UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Qualitative research is concerned with how individuals interpret and make sense of their world. It typically employs methods like interviews, observations and document analysis to capture rich, descriptive data. Studies are often conducted in natural settings to preserve context. Therefore, focusing on meanings and experiences is a hallmark of qualitative approach.

Option A:
Option A describes quantitative research, which uses numerical data and statistical techniques. While valuable, it is conceptually different from qualitative inquiry.

Option B:
Option B correctly emphasizes subjective meanings, participant perspectives and naturalistic context. These features align with interpretivist and constructivist orientations that underpin qualitative research. The aim is depth of understanding rather than numerical generalization.

Option C:
Option C again refers to quantitative research, where large random samples help achieve statistical generalization. Qualitative work usually relies on smaller, purposively selected samples.

Option D:
Option D suggests avoiding contact with participants, which is contrary to most qualitative designs. Qualitative researchers often engage closely with participants to co construct understanding.

Qualitative research focuses on understanding meanings, experiences and social processes as seen by participants. It uses methods such as interviews, observations and document analysis to collect detailed narrative data. Analysis often involves identifying themes, patterns and interpretations rather than numerical summaries. Thus, an approach centred on participants’ perspectives and rich narratives is correctly termed qualitative research.

Option A:
Experimental research manipulates variables under controlled conditions to test cause–effect relationships and usually relies on quantitative measurements and statistical analysis. While it may include some qualitative elements, it is not defined primarily by narrative understanding from participants’ viewpoints. Therefore, experimental is not the right completion.

Option B:
Survey research typically uses structured questionnaires to gather information from large samples, with responses summarised numerically. Although open-ended survey questions can yield qualitative data, the survey approach is not inherently interpretive and narrative-focused in the same way. Hence, survey does not best fit the stem.

Option C:
Qualitative research aims to capture context, language and meaning, often accepting that multiple realities exist and that the researcher is part of the interpretive process. This emphasis on depth and subjectivity matches precisely what the question describes.

Option D:
Correlational research examines the statistical relationships between quantitative variables without manipulating them and is primarily numerical in orientation. It does not typically rely on rich narrative data or participants’ interpretations, so correlational is not appropriate here.

Statements A, B, C and D accurately distinguish between positivist and interpretivist paradigms. Positivism stresses objective measurement and is often linked with experiments and surveys, while interpretivism focuses on meanings and experiences using methods like observation and interviews. Statement E is false because interpretivism rejects the notion of a single fixed reality independent of the researcher; it emphasises multiple, constructed realities. Therefore, the correct combination includes A, B, C and D and excludes E.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, thereby failing to mention the qualitative methods commonly used in interpretivist research. Without D, the methodological side of interpretivism is underrepresented.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds E, which contradicts interpretivist assumptions about multiple realities and researcher involvement. Including E mischaracterises interpretivism as having a strictly objectivist stance.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because it includes only B, C and D, omitting A and thus not stating clearly that positivism emphasises objective measurement and quantification. This weakens the contrast between the two paradigms.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it compiles all statements that properly describe the two paradigms and leaves out E, which misstates interpretivist ontology. It reflects both the epistemological and methodological distinctions between positivist and interpretivist approaches.