UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C and E correctly describe typical qualitative sampling practices. Purposive sampling is widely used to select cases that yield rich information, and the goal is depth rather than statistical representativeness. Theoretical sampling helps refine emerging categories, and sample size is often guided by saturation, when new data no longer add substantially new insights. Statement D is false because probability sampling is not mandatory in qualitative research and is often not used.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it brings together the four true statements and excludes D, which misrepresents qualitative sampling requirements. It portrays qualitative sampling as flexible, concept-driven and oriented toward information richness rather than probability.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits E, ignoring how the concept of saturation influences decisions about when to stop collecting data. Without E, the dynamic nature of sample size determination in qualitative work is underplayed.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes D, the statement that probability sampling is mandatory, which contradicts common qualitative practice. Including D alongside true statements creates a misleading picture of qualitative methodology.

Option D:
Option D is wrong because it retains D and drops B, failing to acknowledge that depth of understanding, rather than representativeness, is the usual goal. This combination therefore distorts both the purpose and the technique of qualitative sampling.

Purposive sampling involves the deliberate selection of participants or cases that are especially knowledgeable or experienced regarding the phenomenon of interest. It is widely used in qualitative research where depth and insight are more important than representativeness. The researcher uses judgment to choose cases that can provide rich and relevant information. Thus, selecting information-rich cases matches the definition of purposive sampling.

Option A:
Simple random sampling gives each member of the population an equal probability of selection, with no emphasis on special knowledge or richness of information. It is aimed at representativeness rather than particular insight.

Option B:
Systematic sampling selects every kth element from an ordered list following a random start and does not focus on individuals’ information richness. Its purpose is efficient probability sampling, not purposive selection.

Option C:
Cluster sampling chooses intact groups such as schools or villages as primary units, often for logistical reasons. It can be random but does not inherently involve selecting units because they are especially informative about the phenomenon.

Option D:
Purposive sampling allows the researcher to focus on extreme cases, typical cases or key informants who can illuminate central issues deeply, matching the emphasis on information-rich cases in the stem and making this option correct.

Purposive sampling involves deliberately selecting participants or cases that are expected to yield the most relevant, detailed or insightful information for the research question. The researcher uses judgement based on theory, experience or expert knowledge to choose these cases. This method is common in qualitative studies where depth of understanding is more important than statistical representativeness. Hence, selecting information-rich cases for in-depth study is accurately termed purposive sampling.

Option A:
In purposive sampling, the researcher might choose key informants, typical cases or extreme cases depending on the study’s objectives. The emphasis is on relevance and richness of data rather than on probability-based selection. These characteristics correspond closely to the description in the stem.

Option B:
Random sampling gives each element of the population a known, usually equal, chance of selection and is used primarily in quantitative research for statistical generalisation. It does not rely on the researcher’s judgement about which cases are information-rich. Therefore, random sampling is not the correct completion.

Option C:
Quota sampling involves filling predetermined numbers of participants in specified categories, such as age or gender, often using convenience procedures. Although it may achieve some diversity, it is not focused primarily on depth or richness of information, so quota sampling does not match the stem.

Option D:
Systematic sampling selects every kth unit from an ordered list after a random start, and is a probability sampling method. It is driven by a mechanical rule rather than by the researcher’s judgement about information richness, making it inappropriate as an answer here.

In this question statements A, B, D and F are correct descriptions of qualitative research, while C and E are wrong. Statement A is true because qualitative studies often rely on in-depth interviews and participant observation. Statement B correctly highlights the focus on meanings and perspectives, and statement D is right that qualitative data commonly appear as words or images. Statement F is also true since reflexivity is central, whereas C is false because qualitative research rarely uses large random samples with standardised tests and E is false because qualitative inquiry follows systematic, though flexible, procedures.

Option A:
Option A marks only C as wrong, ignoring E. While C is indeed incorrect in describing typical sampling and instruments, E is equally wrong in claiming the absence of systematic procedure. By missing one of the wrong statements, this option does not fully answer the question.

Option B:
Option B treats E alone as wrong and overlooks C. Although E is clearly false, C also misrepresents standard qualitative practice by importing quantitative assumptions. Therefore this option captures only part of the error set.

Option C:
Option C correctly identifies C and E as the two wrong statements while leaving A, B, D and F as unchallenged correct ones. It acknowledges that qualitative research need not use large random samples or standardised tests and that it does adopt systematic, though emergent, procedures. Hence this option is the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D adds D to the list of wrong statements along with C and E. However, D is a correct statement because qualitative data are indeed commonly captured in words, images and narratives. Misclassifying a true statement as wrong makes this combination invalid.