UGCNET Questions

In any research study, the population is the complete set of units about which the researcher wants to draw conclusions. Because studying all units is often impractical, a smaller group called a sample is selected from this population. The sample should represent the population so that inferences from sample data can be generalized appropriately. This distinction is fundamental to sampling theory.

Option A:
Option A incorrectly claims that population is always smaller than sample, which is logically impossible because a sample is drawn from the population. Samples are subsets and therefore cannot exceed the population in size.

Option B:
Option B clearly describes population as the full group of interest and the sample as a subset selected for actual study. This matches standard methodological definitions and underscores the logic of generalizing from sample to population.

Option C:
Option C states that sample and population are identical, which contradicts the very meaning of sampling. If they were identical, there would be no need to use sampling techniques.

Option D:
Option D incorrectly restricts the term “sample” to qualitative data and “population” to quantitative data. In reality, both populations and samples can involve any type of data; the distinction is based on whether we consider all units or only a subset.

A sampling frame operationalizes the target population by listing units that can potentially be included in the sample. Examples include voter lists, school registers or membership databases. The quality of the frame affects representativeness because omissions or duplications can bias selection. Thus, it is the practical source list from which sample units are chosen.

Option A:
Option A defines the population, which is the broader group of interest, not necessarily the actual list used for sampling.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it highlights the frame as the list or device from which sampling occurs. It connects the conceptual population to the operational step of sample selection.

Option C:
Option C refers to the achieved sample or respondents, which may be smaller than the selected sample due to nonresponse. This is not the sampling frame.

Option D:
Option D describes the questionnaire, which is a data collection tool, not the list of units.