Core characteristics of research – UGC NET Question

Statements A, C, D and F each capture widely accepted features of research. Research is systematic and organised, as stated in A, and procedures should be replicable so that other investigators can verify or challenge findings, as in C. Statement D is true because both qualitative and quantitative methods may be legitimately used, and F correctly notes that good research makes its assumptions explicit. By excluding B and E, which wrongly claim that research always gives immediate solutions and must be theory-free, this combination lists all and only the correct statements.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes A, C, D and F, the statements that accurately characterise research. It recognises research as systematic, replicable, methodologically plural and explicit about assumptions. It also avoids including B and E, which misrepresent the goals and theoretical grounding of research.

Option B:
Option B omits statement F, even though making underlying assumptions explicit is a hallmark of rigorous research. While A, C and D are true, leaving out F means the option does not contain all correct statements. A combination that ignores a true statement cannot be the right answer.

Option C:
Option C includes statement E, which mistakenly claims that research must never be influenced by theoretical perspectives. Theory in fact guides research questions and interpretations, even while researchers strive for objectivity. It also omits A, so it both adds a false statement and misses a true one, making the option incorrect.

Option D:
Option D incorporates statement B, which is false because research does not always yield immediate practical solutions and may primarily extend knowledge. Although it also contains several true statements, the presence of B makes the overall combination invalid.