correct, leaving out B fails to recognise the role of research questions in exploratory contexts. As a result, the description of the topic is partial and the option cannot be considered correct.

Option D:
Option D introduces F along with the otherwise correct statements. However, F is false because hypotheses can legitimately be modified in light of new insights or pilot findings. Including a false statement invalidates the combination as a set of correct statements.