UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Impact prediction is the stage of EIA where analysts estimate the type,extent and significance of environmental changes likely to result from a proposed project. It uses baseline data,models and expert judgement to forecast impacts. These predictions guide the development of mitigation measures and inform decision makers. Therefore the description in the question clearly refers to impact prediction.

Option A:
Screening is the initial step to decide whether a project requires a full EIA or not. It does not involve detailed estimation of environmental changes. Hence it does not match the stage described in the stem.

Option B:
Scoping identifies the key issues,impacts and alternatives that need detailed study in the EIA. It determines the boundaries and focus of the assessment. While important,it precedes the actual quantification and evaluation of impacts.

Option C:
Public hearing is a participatory step where affected communities and stakeholders express their views on the proposed project and its impacts. It provides qualitative input but is not the technical phase of estimating magnitude and significance. Therefore it is not the correct answer.

Option D:
Impact prediction produces scenarios of how air,water,soil,flora,fauna and socio economic conditions may change if a project proceeds. These results are essential for deciding whether to approve,modify or reject the project. This aligns exactly with the description given in the question.

A research proposal sets out the rationale, literature background, objectives, methodology, timeline and estimated costs of a planned study. It is submitted to academic committees or funding agencies for review and approval. A well-prepared proposal demonstrates feasibility and significance, convincing reviewers that the project deserves support. Hence, the planning document described in the stem is a research proposal.

Option A:
A thesis is the full report of completed research, usually submitted for a degree, and appears after the study has been conducted, not at the planning stage.

Option B:
A proposal provides enough detail to show how the study will be carried out, including sampling, tools and analysis plans, yet it remains open to refinement. Because the stem refers to seeking approval or funding before the study, proposal is the correct completion.

Option C:
A synopsis is a concise summary of a research plan or completed work and is sometimes derived from the proposal, but it usually omits detailed budget and procedural information.

Option D:
A monograph is a full-length scholarly work on a specific topic, often based on completed research, not a preliminary plan to be reviewed.

A research proposal is a comprehensive document prepared before the study is conducted, describing the problem background, objectives, literature context, methodology, ethical considerations, budget and timeline. It is usually submitted for review and approval by academic committees, funding bodies or supervisors. The proposal demonstrates the feasibility and scholarly merit of the planned study. Therefore, the detailed plan described in the stem is correctly called a research proposal.

Option A:
Proposals often include sections on sampling, instruments, data analysis strategies and expected outcomes, giving reviewers a clear picture of how the research will be implemented. This level of detail and its role in seeking approval align exactly with the description provided in the question.

Option B:
A synopsis is a brief summary of the proposed or completed study, often much shorter than a full proposal and sometimes prepared after an initial approval. It does not typically contain all the methodological and administrative details required in a formal plan. Hence, synopsis is not the best completion.

Option C:
A monograph is a scholarly book or in-depth written work on a single subject, usually reporting completed research rather than proposing it. It is produced after the study is done, not as a planning document, so monograph is not appropriate here.

Option D:
An abstract is a concise summary of a completed or proposed study, highlighting key elements in a few hundred words, and is not a full plan with detailed methods and schedules. Therefore, abstract cannot substitute for the detailed plan described in the stem.