UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The median is the middle value in an ordered set of scores and is relatively insensitive to extreme values at either end of the distribution. Even if a few scores are very high or very low, the position of the central value remains largely stable, so it often represents central tendency better than the mean in skewed distributions.

Option A:
This option, the arithmetic mean, is calculated by summing all scores and dividing by their number. A few very large or very small values can significantly influence its value, making it sensitive to extremes.

Option B:
This option, the mode, is simply the most frequent score and can be influenced by clustering and irregularities in the data. It may not represent the central point well, especially in continuous or skewed distributions.

Option C:
The geometric mean is still calculated from all scores and, although sometimes less influenced by large values than the arithmetic mean, it can still be distorted by extreme scores. It is not the standard measure chosen purely for resistance to outliers.

Option D:
This option is correct because the median is based only on the order of scores, not their exact magnitude. Extremely high or low values at the tails do not shift the middle position much, which is why the median is least affected by extreme scores.

Statements A, B, C and D correctly describe the main measures used in descriptive statistics. Means, medians and modes summarise central tendency in different ways, while variance and standard deviation capture variability. Statement E is false because descriptive statistics summarise data but do not by themselves conduct hypothesis tests; that is the role of inferential statistics. Therefore, the combination that includes A, B, C and D but excludes E is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it recognises the four key descriptive indicators and their appropriate use, while rejecting the claim that they automatically perform inferential functions. It preserves the conceptual distinction between describing and testing.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits D, thereby failing to mention how dispersion measures contribute to understanding the spread of data. Without D, the description of descriptive statistics is focused only on central tendency.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it leaves out A, not explicitly acknowledging the suitability of the mean for interval and ratio data, which is essential in many analyses. This omission makes the set partial.

Option D:
Option D is wrong because it includes E, the assertion that descriptive statistics automatically test hypotheses, which confuses their function with inferential procedures.

Statements A, B and C provide standard definitions of mean, median and mode. Statement E is also correct because in skewed distributions extreme values can distort the mean, making the median more representative. Statement D is false since equality of mean, median and mode holds only for certain symmetric distributions and not for every data set. Therefore, the combination A, B, C and E only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it collects all the accurate statements while leaving out D, which overgeneralises the equality of the three measures.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits E and therefore ignores the practical guidance on skewed data.

Option C:
Option C is wrong since it includes D, the false assertion about universal equality.

Option D:
Option D is wrong because it includes D and omits A, losing a core definition while keeping a false rule.