Here are 20 research methodology-related Previous Year Questions of UGC NET, with answers and explanations. The questions primarily cover topics such as research design, methods, and data analysis.

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1. Which of the following is NOT a method of data analysis?  
   - (a) Qualitative method  
   - (b) Quantitative method  
   - (c) Mixed method  
   - (d) Subjective method  
   Answer: (d) Subjective method  
   Explanation: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods are widely used for data analysis. The subjective method lacks formal frameworks for systematic analysis.

2. Inductive method differs from deductive method in drawing its conclusion from:  
   - (a) Verification  
   - (b) Particular instances  
   - (c) Applications  
   - (d) General truths  
   Answer: (b) Particular instances  
   Explanation: The inductive method begins with specific observations and moves to broader generalizations, while the deductive method starts with general theories and tests them against specific cases.

3. Which of the following explains the difference between Conceptual Research and Empirical Research?  
   - (a) The former is related to abstract ideas; the latter relies on experience.  
   - (b) The former is about measurement; the latter focuses on qualitative phenomena.  
   Answer: (a) The former is related to abstract ideas; the latter relies on experience.  
   Explanation: Conceptual research involves theories and ideas, while empirical research is based on observation and data collection.

4. Which of the following is true about Phenomenology?  
   - (a) Explores human consciousness.  
   - (b) Developed by Edmund Husserl.  
   - (c) Focuses on subjective experience.  
   Answer: (a), (b), and (c).  
   Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative method studying experiences from the first-person perspective.

5. In empirical research, which is the correct sequence of stages?  
   - (A) Data Collection  
   - (B) Hypothesis  
   - (C) Validation  
   - (D) Findings  
   - (E) Analysis  
   Answer: The typical sequence is B → A → E → C → D.  
   Explanation: Hypotheses guide data collection, which is analyzed, validated, and leads to findings.

6. What are methods concerned with in research methodology?  
   - (a) Conducting research  
   - (b) Perspectives applied to research  
   Answer: (a) Conducting research  
   Explanation: Methods are the tools and techniques used to conduct a study, while methodologies reflect broader research philosophies.

7. Which is an example of qualitative data analysis?  
   - (a) Statistical percentages  
   - (b) Narrative exploration  
   Answer: (b) Narrative exploration  
   Explanation: Qualitative methods analyze non-numerical data like narratives or observations.

8. What is the aim of Practical Criticism methodology?  
   - (a) Contextualize the text  
   - (b) Focus on literary analysis devoid of context  
   Answer: (b) Focus on literary analysis devoid of context  
   Explanation: Practical Criticism emphasizes close reading and textual coherence without external context.

9. Ethnographic Research is useful for:  
   - (a) Exploring literature in social settings  
   - (b) Observing cultural behaviors  
   Answer: (a) Exploring literature in social settings  
   Explanation: Ethnography examines how literature interacts with societal and historical contexts.

10. What distinguishes Mixed Methods Research?  
    - (a) It combines qualitative and quantitative research.  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Mixed methods integrate diverse approaches to strengthen the analysis.

11. Who developed the Encoding/Decoding communication model?  
    - (a) Stuart Hall  
    Answer: Stuart Hall  
    Explanation: This model explains how messages are produced, circulated, and interpreted.

12. What does "Langue" refer to in Saussure's linguistics?  
    - (a) System of language  
    - (b) Individual speech acts  
    Answer: (a) System of language  
    Explanation: Langue is the structured system of a language, while parole is its use.

13. Which statement is true about deductive reasoning?  
    - (a) Works from general principles to specific cases  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Deductive reasoning applies established theories to specific scenarios.

14. What is the focus of Content Analysis?  
    - (a) Examining written and spoken material  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Content analysis systematically evaluates text for patterns or themes.

15. "Triangulation" in research refers to:  
    - (a) Combining multiple perspectives  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Triangulation enhances validity by integrating various data sources or methods.

16. Sampling in research involves:  
    - (a) Selecting a subset from the population  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Sampling is crucial for representing larger populations.

17. Case Study methodology is:  
    - (a) A detailed examination of a specific case  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Case studies provide in-depth analysis of unique situations or phenomena.

18. A Research Hypothesis must be:  
    - (a) Testable and specific  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Hypotheses provide a basis for empirical testing.

19. Grounded Theory involves:  
    - (a) Developing theory from data  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Grounded theory builds conceptual frameworks from observed data.

20. The purpose of Exploratory Research is to:  
    - (a) Investigate new phenomena  
    Answer: (a)  
    Explanation: Exploratory research helps clarify ambiguous problems or concepts.

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These questions provide a comprehensive view of key concepts in research methodology for study and preparation.

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