UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Applied research is undertaken to address concrete problems in real-life settings, such as improving a particular teaching strategy, developing a new counselling technique or refining an organisational practice. Its outcomes are intended to be directly useful for decision-makers and practitioners. While it may rely on theories and findings from basic research, the central motivation is to produce actionable solutions. Therefore, research that aims primarily at solving an immediate practical problem is correctly termed applied research.

Option A:
Basic research aims to extend theoretical knowledge without necessarily focusing on an immediate practical issue, even though its results may later influence practice. It asks “why” questions at a fundamental level more than “how to fix this problem now.” Because the stem emphasises practical solutions in a specific context, basic research does not fit as the best answer.

Option B:
Applied research directly targets specific problems and is often commissioned by organisations or agencies that need guidance for action. For example, a college might sponsor a study to identify reasons for student dropout and recommend interventions. Such problem-focused orientation aligns exactly with the stem, so applied research is the appropriate completion.

Option C:
Fundamental research is another term commonly used for basic research that pursues knowledge for its own sake rather than to solve immediate practical issues. In this question, however, the emphasis lies on finding solutions for a particular problem, so fundamental research is not the correct choice.

Option D:
Historical research investigates past events, documents and trends to interpret how and why they occurred. Although historical insights can inform present decisions, the method is not specifically about solving a current practical problem in a defined context. Hence, historical research does not match the scenario described.