Research Aptitude – UGC NET Paper I – Practice Questions

Basic Concepts of Research

1. Research is

(a) A purposeful, systematic activity.
(b) Conducted for purely academic purposes.
(c) Conducted to answer questions about practical issues.
(d) A random, unplanned process of discovery.

2. Which of the following can be termed as the main objectives of research?

1. To achieve research objectives which can be general as well as specific.

2. To get valid, reliable, accurate, timely and complete information.

3. To solve the problems of society.

4. To expand our knowledge base.

5. To gain familiarity with new phenomena.

Codes:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

3. A grand theory

(a) Explains interrelationships among concepts.
(b) Is highly abstract.
(c) Broad explanation of phenomenon in a discipline.
(d) All of the above

4. The idea that knowledge comes from experience is

(a) Rationalism
(b) Deductive reasoning
(c) Logic
(d) Empiricism

5. Which of following descriptions is true in context of defining ‘theory’?

(a) An organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon.
(b) Tentative explanations that new data either support or do not support.
(c) Apt to drive further research.
(d) It is always contradictory to related generalization.

6. Epistemology refers to

(a) A term specifically used in the social sciences.
(b) A term used to study the types of diseases.
(c) Acceptable level of knowledge in a field of study.
(d) A type of interviewing technique.

7. Which of the following is a function of theory?

(a) Integrating and summarizing current knowledge
(b) Making predictions
(c) Explaining phenomena
(d) All of the above

8. A scientific approach in social science research should take into account

A. Metaphysical elements
B. Spurious relations
C. The factor of co-variation
D. Time order
E. The possibility of theorisation

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

(a) A, B, C only
(b) B, C, D only
(c) C, D, E only
(d) A, B, E only

9. Consider the following definitions.

1. Scientism: Science is qualitatively distinct from, superior to and ideal for all other areas of human endeavor.

2. Methodologism: The distinction, superiority and idealhood that Science enjoys is traceable to its possession of method.

3. Methodological monism: There is only one method common to all sciences, irrespective of their subject matter.

4. Inductivism: A method that is common to all sciences, natural or human.

Which of the above definition are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) All are correct

10. Consider the following statements

1. The nature of reality is external to human mind.

2. The focus is on critical reality.

3. The purpose of research is to find universals.

4. The acceptable method and data is basically ‘scientific method’.

5. This method is nearer to inductive approach.

Which of the following approach is working in above statements?

(a) Positivism
(b) Post positivism
(c) Deductive approach
(d) Experimental approach

11. Which of the following can be defined as the main attributes of research?

1. Reliability

2. Validity

3. Objectivity

4. Subjectivity

5. Intuition

Codes:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

12. Which of the following is defined as a systematic method of evaluating statistical data based on the results of several independent studies of the same problem?

(a) Factor analysis
(b) Meta-analysis
(c) Systematic analysis
(d) Subjective analysis

13. In research, evidence that the same concept measured in different ways yields similar results is called as

(a) divergent validity
(b) discriminant validity
(c) convergent validity
(d) face validity

14. The conceptual framework in which a research is conducted is called a [June 2019]

(a) Synopsis of research
(b) Research design
(c) Research hypothesis
(d) Research paradigm

15. The rationalistic mode of knowledge accepts the rules of

(a) Legality
(b) Manipulation
(c) Logic
(d) Authority

16. Match The Following:

Codes:

(a) (A)-(iv), (B)-(ii), (C)-(i), (D)-(iii)
(b) (A)-(iv), (B)-(i), (C)-(ii), (D)-(iii)
(c) (A)-(iii), (B)-(i), (C)-(ii), (D)-(iv)
(d) (A)-(iv), (B)-(i), (C)-(iii), (D)-(ii)

17. Which of the following should be termed as the qualities of a researcher?

1. The person must possess thinking and reasoning ability.

2. The person must have the qualities of curiosity, active imagination and intuition.

3. The researcher should have the qualities of inductive thinker for social research.

4. The result of setting out a reasoned argument in steps is known as evaluation.

5. The researcher must have the mind set to generate new principles and theories.

Codes:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

18. What do you consider as the main aim of interdisciplinary research?

(a) To bring out holistic approach to research.
(b) To reduce the emphasis of single subject in research domain.
(c) To oversimplify the problem of research.
(d) To create a new trend in research methodology.

19. The positivist researchers consider reality as

(a) Subjective
(b) Objective
(c) Neutral
(d) Insignificant

20. Which of the following statements is true about theory?

(a) It explains phenomenon in simple manner.
(b) It explains the ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions.
(c) It can be a well-developed explanatory system.
(d) All of the above

21. Given below are two statements

Statement I: Qualitative research is impressionistic and subjective.
Statement II: Quantitative research has a higher level of possibility of generalising the findings.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a) Both Statement I and II are true.
(b) Both Statement I and II are false.
(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.

22. Which of the following point/s is/are significant for Research Methodology that is a wide term?

1. theoretical perspectives or orientation to guide research and logic of inquiry

2. tools and techniques of data collection

3. methods of data analysis

4. only deductive methods

Codes:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

23. The ‘feasibility studies’ are pieces of research done before a main study to answer the question ‘can this study be done?’ The feasibility of a research study generally depends upon

1. Cost factor

2. Time required to conduct research

3. The skill set of the researcher

4. The team spirit and work

Codes:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

24. An empiricist believes that

(a) Natural science methods should not be applied to social science research.
(b) Social science methods cannot be applied in natural sciences.
(c) Knowledge is acquired through our sensory perceptions.
(d) No knowledge is genuine.

25. Look at the following statements

1. These are socially constructed.

2. They reflect understanding.

3. The subjective and objective research methods are acceptable.

4. The understanding is contextual and there is reduced focus on universal aspects.

5. There are integrated activities.

Which of the following terms is being referred here?

(a) Positivism
(b) Hypothetico-deductivism
(c) Interpretivism
(d) Constructivism

26. What is the position held by a positivist as far as acquiring knowledge is concerned?

(a) A general positive attitude towards research.
(b) Scientific research should be based on value-free, empirical observations.
(c) Exact knowledge can be acquired from society.
(d) None of the above