UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C and E describe standard practices in data analysis, whereas D is false. Quantitative analysis relies on descriptive and inferential statistics, qualitative analysis uses coding and categorisation and mixed-methods studies often analyse each strand separately before integrating findings. In qualitative research, analysis and data collection can overlap, with emerging codes shaping further data collection. Statement D is wrong because quantitative analysis requires data; planning may occur earlier, but analysis itself cannot begin before data exist.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits E, missing the important point that qualitative analysis is often iterative, beginning during data collection. Without E, the option does not fully represent the dynamic nature of qualitative analysis.

Option B:
Option B leaves out B, and thus fails to mention coding and categorisation as core qualitative techniques, even though it includes two other correct elements. This omission makes the description incomplete.

Option C:
Option C ignores A, thereby not stating that quantitative analysis normally uses descriptive and inferential statistics, which is fundamental in research methodology. As a result, it cannot be considered correct.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it combines all four true statements and excludes D, which misrepresents the timing of quantitative data analysis. It captures both the distinct and integrated aspects of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Option E includes D, the false claim that quantitative analysis can start before data collection, and so the option becomes invalid even though it also contains true statements.

Grounded theory is an inductive qualitative approach in which theories are generated from data rather than tested as in traditional hypothesis-driven research. A core procedure is constant comparative analysis, where incidents are compared within and across categories to refine concepts and relationships. Through iterative coding, memoing and sampling, the researcher develops a substantive theory grounded in participants’ experiences. Thus, the approach described in the stem is correctly called grounded theory.

Option A:
Narrative theory focuses on the structure and meaning of stories people tell, analysing plots, characters and temporal sequences. Although it may involve some comparison of narratives, constant comparison for systematic category development is not its defining feature. Therefore, narrative theory is not the best completion.

Option B:
Phenomenological theory or phenomenological research aims to understand the essence of lived experience from the participants’ point of view. It uses deep reflection and description rather than constant comparative coding to build formal categories and properties. Hence, phenomenological theory does not match the method in the stem.

Option C:
Grounded theory researchers move back and forth between data collection and analysis, letting emerging categories guide further sampling until theoretical saturation is reached. This heavy reliance on constant comparison aligns exactly with the description given in the question.

Option D:
Ethnographic theory or ethnography is concerned with understanding cultural patterns and social practices through prolonged fieldwork and participant observation. While coding is used, the central emphasis is on holistic cultural description rather than theory generation via constant comparison of incidents. Thus, ethnographic theory is not the correct answer.