Methods of Research: Previous Years Questions | Research Aptitude for UGC NET PDF Download

Q1: Quantitative research can be constructed as a research strategy that usually (December 2023)
(a) entails a deductive approach to the relationship between theory and research.
(b) emphasises an inductive approach to the relationship between theory and research.
(c) rejects the practices and norms of natural scientific model, and of positivism in particular.
(d) embodies a view of social reality as a constantly shifting emergent property of individual's creation.
Ans: (a)
Sol: Quantitative research is a research strategy that focuses on quantifying the collection and analysis of data. It is formed from a deductive approach where emphasis is placed on the testing of theory, shaped by empiricist and positivist philosophies.

Q2: Given below are two statements: (December 2023)
Statement I: Qualitative research lays emphasis on contextual understanding.
Statement II: Quantitative research is typically highly unstructured.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Ans: (c)
Sol: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
Statement I: "Qualitative research lays emphasis on contextual understanding." This statement is correct. Qualitative research is often focused on exploring the depth and context of phenomena, aiming to understand the underlying meanings and interpretations.
Statement II: "Quantitative research is typically highly unstructured." - This statement is incorrect. Quantitative research is known for its structured and systematic approach, involving the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, relationships and statistical significance.
In summary, qualitative research emphasises contextual understanding, while quantitative research is structured and involves numerical data.

Q3: The advantages of research based on field experiments are: (September 2022)
A. A strong external validity.
B. Subjects behave normally and naturally.
C. The experiment takes place in a natural setting.
D. Generation of primary data
E. Non-requirement of elaborate logistics
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) A, B and C only
(b) B, C and D only
(c) C, D and E only
(d) A, C and E only
Ans: (b)
Sol: Field study research or field experiments are a base of primary data collection. The advantages of this type of research are as follows:

• Getting ground level experiments.
• Generation of primary data.
• Normal and natural behaviour of the data and subject as well.
• Reality based experiments.

Q4: The Social Science research which is databased, has been associated with (November 2021)
(a) Authoritarian mode
(b) Positivist philosophy
(c) Network theory
(d) Phenomenology
Ans: (b)
Sol: Positivist approach: Positivist research or positive approach is the old concept. It says that only factual knowledge gained through observation including measurement is reliable and everything can be studied on the basis of data. This approach supports the Quantitative approach.
Post positivist approach: Post positive is the next or modern approach of learning or research. It says that every theory or any theory is relevant only if they have supported action.
It says that many theories and results can be based on assumptions and inferences that support qualitative aspects as well. It says that there are lots of theories that govern the world and they can be identified by using scientific methods.
Phenomenological research, ethnographic research and action research are some examples of post positivist approach to research.

Q5: In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
b) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
(c) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
(d) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Ans: (b)
Sol: Both statements are true. Exploratory research or exploration is done almost before every research to get a clear idea of the research problem. Exploratory research refers when a research is done to explore a less known field. Hence, both statements are true.

Q6: Which among the following are non-parametric statistics? (November 2020)
A. t-test
B. F-test
C. Spearman's rank order correlation
D. Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test
E. Kendall coefficient of concordance
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) A, B and C only
(b) B, C and D only
(c) B, D and E only
(d) C, D and E only
Ans: (d)
Sol: C, D and E are non-parametric tests, while A (t-test) and B (F-test) are parametric tests.

Q7: Identify the qualitative research designs from the list given below: (November 2020)
(i) Exploring common experiences of individuals to develop a theory
(ii) Controlling, manipulating, observing and measuring the effect
(iii) Exploring the shared culture of a group of people
(iv) Exploring individual stories to describe the lives of people
(v) Extending generalizations from sample to population
Select the correct answer from the following options:
(a) (i), (iii) and (iv)
(b) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(c) (ii), (iii) and (v)
(d) (ii), (iv) and (v)
Ans: (a)
Sol: Qualitative research designs include exploring common experiences, shared culture, and individual stories to gain deeper contextual insights.

Q8: Which of the following shows the correct sequence in undertaking Action Research based studies? (November 2020)
(a) Planning, Acting on the plan, Observing and Reflecting
(b) Acting on the plan, Observing, Planning and Reflecting
(c) Reflecting, Planning, Acting on the plan and Observing
(d) Acting on the plan, Reflecting, Planning and Observing
Ans: (a)
Sol: Action research is a continuous research process to find solution of immediate real life problems which has four stages, namely- plan, act, observe and reflect. It is a cyclic process which keeps on moving until the results are obtained.

Q9: In which of the following research methods, an empirico-inductive paradigm is employed? (December 2019)

1. Ethnographic probe
2. Case study method
3. Ex post facto method
4. Narrative method
5. Experimental method

Select your answer from the options given below:
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 3,4 and 5
Ans: (c)
Sol: Empirico stands for data by observations and inductive research is from specific to general. In the inductive framework, researcher collect data from experiments, surveys and experiences. Then researcher tries to develop a generalised theory based on that data.

Q10: The probability sampling procedures are mostly used in which of the following researches? (December 2019)

1. Survey researches
2. Experimental researches
3. Phenomenology based researches
4. Action researches
5. Correlational design based researches

Select your answer from the following options:
(a) 1,2 and 5
(b) 1,2 and 3
(c) 2,3 and 4
(d) 3,4 and 5
Ans: (a)
Sol: Probability sampling is when selection of sample units from the population is done randomly and is based on chance. This means that all units have equal chances of being selected for research. It is mostly used in survey, experimental and correlational research.

Q11: Case studies are (June 2019)
(a) Studies conducted in areas of genetics and microbiology
(b) In-depth examination of a subject and its related conditions
(c) A report on the existing socio-political condition
(d) Specialised research in the areas of health and sanitation
Ans: (b)
Sol: Case study is a method in which researcher will investigate an event, situation, person or institute. They will identify the major areas of concern in that case and try to understand the reason for that.

Q12: In the two sets given below, Set-I specifies the methods of research while Set-II describes the critical feature associated with a method of research. Match the two and select from the code to indicate your answer.   (December 2018)

(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
Ans: (a)
Sol: Experimental method involves studying the variable in a controlled environment for establishing cause and effect relationships. Ex post Facto research is done after the occurrence of an event or an incident to identify the causes of its occurrence.
Historical research is done to study something which has happened in the past by using secondary and primary methods both. Ethnographic research is the study of common people in their existing environment by using various tools. 

Q13: In the two sets given below, Set-I provides the format of presentation and Set-II gives the distinct features to go with them. Match the two sets and select from the code to indicate your answer.    (December 2018)

(a) a
(b) b
(c) c
(d) d
Ans: (c)
Sol: Thesis has a systematic format of writing.
Research paper is normally a brief summary of any study being conducted. Workshop is conducted for enhancing knowledge in the group of audience.
Seminars are conducted to encourage and create an insight into a topic through discussion among the experts of the field.

 Q14: A researcher attempts to evaluate the effect of method of feeding on anxiety - proneness of children. Which method of research would be appropriate for this?
(a) Case study method 
(b) Experimental method
 (c) Ex-post-Facto method 
(d) Survey method
Ans: (c)
Sol: Ex post Facto method of research is a process where a researcher studies the fact or an event which has already occurred, to study and understand the cause and effect of that event.

Q15: Below are given two sets – research methods (Set-I) and data collection tools (Set-II).
Match the two sets and indicate your answer by selecting the correct code:

(a) a
(b) b
(c) c
(d) d
Ans: (b)
Sol: 1. Experimental method of research involves conducting few standardised tests.
2. The Ex-Post facto method is conducted after any incident has happened to understand the various characteristics and factors.
3. Descriptive survey method involves using questionnaires to collect data from predefined population.
4. Historical methods of research involve studying already existing secondary data about any concept and using primary data for better insight.

Q16: A researcher intends to explore the effect of possible factors for the organisation of effective mid-day meal interventions. Which research method will be most appropriate for this study? (June 2016)
(a) Historical method
(b) Descriptive survey method
(c) Experimental method
(d) Ex-post-facto method
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Ex post Facto research is an attempt to understand the effect or aftermath of something which has already occurred.

Q17: A researcher is interested in studying the prospects of a particular political party in an urban area. What tool should he prefer for the study? (December 2015)
(a) Rating scale
(b) Interview
(c) Questionnaire
(d) Schedule
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Questionnaire method is the best for conducting a survey with the aim of understanding the prospects of any political party.

Q18: The frequency distribution of a research data which is symmetrical in shape similar to a normal distribution but center peak is much higher, is (December 2014)
(a) Skewed
(b) Mesokurtic
(c) Leptokurtic
(d) Platykurtic
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Please refer to the image to see the various shapes in kurtosis. Here, the leptokurtic curve matches well with the description as mentioned in the question.

Q19: The research approach of Max Weber to understand how people create meanings in natural settings is identified as (June 2014)
(a) positive paradigm
(b) critical paradigm
(c) natural paradigm
(d) interpretative paradigm
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Interpretative paradigm says that the knowledge is based on various particular circumstances, like events that occurred in history, cultural events, etc.

Q20: Sampling error decreases with the (December 2013)
(a) decrease in sample size
(b) increase in sample size
(c) process of randomisation
(d) process of analysis
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Sampling error decreases with increase of sample size due to more accurate data base.

Q21: In sampling, the lottery method is used for (December 2013)
(a) Interpretation
(b) Theorisation
(c) Conceptualisation
(d) Randomisation
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Random sampling techniques are those in which every unit of population has an equal chance to be selected. Lottery method is used to randomise the population so the sample can be selected fully randomly.

Q22: Which one of the following is not a type of experimental method? (September 2013)
(a) Single group experiment
(b) Residual group experiment
(c) Parallel group experiment
(d) Rational group experiment
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Residual group experiment is a factor study or survey method of research.

Q23: Deconstruction is a popular method of research in (September 2013)
(a) Basic Science
(b) Applied Science
(c) Social Science
(d) Literature
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Deconstruction method is commonly used in research of literature.

Q24: Which one of the following is a nonprobability sampling method? (September 2013)
(a) Simple Random Sampling
(b) Stratified Sampling
(c) Cluster Sampling
(d) Quota Sampling
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Probability sampling techniques are:
1. Simple random sampling
2. Stratified sampling
3. Cluster sampling
4. Systematic sampling.
Non-probability sampling methods are:
1. Quota sampling
2. Purposive sampling
3. Convenience sampling
4. Snowball sampling

Q25: A working hypothesis is (June 2013)
(a) a proven hypothesis for an argument.
(b) not required to be tested.
(c) a provisionally accepted hypothesis for further research.
(d) a scientific theory.
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Hypothesis is a tentative statement which becomes the base of research. This is the estimated result of the research process. Hypothesis is of two types:
1. Null hypothesis
2. Alternate hypothesis

Q26: Which of the following sampling methods is not based on probability? (June 2013)
(a) Simple Random Sampling
(b) Stratified Sampling
(c) Quota Sampling
(d) Cluster Sampling
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Convenience, quota and judgemental sampling are non-probability or non-random sampling. Only stratified sampling is probability or random sampling method. In stratified sampling groups of people from the population which are called strata, are made and a sample is selected.

Q27: Which of the following sampling methods is based on probability? (December 2012)
(a) Convenience sampling
(b) Quota sampling
(c) Judgement sampling
(d) Stratified sampling
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Convenience, quota and judgemental sampling are non-probability or non-random sampling. Only stratified sampling is probability or random sampling method. In stratified sampling, groups of people from the population which are called strata are made and a sample is selected.

Q28: Conferences are meant for (June 2012)
(a) Multiple target groups
(b) Group discussions
(c) Show-casing new Research
(d) All of the above
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Conference is a type of group discussion which is done among specialists of various fields to show their new research findings.

Q29: Suppose you want to investigate the working efficiency of nationalised bank in India, which one of the following would you follow? (December 2011)
(a) Area Sampling
(b) Multi-stage Sampling
(c) Sequential Sampling
(d) Quota Sampling
Ans:  (b)
Sol: To check each and every bank and branch is not possible in the given case. Multi stage sampling is a technique of selecting samples on various stages. This technique will be used in this case by selecting branches of nationalised banks working on various levels.

Q30: Workshops are meant for (December 2011)
(a) giving lectures
(b) multiple target groups
(c) showcase new theories
(d) hands on training/experience
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Workshops are a type of meeting which focuses on learning by doing. This is associated with hands-on training or getting experiences. Dance workshops, craft workshops are some common examples of workshops.

Q31: A group of experts in a specific area of knowledge assembled at a place and prepared a syllabus for a new course. The process may be termed as (June 2011)
(a) Seminar
(b) Workshop
(c) Conference
(d) Symposium
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Workshop is a meeting in which a group of people engage in intensive discussion and improvisation in order to explore aspects of the subject.
Seminar is a type of meeting in which there are one or more key speakers who speak on a specific predefined topic. In this, the audience has the right to ask questions. Workshop is more practical as in this type of meeting the audience learns by doing.
Conference is aimed at solving problems in a specific area. Experts of a specific area sit together to discuss and find the solution. Symposium is an expanded form of conference.

Q32: The ‘Sociogram’ technique is used to study (December 2010)
(a) Vocational Interest
(b) Professional Competence
(c) Human Relations
(d) Achievement Motivation
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Human Relation–Sociogram is a technique of representing relationships of individuals through graphical presentation. 

Q33: Which one of the following methods serve to measure correlation between two variables? (December 2010)
(a) Scatter Diagram
(b) Frequency Distribution
(c) Two-way table
(d) Coefficient of Rank Correlation
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Coefficient of rank correlation. Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation, rank correlation etc., are some methods to measure correlation between two variables.

Q34: Normal Probability Curve should be (June 2010)
(a) Positively skewed
(b) Negatively skewed
(c) Leptokurtic skewed
(d) Zero skewed
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Normal probability curve is symmetric which is zero skewed. This is also called a bell shaped curve. Here, in a bell shaped curve, the mean, median and mode all are equal.
In a positively skewed curve, mean has the maximum value and mode has the minimum. It is vice versa in negatively skewed curve.

Q35: The basis on which assumptions are formulated: (June 2009)
(a) Cultural background of the country
(b) Universities
(c) Specific characteristics of the castes
(d) All of these
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Cultural background of the country.
Assumptions are the presumptions which are generally taken while formulating any law or rule. These assumptions are based on the cultural background of the country of the person who is assuming them.

Q36: We use Factorial Analysis: (June 2009)
(a) To know the relationship between two variables
(b) To test the Hypothesis
(c) To know the difference between two variables
(d) To know the difference among the many variables
Ans: (c)
Sol: To know the difference between two variables.
Factorial analysis is used to analyse the difference between two variables or factors.