UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Fundamental research is primarily concerned with theory building and understanding basic principles without immediate concern for application. Applied research, in contrast, uses theoretical insights to address concrete issues such as improving practices, programmes or products. The distinction lies in the orientation of the research questions and expected outcomes.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it clearly states the different orientations of the two forms of research—knowledge centred versus problem centred.

Option B:
Option B wrongly ties the distinction to experimental methods; both types of research can use experiments or nonexperimental designs.

Option C:
Option C incorrectly claims that applied research is confined to laboratories and fundamental research to the field; either type can occur in either setting.

Option D:
Option D confuses the issue by talking about planning. Both fundamental and applied studies should be carefully planned; unplanned work would not qualify as good research in either category.