ICT tools in research – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D accurately depict how ICT supports the research process, whereas statement C is false. Reference managers, online databases and data analysis tools help researchers at different stages, but they do not replace ethical responsibilities. Plagiarism rules remain applicable regardless of the technology used. Consequently, the combination containing A, B and D but excluding C is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it mentions only A and B and omits D. While A and B are true, statement D is also correct in recognising the role of data analysis software in research. Leaving out D makes the answer incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it selects A, B and D, the three statements that show ICT’s contribution to literature access, reference management and data analysis. It excludes the wrong claim in C that ethics are no longer necessary, which contradicts basic research principles.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes C, which asserts that ethical norms are unnecessary. Even though B and D are true, the presence of C means the option endorses unethical behaviour, making it unacceptable.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats all four statements as correct and therefore accepts C. Since C is clearly at odds with research ethics, this combination cannot be the right answer.