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.

Statements A, B, C and D define different forms of triangulation, and E explains its main purpose. A is true because data triangulation uses varied sources or times, while B is correct that investigator triangulation brings in multiple researchers. C accurately describes methodological triangulation, and D is right that theory triangulation applies several theoretical lenses. E is also true since triangulation aims to enhance credibility by cross-checking evidence, whereas F is false because triangulation is widely used in qualitative and mixed-methods research, not only quantitative work.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it includes all the valid statements about types and purposes of triangulation and omits F, which is overly restrictive. Together, these statements show that triangulation can be applied at several levels to strengthen research findings. Hence, this option contains all and only the true statements.

Option B:
Option B excludes statement E, ignoring the central reason for using triangulation, namely enhancing credibility of results. While A, B, C and D are correct, the omission of E leaves the account incomplete. Therefore this option cannot be accepted as correct.

Option C:
Option C incorporates F, which wrongly limits triangulation to quantitative studies, and leaves out A, which defines data triangulation. By mixing a false statement with true ones and omitting a correct statement, this combination becomes conceptually flawed.

Option D:
Option D also includes F and omits B, thereby restricting triangulation to certain methods and ignoring the role of multiple investigators. This inaccurate representation disqualifies the option as a correct answer.