Research design and types of studies – UGC NET Question

In this question statements A, B, D and E reflect core features of research design, while statement C is incorrect. Statement A is true because a research design indeed acts as a blueprint guiding data collection, measurement and analysis. Statement B is correct since a well-planned design seeks to minimise bias and enhance the reliability of data, and statement D properly characterises descriptive designs as portraying characteristics of populations or phenomena. Statement E is also true as causal-comparative research explores cause–effect relationships without direct manipulation of independent variables, whereas statement C is false because even exploratory studies require at least a tentative design or plan.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and E but leaves out D. Although A, B and E are correct, D is also a true statement about descriptive research designs. By omitting D, this combination does not include all the correct statements and so cannot be accepted as the right answer.

Option B:
Option B selects B, D and E but omits A. While B, D and E are accurate, excluding A means the crucial general idea of research design as a blueprint for the entire study is missing. A complete set of correct statements must include A as well, so this option is incomplete.

Option C:
Option C correctly groups A, B, D and E, all of which present a coherent understanding of research design and related types of studies. It omits statement C, which wrongly suggests that exploratory studies do not need any design. Since this option contains all and only the true statements, it is the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D adds statement C to the otherwise correct combination of A, D and E. Because C is false, claiming that exploratory studies never require a design, its inclusion makes the entire combination incorrect. A valid option cannot mix misleading statements with true ones, so this choice is not acceptable.