UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A research problem is the clearly defined issue or difficulty that the researcher intends to investigate through systematic inquiry. It pinpoints what exactly is unsatisfactory or unknown in the existing knowledge or practice. This statement guides the formulation of objectives, hypotheses and methods. Therefore, the clear and precise statement that identifies the central issue of the study is correctly called the research problem.

Option A:
A research objective states what the researcher plans to accomplish in concrete or measurable terms, but it is derived from the prior identification of the research problem. Objectives break down the problem into specific tasks rather than defining the core issue itself. Hence, research objective does not represent the fundamental statement of the central issue.

Option B:
The research problem represents the starting point of any scientific investigation by converting a felt difficulty or gap into a form that can be studied empirically. It provides focus and direction, helping to avoid a diffuse or aimless inquiry. Because it is this statement that identifies the central issue of investigation, research problem appropriately completes the stem.

Option C:
A research hypothesis is a tentative, testable prediction about the relationship between variables that emerges from the research problem and theory. It does not itself describe the broader contextual issue that motivates the study. Thus, research hypothesis is not the best term for the clear statement of the central issue.

Option D:
A research design is the overall plan specifying how data will be collected and analysed, but it presupposes that the problem has already been stated. It focuses on procedure rather than on articulating the core problem. Therefore, research design is not the correct completion for the stem.

Formulating a research problem begins with recognizing a broad area of concern that needs investigation. The researcher narrows this area by defining it clearly in terms of concepts, context and potential questions. Only after identifying and delimiting the problem area can detailed objectives and hypotheses be framed. Thus, problem identification and definition is the logical first step.

Option A:
Option A jumps to writing conclusions, which can only be done after the entire research process is completed. Treating it as a starting point reverses the natural order of research activities.

Option B:
Option B correctly focuses on recognizing and defining the broad problem area as the starting action. Without this step, later tasks such as review of literature, selection of method and data collection cannot be coherently planned. It aligns with standard sequences described in research methodology.

Option C:
Option C suggests collecting data before formulating the problem, which can lead to unfocused and irrelevant information. Data collection should follow clear objectives derived from a defined problem, not precede them.

Option D:
Option D deals with preparing references, which is part of report writing after the study. Citation style decisions are not central to the conceptual formulation of the problem itself.

Problem identification is the starting point of any research endeavour because it recognises a gap, difficulty or unsatisfactory condition that requires investigation. By articulating this felt difficulty, the researcher frames what needs to be studied and why. This step guides the selection of objectives, hypotheses and methods that follow. Therefore, the first step involving recognition of an area of concern is accurately termed problem identification.

Option A:
Data analysis occurs after data have been collected and involves organising, summarising and interpreting numerical or qualitative information. It is a later stage in the research process and depends on an already formulated problem and design. Hence, data analysis cannot be the first step described in the stem.

Option B:
Hypothesis testing is a subsequent stage where tentative predictions derived from the problem and literature are examined using data and statistical procedures. It presupposes that the problem has already been identified and operationalised. Thus, hypothesis testing is not the initial step mentioned in the question.

Option C:
Problem identification converts a vague sense of difficulty into a clear statement that can be addressed systematically. It may emerge from practice, theory or literature and sets the direction for the entire study. This priority role makes problem identification the correct term for the blank.

Option D:
Report writing is the final stage where the completed study is documented and communicated to others. It presents the problem and findings but does not initiate the research process, so it is not the first step asked for in the stem.

A research problem expresses, in a focused statement, the issue, difficulty or gap in existing knowledge that the study aims to investigate. It provides the starting point for all other decisions in the research process, such as objectives, hypotheses and design. A well-formulated research problem is clear, specific and researchable. Because the stem refers to a clearly defined statement indicating the specific issue or gap to be addressed, it is describing the research problem.

Option A:
Objectives of the study specify what the researcher intends to achieve, often derived from the research problem. They translate the problem into concrete aims or tasks. However, they are not the statement of the problem itself, so objective of the study is not the correct completion here.

Option B:
The research problem succinctly captures what is not known, what contradiction exists or what practical difficulty needs systematic inquiry. It directs the review of literature and formulation of hypotheses. Since the question emphasises a statement about the specific issue or gap, research problem is the most accurate term.

Option C:
A hypothesis is a tentative, testable proposition about relationships between variables formulated after the problem has been identified and literature has been reviewed. It is one possible answer to the problem, not the problem statement itself. Therefore, hypothesis cannot complete the stem correctly.

Option D:
Delimitations refer to the boundaries that the researcher consciously sets for the study, such as restricting it to a particular group or area. They explain what the study will not cover, but they do not define the core issue or gap to be investigated. Hence, delimitations is not the right answer.