UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Evaluation research systematically collects and analyses information about a programme’s activities, characteristics and outcomes to judge its effectiveness and efficiency. Its primary purpose is to inform decisions about continuation, modification or termination. It is highly applied and context-specific. Hence, research that judges the value of a programme for decision-making is correctly termed evaluation research.

Option A:
Basic research aims to expand theoretical understanding without immediate concern for practical decision-making. It is not focused on assessing the value of a specific programme or policy. Therefore, it does not fit the description.

Option B:
Option B, evaluation research, uses indicators such as goal attainment, cost-effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction to assess merit and worth. It is directly linked to policy or administrative decisions. This matches the stem, so this option is correct.

Option C:
Historical research studies past events through documents and records to understand how and why they occurred. It does not usually evaluate current programmes for decision-making. Hence, it is not appropriate here.

Option D:
Ethnographic research tries to understand cultural patterns and meanings through immersion and observation. While it may inform judgments, it is not primarily about formal evaluation of programme effectiveness. So it is not the best option.