UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Critical thinking involves analysing reasons,evaluating evidence and questioning assumptions. When students ask “why” and “how,”they move beyond memorising facts to examining underlying relationships and causes. This behaviour is central to critical thinking. Thus,the type of thinking nurtured in the stem is correctly identified as critical.

Option A:
Rote thinking or rote learning focuses on memorising information without questioning it. Encouraging “why” and “how” questions is meant to move students away from rote approaches.

Option B:
Conformist thinking emphasises acceptance of ideas without questioning,which is opposite to a classroom environment that welcomes probing questions.

Option C:
Mechanical thinking suggests routine,unreflective use of procedures without understanding reasons,which again contrasts with the goal of encouraging students to ask probing questions.

Option D:
Critical thinking helps learners become independent and reflective,which matches the teacher’s aim in the stem.

Statements A, B and C correctly describe the benefits and teacher roles in small group methods, such as individual attention, development of communication and critical thinking, and facilitation tasks. E is also true because smaller groups can offer safer spaces for shy learners to speak. D is false since small group methods are not restricted to situations where all learners already know the content; they can also be used for exploration and clarification. Hence, A, B, C and E only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits E, missing the important affective benefit of increased participation from shy learners. Therefore A, B and C only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B groups B, C and E but leaves out A, overlooking the role of seminars and tutorials in providing individualised attention. As a result, B, C and E only does not capture the full picture.

Option C:
Option C correctly combines A, B, C and E, showing cognitive, social and emotional advantages of small group teaching, while excluding D, which is a restrictive and false condition. Thus A, B, C and E only is the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D mixes A, C, D and E but accepts D, which incorrectly limits the use of small groups to already knowledgeable learners. This makes A, C, D and E only invalid.

Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias in which individuals focus on evidence that supports their existing views. They may ignore, downplay or reinterpret contrary information. This pattern distorts fair evaluation of arguments and data. Thus the bias described in the stem is called confirmation bias.

Option A:
Option A, anchoring, refers to relying too heavily on an initial piece of information when making judgments. While a cognitive bias, it does not primarily concern seeking confirming evidence. Therefore anchoring is not appropriate here.

Option B:
Option B correctly names confirmation bias as the selective search for and interpretation of evidence that supports prior beliefs. It is a well-known obstacle to objective reasoning. Hence this option fits the description.

Option C:
Option C, availability, involves judging likelihood based on how easily examples come to mind. It depends on memory accessibility rather than desire for confirmation. Thus availability bias is different from the pattern in the question.

Option D:
Option D, recency, is the tendency to give undue weight to recent information. Although related to how evidence is treated, it does not emphasise the confirmation of existing beliefs. Therefore recency bias is not the correct answer.

Statements B, C and D correctly capture the nature of reflective level teaching. B is true because learners are encouraged to hypothesise, test ideas and examine evidence. C is true as analysis and evaluation of information are central processes before reaching conclusions. D is true since reflective teaching aims to develop independence and originality of thought. A is false because rote memorisation is associated with memory level teaching, and E is false as reflective level teaching uses discussion, inquiry and problem solving rather than only teacher talk and repetition. Therefore B, C and D only is the correct set of statements.

Option A:
Option A groups B and C, which are both true, but omits D, which is also true. Hence B and C only cannot be accepted as correct.

Option B:
Option B includes C and D but leaves out B, so it is incomplete.

Option C:
Option C combines B, C and D, all true, and excludes A and E, which are false. Thus B, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D adds A (false), so A, B, C and D only cannot be chosen.

Option E includes E (false), so B, C, D and E only is not valid.