UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A census involves complete enumeration of all units in the target population, leaving no element unobserved. Because every member is included, estimates derived from a census are, in principle, free from sampling error, although other types of error may still occur. Censuses are often costly and time consuming but useful when the population is small or very important decisions depend on accurate counts. Thus, a study that covers every member of the population is correctly called a census.

Option A:
A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single case or a small number of cases and does not imply inclusion of all units in a population. It is qualitative in orientation and not equivalent to full enumeration.

Option B:
A pilot study is a small-scale trial run conducted to test the feasibility of instruments and procedures before the main study. It typically uses only a limited number of units, not the entire population.

Option C:
A sample survey examines only a subset of the population and then generalises findings, so it explicitly contrasts with a census. Because it does not include all members, it cannot complete the stem.

Option D:
Census refers specifically to complete coverage, such as national population censuses. This matches the description of collecting data from every member, making this option correct.

Descriptive research focuses on portraying the current status of a phenomenon, such as attitudes, behaviours or demographic features, without introducing any treatment. It often uses surveys, observation or existing records to obtain data. The goal is to answer questions about “what is” rather than “why it is so” in causal terms. Therefore, research that describes characteristics without manipulation is best termed descriptive research.

Option A:
Experimental research intentionally manipulates one or more independent variables and controls extraneous variables to examine causal effects, which goes beyond description. It therefore does not match the non-manipulative nature mentioned in the stem.

Option B:
Historical research deals with past events and developments, using documents and records, rather than describing current characteristics of a living population. While it can be descriptive, it has a different temporal focus.

Option C:
Descriptive research may summarise frequencies, averages and patterns to give a clear profile of a population at a given time. It does not change variables or assign treatments, which fits exactly with the stem, making this option correct.

Option D:
Correlational research examines the relationships among variables and may look beyond simple description to quantify associations. While it does not necessarily manipulate variables, its primary aim is not merely descriptive but relational, so it is less precise for this question.

Statements A, C and D correctly describe correlational research and the correlation coefficient, while B and E are false. Correlational studies examine relationships without experimental manipulation, positive correlations show variables moving in the same direction and correlation coefficients usually vary between –1 and +1. However, a high correlation does not by itself establish causation, and zero correlation may occur even when measurements are accurate, for example when there is genuinely no linear relationship.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all the true statements and excludes B and E, which confuse correlation with causation and misinterpret zero correlation. It provides a clear picture of what correlational research reveals and what its limits are.

Option B:
Option B wrongly includes B, which claims that high correlation implies causation, a common but serious misunderstanding in research interpretation. Because it accepts this false statement, the whole combination is invalid.

Option C:
Option C includes both B and C, thereby mixing a correct statement about positive correlation with an incorrect causal claim. The presence of B prevents this option from being correct, even though it also contains true statements.

Option D:
Option D adds E, the assertion that zero correlation always signals measurement error, which is false. Zero correlation can reflect a true lack of linear relationship, so this option misinterprets the meaning of r = 0.

Option E combines A and D with E, again bringing in the false idea that zero correlation must be due to error. This contaminates an otherwise partially correct set and makes the option unacceptable.

A scatter plot displays pairs of scores for two quantitative variables as points on a Cartesian plane, with one variable on the x-axis and the other on the y-axis. The pattern of points reveals the form, direction and strength of their relationship, such as positive, negative or no correlation. It is a fundamental tool in correlation and regression analysis. Therefore, the diagram described in the stem is correctly called a scatter plot.

Option A:
Bar diagrams represent frequencies or magnitudes of a single categorical variable by the lengths of rectangular bars. They do not show paired observations for two quantitative variables, so they cannot display the direction and magnitude of a relationship as stated in the question. Hence, bar diagram is not the correct answer.

Option B:
Pie charts show proportions of a whole for categories of a variable as slices of a circle. They are suitable for categorical or percentage data but cannot depict the detailed scatter of paired quantitative scores. Thus, pie chart does not fit the stem.

Option C:
Line graphs connect data points with lines, often to show trends over time, and may be used for one or more series of values. While they can illustrate changes, they are less suited to showing the cloud of points that expresses the strength and form of a relationship between two quantitative variables, so line graph is not the best completion.

Option D:
Scatter plots allow visual detection of outliers, non-linear patterns and clustering, making them ideal for initial exploration of relationships between variables. This role directly matches the description given in the question.