UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Participant observation occurs when the researcher becomes part of the group or setting being studied, engaging in its activities while simultaneously observing and recording behaviours and interactions. This dual role allows the researcher to gain an insider’s perspective and rich contextual understanding. However, it also requires reflexivity to minimise bias. Because the stem mentions both participation in activities and systematic noting of behaviour, it is clearly describing participant observation.

Option A:
Non-participant observation involves the researcher watching the group from a distance without actively taking part in its activities. Although it can reduce some forms of bias, it does not provide the same level of insider understanding as participant observation. Since the stem highlights participation, non-participant observation is not the correct answer.

Option B:
Controlled observation takes place in a structured environment, often a laboratory or specially arranged setting, where variables can be manipulated or controlled. While observers may or may not participate, the emphasis is on experimental control rather than everyday participation in natural group activities. Therefore, controlled observation does not fit the description given.

Option C:
Naturalistic observation involves observing behaviour in its usual environment without attempting to manipulate or significantly influence the setting. It may be participant or non-participant, but the term alone does not specify participation. The stem explicitly refers to the researcher participating in group activities, which is captured more precisely by participant observation.

Option D:
Participant observation allows the researcher to experience the daily life of the group, building rapport and deeper understanding, while still maintaining a systematic approach to data collection. This combination of participation and observation matches the situation described in the stem, making participant observation the appropriate completion.

Field research takes place in the natural setting where the behaviour or phenomenon normally occurs, such as classrooms, communities or workplaces. The researcher observes or interacts with participants in real-life contexts, often accepting less control over extraneous variables than in laboratory studies. This design enhances ecological validity because it reflects natural conditions. Since the stem describes a study conducted in the natural environment with limited control over extraneous variables, field research is the correct term.

Option A:
Field research allows researchers to capture complex social interactions, contextual influences and authentic behaviour that may not appear in artificial environments. Although this reduces experimental control, the gained realism improves the applicability of findings to real-world situations. These features align well with the stem’s emphasis on natural setting and limited control.

Option B:
Laboratory research is conducted in highly controlled environments where extraneous variables can be manipulated or held constant, often at the expense of naturalness. This differs from field research, which sacrifices some control for realism. Therefore, laboratory research is not the best fit for the situation described.

Option C:
Library research focuses on reviewing and synthesising existing literature, documents and theoretical contributions without collecting new primary data in natural settings. While important, it is conceptually different from studies observing phenomena directly in the field. Hence, library research is not the correct completion.

Option D:
Meta-analytic research statistically combines results from multiple empirical studies to summarise overall patterns of findings. It is a secondary research technique and does not involve direct observation in natural environments. Consequently, meta-analytic research does not match the description in the stem.