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

Q1: In academic writing, the abbreviation ‘fn.’, is used to represent (December 2023)
(a) Forenoon
(b) Footnote
(c) Forward page number
(d) Following page number
Ans: (a)
Sol:Abbreviation 'fn' is used to represent a footnote.
Footnote is written at the end of paragraph or page while endnote is written at the end of the document.

Q2: A variable that has a causal impact on another variable, is called (December 2023)
(a) Dependent variable.
(b) Independent variable.
(c) Confounding variable.
(d) Extraneous variable.
Ans: (b)
Sol: Independent variable is the cause and dependent variable is the result.

Q3: The mean and standard deviation of 75 observations are 45 and 10, respectively. If 2 is added to each observation, the new mean and standard deviation will be (December 2023)
(a) 47, 12
(b) 47, 14
(c) 47, 10
(d) 46, 12
Ans: (c)
Sol: By adding the same value to each number of the series, the mean will be changed by the same value and the standard deviation will remain the same. However, multiplying and dividing by a constant value to each number will change both the mean and standard deviation.

Q4: The tendency of researchers to subtly and inadvertently affect the behaviours of participants in a study, obscuring the true effect of the independent variable, is called (March 2023)
(a) Placebo effect
(b) Experimenter Bias effect
(c) The Hawthorne effect
(d) Evaluation Apprehension effect
Ans: (b)
Sol: When the personal biases or perception of the researcher or experimental affects the behavior of participants in the study, it is called an experimental bias effect.

• The Hawthorne effect is when a person changes behavior because he/she is being observed.
• A placebo effect is when there is no scientific or logical method behind improvement, only the thinking of participants affects the improvement.
• The effect of fear of negative criticism from external members is called the evaluation apprehension effect.

Q5: The extent to which a measure yields the same scores across different times, groups of people, or versions of the instrument, is called (March 2023)
(a) Reliability
(b) Content validity
(c) Construct validity
(d) Predictive validity
Ans: (a)
Sol: Reliability is associated with consistency of results. When a test provides the same results after measuring at different points in time, it can be called a reliable test.
Validity is associated with correct or accurate results.
A valid test is always reliable, but a reliable test is not always valid.
Content validity of a test is associated with whether the content of the test is able to measure what it was constructed to measure. Construct validity of a test is whether the construction or format of the test is done correctly.

Q6: Given below are two statements: (March 2023)
Statement I: Snowball sampling is a type of random sampling.
Statement II: Snowball sampling is helpful when participants belong to hard-to-reach groups.
In the 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:  (d)
Sol: Non-probability sampling is a type of sampling in which every unit of the population does not have an equal chance of being selected in the sample size. This sampling method is commonly used in qualitative research. From the given options, phenomenology-based research and action research are some examples in which non-probability sampling works properly.
Types of non-probability sampling:
1. Quota sampling
2. Judgmental sampling
3. Convenience sampling
4. Purposive sampling
5. Snowball sampling
6. Accidental sampling
Probability sampling or random sampling is the method of sampling in which every unit of the population has an equal chance to be selected, and that sample size or sample is collected on a random basis from the population.
Types of random sampling:
1. Simple random sampling
2. Systematic sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Cluster sampling
5. Multistage sampling
Systematic and multistage sampling are also called quasi-random sampling.
Snowball sampling is a type of non-random or non-probability sampling which is done in a field that is less explored or the participants are not easily convinced to participate or are hard to reach. It is also called reference sampling in which a small sample is selected and the people in that sample are asked to refer to other people or to collect data from other people.
Initial subjects recruit additional subjects who recruit additional subjects.

Q7: When the subjects of a research change or improve their behaviour, not due to changes in experimental stimulus, it is called (September 2022)
(a) The Hawthorne effect
(b) The Glenn effect
(c) The Fischer effect
(d) The Kerlinger effect
Ans:  (a)
Sol: The Hawthorne effect refers to the change in behavior of a person if the person notices that he/she is being observed. In research, if the research subject or research problem is changed or the behavior is improved due to changes other than experimental simulations, it is called the Hawthorne effect.

Q8: Hypothesis, that is alternative to null hypothesis, is represented as (September 2022)
(a) H0
(b) H1
(c) Halt
(d) H≠0
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Null hypothesis is shown as H₀ and alternative hypothesis is shown as H₁.

Q9: Survey research is based on which of the following? (November 2021)
(a) Constructivism
(b) Hermeneutics
(c) Interpretivism
(d) Positivism
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Survey research is based on the positivism approach. Positivism believes that everything has a logic that can be known by observation, surveys, and so on.

Q10: Match List I with List II

Select the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) (1)-(i), (2)-(ii), (3)-(iii), (4)-(iv)
(b) (1)-(ii), (2)-(iii), (3)-(iv), (4)-(v)
(c) (1)-(i), (2)-(ii), (3)-(iv), (4)-(iii)
(d) (1)-(iii), (2)-(iv), (3)-(v), (4)-(i)
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Hypothesis is an assumption of the results of the study.
Sample is a group chosen from the population that represents the entire population.
Research design is the blueprint or a plan of research which a researcher will follow for her/his study.
Research tool is the method or technique used for the collection of data.

Q11: Which sentence cannot fit into the AEIO framework?
(a) No salt has iodine
(b) The salt on the table has iodine
(c) All salt has iodine
(d) Some salt has iodine
Ans:  (b)
Sol: AEIO is a framework and a syllogism rule used for drawing inferences or conclusions. A and I are positive statements. E and O are negative statements. The statement "The salt on the table has iodine" does not fit in this framework.

Q12: From the following list identify the qualitative research characteristics and select your answer from the codes given below: (June 2019)
(i) Creating purpose statements and research questions
(ii) Stating the purpose and research questions in a broad way
(iii) Collecting data based on words from a small number of individuals
(iv) Collecting numeric data and statistical analysis
(v) Using text analysis and interpreting larger meanings of the findings
(a) (ii), (iii) and (v)
(b) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(c) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(d) (i), (iii) and (v)
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Qualitative research method involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of qualitative or non-numeric data. This includes the study of behavior, reactions, beliefs, attitudes, etc.

Q13: The paradigm of research which focuses on the development of professional expertise of the researcher-practitioner is called: (December 2018)
(a) Pure research
(b) Applied research
(c) Action research
(d) Qualitative research
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Action research is a study conducted by a person while working or being employed at a particular place to improve the present situations or methods.

Q14: Which of the following statements best reflect the meaning and characteristics of research? Select from the code to give your answer. (December 2018)
1. Research means challenging the status quo.
2. Research is an endeavour to collect facts and information.
3. Research is a synthesis of deductive and inductive processes.
4. Research means proving one's assertions and beliefs.
5. Research is a careful review of reported studies.
6. Research is a critical and passionate search for knowledge.
(a) 1, 5 and 6
(b) 2, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 3 and 6
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Research is challenging existing concepts, breaking down concepts to reach a conclusion, and a passionate hunt for knowledge.

Q15: There are two sets given below. Set-I specifies the types of research, while Set-II indicates their characteristics. Match the two and give your answer by selecting the appropriate code.

Ans:  (a)  
Sol:  Fundamental research is conducted for developing a theory and explanation for the same.
Applied research is conducted for understanding the practical implications of any theory or concept by applying it in various situations.
Action research is conducted to find solutions to an existing problem or to conduct an experiment/survey to learn from practical implications.
Evaluation research is a study conducted to understand the impact or result of any tool implemented.

Q16: Which of the sets of activities best indicate the cyclic nature of action research strategy? (June 2019)
(a) Reflect, Observe, Plan, Act
(b) Observe, Act, Reflect, Plan
(c) Act, Plan, Observe, Reflect
(d) Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect
Ans:  (d) 
Sol: The steps of action research are plan, act, observe, and reflect.

Q17: Which of the following research types focuses on ameliorating the prevailing situations? (November 2017)
(a) Fundamental Research
(b) Applied Research
(c) Action Research
(d) Experimental Research
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Action research is a research type, which is cyclic in nature and focused on immediate solutions.
Process of action research → P.A.O.R.
Plan → Act → Observe → Reflect

Q18: In which of the following arrangements a wider spectrum of ideas and issues may be made possible? (November 2017)
(a) Research Article
(b) Workshop mode
(c) Conference
(d) Symposium
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Conferences provide a platform where people working on a similar area of study can meet, discuss their opinions, and share learnings on the area of study.

Q19: The principal of a school conducts an interview session of teachers and students with a view to explore the possibility of their enhanced participation in school programmes. This endeavour may be related to which type of research? (January 2017)
(a) Evaluation Research
(b) Fundamental Research
(c) Action Research
(d) Applied Research
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Action research is conducted within the duration of a job to evaluate any prevalent situation and suggest corrections.

Q20: In doing action research, what is the usual sequence of steps? (January 2017)
(a) Reflect, observe, plan, act
(b) Plan, act, observe, reflect
(c) Plan, reflect, observe, act
(d) Act, observe, plan, reflect
Ans:  (b)
Sol: The steps for conducting action research are plan, act, observe, and reflect.

Q21: In the qualitative research paradigm, which of the following features may be considered critical? (June 2016)
(a) Data collection with standardised research tools.
(b) Sampling design with probability sample techniques.
(c) Data collection with bottom-up empirical evidence.
(d) Data gathering to take place with top-down systematic evidence.
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Bottom-up approach is placing together various pieces of research to get a whole. Qualitative research is conducted using this approach only.

Q22: Which of the following statements is not true in the context of participatory research? (December 2015)
(a) It recognises knowledge as power.
(b) It emphasises people as experts.
(c) It is a collective process of enquiry.
(d) Its sole purpose is production of knowledge.
Ans:  (d)
Sol: The purpose of participatory research is to involve the opinions of all those people who are impacted by the subject under study.

Q23: Which of the following are the characteristics of a seminar? (December 2015)
1. It is a form of academic instruction.
2. It involves questioning, discussion and debates.
3. It involves large groups of individuals.
4. It need the involvement of skilled persons.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Involving a large group of people is not a necessary characteristic of seminars.

Q24: Which of the following statements regarding the meaning of research are correct? (June 2015)
(a) Research refers to a series of systematic activity or activities undertaken to find out the solution of a problem.
(b) It is a systematic, logical and an unbiased process wherein verification of hypothesis, data analysis, interpretation and formation of principles can be done.
(c) It is an intellectual enquiry or quest towards truth.
(d) It leads to enhancement of knowledge.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans:  (d)
Sol: All the given statements are correct with reference to research. Following are the characteristics of research:

• Research refers to a series of systematic activities.
• These activities are undertaken to find out the solution to a problem.
• Research is logical and unbiased.
• It is a process.
• It is done with various objectives.
• Research should be valid and reliable.
• It should be objective, not subjective.

Q25: Jean Piaget gave a theory of cognitive development of humans on the basis of his: (June 2015)
(a) Fundamental Research
(b) Applied Research
(c) Action Research
(d) Evaluation Research
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Cognitive theory of Jean Piaget is a fundamental research. Fundamental research is research in which original and new data is used. It is done with the objective of creating new theories and better understanding of phenomena. Fundamental research is not likely to have any practical application at present nor in the future.
Applied research is when results of fundamental research are applied to any other situation.
Action research is a cyclic research in which the researcher tries to find out a solution for an immediate problem.
Evaluation research is done to evaluate the performance with the help of testing in various ways.

Q26: The conclusions/findings of which type of research cannot be generalised to other situations? (June 2015)
(a) Historical Research
(b) Descriptive Research
(c) Experimental Research
(d) Causal Comparative Research
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Findings of historical research cannot be applied or generalized to other situations because historical research is basically descriptive research in which any situation, event, process, or phenomenon is described that occurred in history. This aims to describe the past situation and it helps to make decisions for the present and future.

Q27: When planning to do as social research, it is better to (December 2014)
(a) approach the topic with an open mind
(b) do a pilot study before getting stuck into it
(c) be familiar with literature on the topic
(d) forget about theory because this is a very practical
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Research in any domain of science significantly depends on its feasibility, data availability, manageable magnitude, funding, ethical norms, etc. Therefore, it is highly recommended to do a pilot study before getting into any social science research to ensure these essential parameters are met.

Q28: When academicians are called to deliver lecture or presentation to an audience on certain topics or a set of topics of educational nature, it is called (December 2014)
(a) Training Programme
(b) Seminar
(c) Workshop
(d) Symposium
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Only a seminar is academic in nature.

Q29: The research stream of immediate application is (June 2014)
(a) conceptual research
(b) action research
(c) fundamental research
(d) empirical research
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Action research was introduced by German-American Professor Kurt Lewin. This research aims at the immediate solution to a problem. Steps of action research can be remembered by PAOR (Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect).
1. Plan: To plan the research methodology
2. Act: To implement or conduct the research methodology
3. Observe: To observe the research activities
4. Reflect: To reflect on the research activities
Fundamental research is also called pure or basic research which is done originally with new facts to gain new knowledge or to develop new theories.

Q30: Which is the main objective of research? (December 2013)
(a) To review the literature
(b) To summarise what is already known
(c) To get an academic degree
(d) To discover new facts or to make fresh interpretation of known facts
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Objectives of research are: 

1. To search new knowledge 
2. To gain a degree 
3. To develop a new theory 
4. To check or examine the validity of existing theory 
5. To generate a new idea 
6. To describe events or theory.

Q31: The principles of fundamental research are used in (December 2013)
(a) action research
(b) applied research
(c) philosophical research
(d) historical research
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Applied research is research done to test and apply developed or existing theory by basic research. Action research was introduced by German–American Professor Kurt Lewin. This research aims at the immediate solution of a problem. Steps of action research can be remembered by PAOR (Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect). Historical research is a type of descriptive research which is used to describe any event or incident that occurred in the past.

Q32: The population information is called parameter while the corresponding sample information is known as (December 2013)
(a) Universe
(b) Inference
(c) Sampling design
(d) Statistics
Ans:  (d)
Sol: The population information is called a parameter while if research or data collection and information is referenced from sampling is known as statistics.

Q33: Which one of the following is not a non-parametric test? (September 2013)
(a) t-Test
(b) Sign test
(c) Chi-square test
(d) Run test
Ans:  (a)
Sol:  Parametric tests:
1. Z test
2. T test
3. F test
4. ANOVA test
5. Paired t test
6. Unpaired t test
7. Pearson’s correlation 

Non-parametric test:
1. Chi square test
2. Sign test
3. Run test 4. Rank some test
5. Median test
6. X² test
7. Friedman’s ANOVA test
8. MeNemen’s test

Q34: Read the following statements - one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R): (September 2013)
Assertion (A): Qualitative research in India has a long way to go to reach international standards.
Reason (R): Because the funding agencies do not support qualitative research in academic institutions.
Find the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Assertion is true that qualitative research in India will take a lot of time to reach at international standards but the reason is incorrect because research and development is getting much support from all the respective agencies and organisations.

Q35: With which one of the following techniques communality is associated? (September 2013)
(a) Univariate analysis
(b) Factor analysis
(c) Case studies
(d) SWOT analysis
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Commonality technique is associated with factor analysis. This technique is used for analysing common interests or common qualities or common state of a large population.

Q36: The variable which impacts the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable is known as (September 2013)
(a) antecedent variable
(b) precedent variable
(c) predictor variable
(d) control variable
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Independent, dependent and control variables are used in experimental research. The cause variable is called an independent variable. The variable on which effects are observed is called dependent variable. The variable which impacts the relationship of these two variables which a researcher has to control to get accurate results is called control variable.

Q37: A workshop is (June 2013)
(a) a conference for discussion on a topic.
(b) a meeting for discussion on a topic.
(c) a class at a college or a university in which the teacher and the students discuss a topic.
(d) a brief intensive course for a small group emphasising the development of a skill or technique for solving a specific problem.
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Workshop is a type of meeting in which students learn by doing themselves. This is focused on developing any particular skill or technique where the students face the practical situation to work and learn.

Q38: Which one of the following is an indication of the quality of a research journal? (December 2012)
(a) Impact factor
(b) h-index
(c) g-index
(d) i10-index
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Indicators of quality of research journal are:- 

• Journal indexing 
• Circulation count 
• Acceptance rate 
• Editor and editorial board 
• Impact factor 

H and G index are author level measure index. i10 index is only used by Google scholars. This measures the number of publications with at least 10 citations.

Q39: The research that aims at immediate application is (June 2012)
(a) Action Research
(b) Empirical Research
(c) Conceptual Research
(d) Fundamental Research
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Action research was introduced by German–American Professor Kurt Lewin. This research aims at the immediate solution of a problem. Steps of action research can be remembered by PAOR (Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect).

Q40: Nine year olds are taller than seven year olds. This is an example of a reference drawn from (June 2012)
(a) vertical study
(b) cross-sectional study
(c) time series study
(d) experimental study
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Cross sectional study is the type of research method in which study is done at the same time with different audiences. In time series study, a study is done at various points of time with the same audience. Experimental research is done with independent and dependent variables to check the relationship or cause and effect.

Q41: Ex Post Facto research means (June 2012)
(a) The research is carried out after the incident
(b) The research is carried out prior to the incident
(c) The research is carried out along with the happening of an incident.
(d) The research is carried out keeping in mind the possibilities of an incident.
Ans:  (a) 
Sol: Ex post Facto is like experimental research but done after the incident. Cause and effect is being examined but manipulations of independent variables are not possible.

Q42: Controlled group condition is applied in (December 2011)
(a) Survey Research
(b) Historical Research
(c) Experimental Research
(d) Descriptive Research
Ans:  (c) 
Sol: Controlled group, independent variable, dependent variable are the elements of experimental research.

Q43: Newton gave three basic laws of motion. This research is categorised as (June 2011)
(a) Descriptive Research
(b) Sample Survey
(c) Fundamental Research
(d) Applied Research
Ans:  (c) 
Sol: Fundamental research is aimed at providing new theories, laws or techniques. A sample survey is research with a survey method on a selected set of sample population. Descriptive research is performed to describe any event or incident of past or present. Applied research is to check whether the conclusion of fundamental research is valid or not.

Q44: The essential qualities of a researcher are (June 2011)
(a) spirit of free enquiry
(b) reliance on observation and evidence
(c) systematisation or theorizing of knowledge
(d) all the above
Ans:  (d) 
Sol: Essential qualities of a researcher are:- 

• Unbiased 
• Objective 
• Spirit of free enquiry 
• Willing to get new Knowledge 
• Theorisation of findings 
• Knowledge of the area 
• Observation of surroundings 
• Patience

Q45: Research is conducted to (June 2011)
1. Generate new knowledge
2. Not to develop a theory
3. Obtain research degree
4. Reinterpret existing knowledge
Which of the above are correct?
(a) I, III & II
(b) III, II & IV
(c) II, I & III
(d) I, III & IV
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Objectives of research are:- 

1. Gain new knowledge 
2. Gain a degree 
3. Develop a theory 
4. Explore any field 
5. Generate new knowledge 
6. Reinterpret existing knowledge

Q46: Which of the following variables cannot be expressed in quantitative terms? (December 2010)
(a) Socio-economic Status
(b) Marital Status
(c) Numerical Aptitude
(d) Professional Attitude
Ans:  (d)
Sol: From the given options, only professional attitude cannot be expressed in quantitative form. Professional attitude refers to the attitude of a person toward his/her professional work, which is a qualitative aspect.

Q47: A doctor studies the relative effectiveness of two drugs of dengue fever. His research would be classified as (December 2010)
(a) Descriptive Survey
(b) Experimental Research
(c) Case Study
(d) Ethnography
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Experimental research – Experimental research is a type of research with independent and dependent variables in which relationship of cause and effect is checked and observed to conclude a theory.

Q48: The term 'phenomenology' is associated with the process of (December 2010)
(a) Qualitative Research
(b) Analysis of Variance
(c) Correlational Study
(d) Probability Sampling
Ans:  (a)
Sol: Qualitative research – Phenomenology refers to an approach of study of an object through direct observation. This is associated with qualitative research which includes case study, descriptive research, interviews, etc.

Q49: Which of the following phrases is not relevant to describe the meaning of research as a process? (December 2010)
(a) Systematic Activity
(b) Objective Observation
(c) Trial and Error
(d) Problem Solving
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Objective Observation Research is a process as it is a 

• Systematic activity 
• Includes trial and error 
• Aimed at solving a problem 
• Consists of many steps

Q50: Which of the following is not an example of a continuous variable? (December 2010)
(a) Family size
(b) Intelligence
(c) Height
(d) Attitude
Ans:  (a)
Sol: The continuous variables are which can be expressed in decimal form. Eg. Height of a boy may be 5.2, 6.1 etc. Family size cannot be expressed in decimal form. This is a discrete variable.

Q51: Action research means (June 2010)
(a) a longitudinal research
(b) an applied research
(c) a research initiated to solve an immediate problem
(d) a research with socioeconomic objective
Ans:  (c)
Sol: A research initiated to solve an immediate problem. Action research was introduced by German- American Professor Kurt Lewin. This research aims at the immediate solution of a problem. Steps of action research can be remembered by PAOR (Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect).

Q52: Research is (June 2010)
(a) searching again and again
(b) finding solution to any problem
(c) working in a scientific way to search for truth of any problem
(d) None of the above
Ans:  (c)
Sol: 

Working in a scientific way to search for the truth of any problem. Research is: 

• Search of knowledge 
• Process of investigation 
• Systematic and methodical 
• Increase in knowledge 
• Collection and analysing of data 
• Scientific in nature 
• Search of less searched 
• Working for solution 
• Review and synthesise existing knowledge 
• Careful investigation or inquiry

Q53: If a researcher conducts a research on finding out which administrative style contributes more to institutional effectiveness, it will be an example of (June 2010)
(a) Basic Research
(b) Action Research
(c) Applied Research
(d) None of these
Ans:  (c)
Sol: In the given situation, the researcher will apply the available administrative styles. In applied research, given theories, methods, rules, etc. are applied to check their validity and reliability. Thus, this is an example of applied research.

Q54: Which one of the following is the oldest Archival source of data in India? (June 2010)
(a) National Sample Surveys
(b) Agricultural Statistics
(c) Census
(d) Vital Statistics
Ans:  (a)
Sol: National Sample Surveys is the oldest archival source of data in India from the given options. National Sample survey is the organisation which conducts sample surveys on a large scale in various fields of socio-economic subjects.

Q55: The research which is exploring new facts through the study of the past is called (December 2009)
(a) Philosophical research
(b) Historical research
(c) Mythological research
(d) Content analysis
Ans:  (b)
Sol: Historical research is a type of research which studies the facts, events and elements of the past which cannot be manipulated. Ex Post Facto research is majorly related to historical research which also studies the events which have already happened. The difference between historical and Ex Post Facto research is of time. Historical research studies the events of the past whereas ex post facto research studies the events which have happened recently. For example- study of Mohenjo Daro will come under historical research whereas study of effects of latest examination on confidence level of students will come under ex post facto research.

Q56: Action research is (December 2009)
(a) an applied research
(b) a research carried out to solve immediate problems
(c) a longitudinal research
(d) simulative research
Ans: (b)
Sol: Action research was introduced by German-American Professor Kurt Lewin. This research aims at the immediate solution of a problem. Steps of action research can be remembered by PAOR (Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect).

Q57: The process not needed in Experimental Researches is (December 2009)
(a) Observation
(b) Manipulation
(c) Controlling
(d) Content Analysis
Ans: (d)
Sol: Manipulation of independent variables, observation of change in dependent variables and controlling of other variables are the parts of experimental research. Content analysing is not a part of experimental research.

Q58: Manipulation is always a part of (December 2009)
(a) Historical research
(b) Fundamental research
(c) Descriptive research
(d) Experimental research
Ans:  (d)
Sol: Manipulation is always a part of experimental research. In experimental research, manipulation of independent variables is done to look at the effect of that change on dependent variables.

Q59: Which of the following sources of data is not based on primary data collection? (December 2009)
(a) Census of India
(b) National Sample Survey
(c) Statistical Abstracts of India
(d) National Family Health Survey
Ans:  (c)
Sol: Statistical Abstracts of India is an example of secondary data as this data has already been taken or collected by the Indian statistical department.

Q60: How can the objectivity of the research be enhanced? (June 2009)
(a) Through its impartiality
(b) Through its reliability
(c) Through its validity
(d) All of these
Ans: (d)
Sol: Objectivity refers to being the same all the time or not to be partial in research. Objectivity can be enhanced through impartiality, validity and reliability.

Q61: Action-research is: (June 2009)
(a) An applied research
(b) A research carried out to solve immediate problems
(c) A longitudinal research
(d) All of the above
Ans:  (b)
Sol: A research carried out to solve immediate problems. Action research was introduced by German–American Professor Kurt Lewin. This research aims at the immediate solution of a problem. Steps of action research can be remembered by PAOR (Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect).

Q62: Which of the following is classified in the category of developmental research? (June 2009)
(a) Philosophical research
(b) Action research
(c) Descriptive research
(d) All of these
Ans:  (d)
Sol: All of the above. Developmental research refers to a research of which result is development oriented. Philosophical research is used by philosophers to develop new theories of fact. Action research is aimed to develop solutions for a specific problem. Descriptive research is to describe any fact or event for development of knowledge or information. Hence, all the given researchers come under the category of developmental research.