UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The Latin square design is used when two extraneous variables, such as time and location, may systematically influence outcomes. Treatments are arranged in a square so that each treatment occurs exactly once in every row and once in every column, balancing their potential effects. This structure allows researchers to separate treatment effects from the two nuisance variables. Therefore, the design described in the stem is the Latin square design.

Option A:
Greek square is not a standard term in basic experimental design and does not refer to this specific arrangement controlling two extraneous variables.

Option B:
Latin square designs are efficient when full factorial designs would require too many conditions, yet the researcher still wishes to control for two blocking variables. The unique property of each treatment appearing once per row and column matches the stem precisely, making this option correct.

Option C:
Magic square is a mathematical concept involving numerical patterns that is unrelated to experimental control of extraneous variables.

Option D:
A balanced design usually refers more generally to equal group sizes or properly distributed treatments but does not specifically denote the row–column arrangement controlling two extraneous factors.