UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

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.