Qualities of a good research problem – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D together describe core qualities of a good research problem. Clarity and lack of ambiguity help readers and the researcher understand exactly what is being studied, feasibility ensures that the problem can realistically be investigated and significance justifies why the study matters. Statement C is false because trivial problems contribute little to knowledge, and E is false because overly broad and unrelated issues reduce focus and coherence. Thus the correct combination must include only A, B and D.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, even though the significance of a problem is a crucial criterion for deciding whether research is worthwhile. Without D, the option does not fully represent what makes a problem “good” in research terms.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it includes the three statements that simultaneously emphasise clarity, feasibility and significance. It excludes C and E, both of which misrepresent desirable qualities by calling for trivial or overly broad problems. This combination therefore reflects standard guidance on problem formulation.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it incorporates C, which wrongly suggests that triviality is desirable. Although B and D are true, including C corrupts the set of statements and makes the option unacceptable.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it brings in E, which proposes an excessively broad and unfocused problem, and omits B, which focuses on feasibility. A correct option cannot mix such a false requirement with true ones.

Option E is also wrong because it retains C, the triviality statement, within an otherwise partly correct set. The presence of C means the option no longer represents an acceptable description of a good research problem.