UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Triangulation involves deliberately combining different methods, data sources, investigators or theoretical perspectives to study the same phenomenon. When findings converge across these diverse approaches, confidence in their accuracy increases. Triangulation can reduce method-specific biases and provide a more comprehensive understanding. Thus, the practice of using multiple forms of evidence to cross-check results is correctly known as triangulation.

Option A:
Standardisation refers to keeping procedures and instructions consistent for all participants to control variability, but it does not necessarily involve multiple methods or sources.

Option B:
Triangulation can include method triangulation (e.g., interviews plus observation), data triangulation (different times or groups) and investigator triangulation (multiple researchers), all aimed at corroborating evidence. This multi-angle approach matches the stem’s emphasis on cross-checking findings, so this option is correct.

Option C:
Randomisation assigns participants to conditions by chance to control for selection bias, which is distinct from validating results via diverse evidence.

Option D:
Extrapolation means extending findings beyond the studied conditions or populations, and while it relies on strong evidence, it is not itself the process of collecting convergent evidence from multiple sources.

Triangulation involves deliberately combining different approaches, such as interviews, observations and document analysis, or using multiple data sources or researchers to examine the same phenomenon. When findings converge across these diverse angles, confidence in their credibility and validity increases. It reduces the likelihood that results are artefacts of a single method or perspective. Because the stem describes using multiple methods, data sources or investigators to enhance credibility, triangulation is the correct term.

Option A:
Triangulation can be methodological, data, investigator or theory triangulation, each bringing a different kind of diversity to the inquiry. The core idea is convergence of evidence from different directions, which strengthens the overall argument. This is exactly what the stem is highlighting.

Option B:
Randomisation is a procedure for assigning participants to groups or selecting them from populations by chance, thereby controlling bias and enhancing internal validity in experiments. It does not itself refer to combining multiple methods or sources of evidence, so randomisation is not appropriate here.

Option C:
Stratification in sampling means dividing the population into homogeneous subgroups and sampling from each, which helps ensure representation but is not primarily about cross-validating findings through multiple approaches. Therefore, stratification does not match the description in the question.

Option D:
Standardisation refers to using uniform procedures, instructions and scoring rules to ensure consistency across measurements or experimental conditions. While important for reliability, it does not capture the idea of using multiple methods or sources to enhance credibility, so standardisation is not the correct completion.