UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, D and E are correct descriptions of hypotheses and research questions, while C and F are false. Statement A is true because hypotheses are tentative, testable answers to research problems. Statement B correctly notes that open-ended research questions suit exploratory work, and statement D is right that hypotheses guide the type of data required. Statement E is also true, as good hypotheses specify variables and their expected relationships, whereas C is false because qualitative work need not use statistical hypotheses and F is false since hypotheses may be revised as understanding develops.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and D but leaves out E. By omitting E, it ignores the important requirement that hypotheses should specify relationships among variables. Although the included statements are correct, the combination is incomplete and thus not fully acceptable.

Option B:
Option B brings together A, B, D and E, forming a coherent picture of the role and nature of hypotheses and research questions. It excludes C, which wrongly universalises statistical hypotheses in qualitative research, and F, which denies the possibility of revision. Because it contains all and only the true statements, this option is the correct answer.

Option C:
Option C contains A, D and E but omits B. While A, D and E are correct, leaving out B fails to recognise the role of research questions in exploratory contexts. As a result, the description of the topic is partial and the option cannot be considered correct.

Option D:
Option D introduces F along with the otherwise correct statements. However, F is false because hypotheses can legitimately be modified in light of new insights or pilot findings. Including a false statement invalidates the combination as a set of correct statements.