UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Qualitative research is concerned with how individuals interpret and make sense of their world. It typically employs methods like interviews, observations and document analysis to capture rich, descriptive data. Studies are often conducted in natural settings to preserve context. Therefore, focusing on meanings and experiences is a hallmark of qualitative approach.

Option A:
Option A describes quantitative research, which uses numerical data and statistical techniques. While valuable, it is conceptually different from qualitative inquiry.

Option B:
Option B correctly emphasizes subjective meanings, participant perspectives and naturalistic context. These features align with interpretivist and constructivist orientations that underpin qualitative research. The aim is depth of understanding rather than numerical generalization.

Option C:
Option C again refers to quantitative research, where large random samples help achieve statistical generalization. Qualitative work usually relies on smaller, purposively selected samples.

Option D:
Option D suggests avoiding contact with participants, which is contrary to most qualitative designs. Qualitative researchers often engage closely with participants to co construct understanding.

Qualitative research is rooted in interpretivist traditions that seek to understand how people make sense of their world. It often uses methods like interviews, observations and document analysis to gather rich, descriptive data, usually in natural settings. Thus, focus on participants’ meanings and lived experiences is a defining feature.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it centres on meaning, experience and context, which are hallmarks of qualitative inquiry.

Option B:
Option B describes the quantitative paradigm where large samples and numerical analysis are prominent.

Option C:
Option C suggests avoiding interaction, which contradicts most qualitative methods that rely on close engagement with participants.

Option D:
Option D emphasises standardized closed ended questionnaires, which are more typical of quantitative surveys than qualitative work.

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.