UGCNET Questions

Delimitations are conscious decisions made by the researcher to narrow the focus of the study. They specify aspects such as geographical area, time frame, population type or variables included. By stating delimitations, the researcher clarifies the scope and avoids overgeneralization. They are planned boundaries of the work, not flaws.

Option A:
Option A refers to limitations caused by factors beyond the researcher’s control, such as nonresponse or attrition. These are limitations, not delimitations.

Option B:
Option B correctly defines delimitations as chosen boundaries that structure the study. They inform readers about the context within which findings are valid and guide interpretation.

Option C:
Option C points to measurement errors, which are again limitations or problems rather than deliberate scope decisions.

Option D:
Option D concerns ethical issues, which are important but distinct from specifying the scope or boundaries of the study.

Research aptitude is not just about rote memory; it covers conceptual clarity, methodological understanding, analytical ability and awareness of ethics. A candidate with good research aptitude can interpret research questions, choose suitable designs and tools, and reason logically with evidence, while being sensitive to plagiarism, validity and reliability.

Option A:
This option is correct because it combines knowledge of concepts and methods with application and ethical awareness. It captures the holistic readiness expected from NET aspirants, who should be able to design and evaluate studies rather than merely recite terms.

Option B:
This option reduces aptitude to memorization, which is only a lower-level cognitive task. Without understanding, definitions cannot be meaningfully applied in real research situations.

Option C:
This option overemphasizes report length and ignores the analytical heart of research. Long reports without proper analysis do not indicate genuine aptitude.

Option D:
This option suggests total dependence on a supervisor’s ideas, which conflicts with the expectation of independent thinking in research.

A good research problem must be stated in clear, unambiguous terms so that it can guide the entire investigation. It should be researchable, meaning that relevant data can be collected and analyzed using accepted methods. The problem also needs to be feasible in terms of time, resources and expertise, otherwise the study may remain incomplete. These qualities together make the problem realistic and scientifically meaningful.

Option A:
Option A highlights clarity, researchability and feasibility, which are consistently emphasized in research methodology. A clearly defined and manageable problem allows formulation of precise objectives and hypotheses. It also ensures that the researcher can actually complete the study with available resources, making this the most appropriate characteristic.

Option B:
Option B describes a vague and overly broad problem, which makes it difficult to decide what to study and how to measure variables. Such problems often lead to unfocused data collection and ambiguous findings. Therefore, this feature is opposite to what is required for good research.

Option C:
Option C bases selection only on fashion, which ignores scientific and practical relevance. A fashionable topic without clear researchable issues may generate superficial studies that do not contribute much to knowledge.

Option D:
Option D neglects feasibility issues like data access and time, which are crucial for planning. If these constraints are ignored, the project may face serious obstacles during implementation.