UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C and D describe the central logic of grounded theory, and F adds a key analytical tool. A is true because the method aims to build theory from data rather than impose it a priori, and B correctly notes the iterative nature of collection and analysis. C is accurate in defining theoretical sampling, and D states the importance of constant comparison. F is also true since memos help researchers articulate developing concepts, whereas E is false because grounded theory does not start with a fully specified theory to test.

Option A:
Option A omits statement F, ignoring the practical role of memo writing as an integral part of grounded theory analysis. Although A, B, C and D are correct, the absence of F means that not all true statements are represented. Thus, this option is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it selects A, B, C, D and F, covering aims, process, sampling, comparison and memoing in grounded theory. It excludes E, which contradicts the emergent nature of the approach. Therefore this combination includes all and only the true statements.

Option C:
Option C leaves out statement A, thereby losing the basic goal of grounded theory: producing theory rooted in data. Even though B, C, D and F are true, missing A prevents this option from giving a full picture of the methodology.

Option D:
Option D includes statement E, which wrongly asserts that grounded theory begins with a fully specified theory. This misrepresents the method and, even though other statements in the option are true, the presence of E renders the entire combination incorrect.

Statements A, B, C and E describe standard practices in data analysis, whereas D is false. Quantitative analysis relies on descriptive and inferential statistics, qualitative analysis uses coding and categorisation and mixed-methods studies often analyse each strand separately before integrating findings. In qualitative research, analysis and data collection can overlap, with emerging codes shaping further data collection. Statement D is wrong because quantitative analysis requires data; planning may occur earlier, but analysis itself cannot begin before data exist.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits E, missing the important point that qualitative analysis is often iterative, beginning during data collection. Without E, the option does not fully represent the dynamic nature of qualitative analysis.

Option B:
Option B leaves out B, and thus fails to mention coding and categorisation as core qualitative techniques, even though it includes two other correct elements. This omission makes the description incomplete.

Option C:
Option C ignores A, thereby not stating that quantitative analysis normally uses descriptive and inferential statistics, which is fundamental in research methodology. As a result, it cannot be considered correct.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it combines all four true statements and excludes D, which misrepresents the timing of quantitative data analysis. It captures both the distinct and integrated aspects of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Option E includes D, the false claim that quantitative analysis can start before data collection, and so the option becomes invalid even though it also contains true statements.

Statements A, B, C and E accurately portray grounded theory as a methodology that develops theory inductively from data. Data collection and analysis are intertwined, with theoretical sampling and constant comparison used to refine categories and relationships. Statement D is false because grounded theory does not start from a rigid prior framework; rather, it allows categories and theory to emerge from the data. Therefore the correct combination includes A, B, C and E but not D.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it brings together the statements that describe the emergent, iterative and comparative nature of grounded theory. By excluding D, it respects the inductive spirit of the approach, where theory is discovered rather than imposed beforehand.

Option B:
Option B omits E, thereby neglecting constant comparison, which is one of the most characteristic analytic strategies in grounded theory. Without E, the methodological description is incomplete.

Option C:
Option C includes B, C and E but leaves out A, so it does not explicitly state that the main goal is to develop grounded theory. The absence of A takes away the overarching purpose of the methodology.

Option D:
Option D contains A, C and E but omits B, ignoring the iterative interplay between data collection and analysis. Since this iterative process is central to grounded theory, leaving it out makes the option incomplete.