UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The population, sometimes called the universe, consists of all the elements or units that meet the criteria for inclusion in a particular study. It is the larger group about which the researcher wishes to draw conclusions. Samples are drawn from this population so that findings can be generalised back to it. Therefore, in research terminology, universe is correctly used as a synonym for population.

Option A:
A sample is a subset of the population selected for actual observation or measurement. While it is used to infer characteristics of the population, it is smaller and not equivalent to the universe itself. Thus, sample cannot be the synonym for universe requested in the stem.

Option B:
A parameter is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of a population, such as the population mean or proportion. It summarises information about the universe but is not itself the universe. Therefore, parameter is not the best completion.

Option C:
A statistic is a numerical value computed from sample data, used to estimate the corresponding population parameter. It relates to the sample, not directly to the universe, and so it cannot serve as a synonym for the term mentioned in the question.

Option D:
Population denotes the entire set of individuals, objects or events of interest in a study, which matches the concept of universe as used by many researchers. This conceptual equivalence confirms that population is the correct answer.

Population refers to the complete set of individuals, objects or events that possess certain specified characteristics and about which the researcher intends to draw conclusions. In many research texts, the word “universe” is used interchangeably with population to denote this full group. It is from this population or universe that the sample is drawn. Because the stem asks for a synonym of universe in methodology, population is the correct answer.

Option A:
A sample is a subset of the population selected for actual observation or measurement. It is necessarily smaller than the universe and is used to estimate population characteristics. Since universe refers to the whole group rather than a subset, sample cannot complete the stem correctly.

Option B:
Population encompasses all units that meet the criteria established by the researcher, such as all teachers in a university or all households in a district. When researchers say “the universe of study,” they usually mean this same full collection. Thus, population is the appropriate concept that matches the term universe in the question.

Option C:
Parameter is a numerical characteristic of a population, such as the true mean or proportion, not the entire group itself. Although related, parameter describes a value about the population rather than serving as a synonym for the population. Therefore, parameter is not the right choice.

Option D:
Statistic is a numerical characteristic computed from sample data, such as the sample mean, used to estimate parameters. It does not denote the entire set of units being studied and so cannot serve as a synonym for universe in this context. Hence, statistic is not the suitable completion.

The population is the complete set of individuals, objects or events that meet specified criteria and about which the researcher wants to make inferences. Samples are drawn from this larger group to make the study feasible. Correctly defining the population is essential for valid generalisation of findings. Thus, the group described in the stem is known as the population.

Option A:
A sample is only a subset of the population selected for actual observation or measurement. While conclusions are often generalised from the sample to the population, the sample itself is not the entire group of interest. Hence, sample is not the best completion.

Option B:
A parameter is a numerical characteristic of a population, such as a population mean, and summarises information about it. It is not the group itself but a descriptor of it, so parameter does not fit the stem.

Option C:
Option C, population, emphasises that the researcher’s ultimate conclusions and generalisations are targeted at this larger universe, not just at the participants who were studied directly. This aligns precisely with the description given.

Option D:
A statistic is a numerical value calculated from sample data, such as a sample mean, and is used to estimate the corresponding parameter. It is not the entire group of elements, so statistic is not appropriate here.