Selecting a research problem – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct because a worthwhile problem is significant, feasible and aligned with the researcher's competence and interest. These features ensure that the study can be completed and can contribute meaningfully to the field. Statement C is false because no research problem can guarantee positive or entirely novel findings in advance. Statement E is also false; problems are chosen precisely because they are not fully solved. Option A alone includes all and only the correct statements.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it captures the three essential criteria of significance, feasibility and researcher–problem fit, while excluding the unrealistic requirements in C and E. It recognises that a sound problem does not need guaranteed outcomes or prior full solution.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits D, ignoring the importance of the researcher's interest and competence for sustained engagement with the study. Without considering competence, the feasibility of actually executing the project is reduced.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes E, which wrongly suggests that fully solved problems are suitable choices, and omits A, which emphasises significance for the field. Including a false statement and excluding a true one makes this combination invalid.

Option D:
Option D includes C, which claims that a problem must guarantee positive and novel results; this is unrealistic and contrary to the nature of inquiry. Although it also contains some true statements, the presence of C means the option cannot be correct.