UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Computers and statistical packages greatly speed up tasks such as data entry, cleaning, coding and complex calculations, reducing human error in routine processing and allowing researchers to handle large datasets. However, software cannot decide whether methods are appropriate or what the results mean; human judgment is needed for design, analysis choice and interpretation.

Option A:
This option implies that understanding of statistics is unnecessary, which is dangerous. Without conceptual knowledge, researchers may misuse software and misinterpret output.

Option B:
This option suggests that thinking can be automated, which overestimates the capability of software; programs can follow procedures but cannot understand context or theoretical implications.

Option C:
This option is correct because it treats computers and software as tools that handle storage and computation efficiently while leaving responsibility for interpretation and critical decisions with the researcher.

Option D:
At present, software cannot independently generate meaningful research problems. Identifying worthwhile questions still depends on human creativity and domain knowledge; computers may assist with literature searches but do not replace the researcher.

Statements A, B, C and E correctly describe how computers and specialised software support research. They help with data management, statistical analysis, citation organisation and qualitative coding and visualisation. Statement D is false because the use of software does not eliminate the need to understand statistics; researchers must still select appropriate tests, interpret outputs and recognise limitations. Thus, the combination including A, B, C and E is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it omits E, overlooking the important role of qualitative data analysis software in handling textual or multimedia materials. Without E, the option gives a partial picture focused mainly on quantitative and reference tasks.

Option B:
Option B contains B, C and E but leaves out A, failing to note that basic data storage and cleaning are fundamental computer-assisted tasks in research. This omission makes the description of computer use incomplete.

Option C:
Option C includes A, C and E but omits B, thereby ignoring the central role of statistical software packages, which are key tools in empirical research. As such, this option does not cover the full range of computer applications.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it groups all the true statements together and excludes D, which wrongly suggests that conceptual understanding of statistics is unnecessary. It recognises computers as powerful aids, not substitutes for methodological competence.

Coding is the procedure by which responses, categories or variables are represented by numbers or symbols to facilitate data entry, storage and analysis. For example, “male” might be coded as 1 and “female” as 2, or different response options on a Likert scale may be assigned numeric values. This transformation allows statistical software to handle the data efficiently. Because the stem describes assigning numerical or symbolic values for computer analysis, it is referring to coding.

Option A:
Classifying typically involves sorting data into categories or classes based on shared characteristics, which may precede or accompany coding. However, classification does not necessarily involve assigning specific numeric codes for statistical processing. Thus, classifying is not the most precise completion for the description given.

Option B:
Coding creates a bridge between raw responses and the data matrix used in analysis. Well-designed coding schemes preserve the meaning of responses while making computations feasible. Since the stem explicitly mentions assigning numerical or symbolic values for analysis, coding is the correct answer.

Option C:
Scaling involves constructing measurement instruments that place respondents on a continuum for a particular construct, such as attitude or anxiety. While scaling may involve coded responses, the term refers more broadly to instrument design rather than the mechanical assignment of values for data entry. Therefore, scaling is not the right choice here.

Option D:
Sampling pertains to selecting participants or units from a population before data collection begins. It is unrelated to the post-collection step of assigning codes to responses, so sampling cannot complete the stem appropriately.