Research Methods and Materials in English
Section Overview: Detailed explanations for questions from the UGC NET English Dec 2024 Exam regarding Research Methods and Materials in English.
Question 77
Arrange the following steps of 'Decision making" in the research process:
A. The choice of a research topic or theme.
B. Data collection
C. Analysis and interpretation of data.
D. Formulating the research problem.
E. Conceptualization and operationalization.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Arrange the following steps of 'Decision making" in the research process:
A. The choice of a research topic or theme.
B. Data collection
C. Analysis and interpretation of data.
D. Formulating the research problem.
E. Conceptualization and operationalization.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer: 4. A, D, E, B, C
Complete List of Research Process Steps
1. Identification of Research Area (The choice of a research topic or theme)
2. Review of Literature
3. Formulation of Research Problem
4. Defining Objectives or Hypotheses
5. Conceptualization and Operationalization
6. Selection of Research Design
7. Identification of Population and Sample
8. Development of Research Instruments (e.g., questionnaire, interview schedule)
9. Pilot Testing (if needed)
10. Data Collection
11. Data Processing and Coding
12. Data Analysis and Interpretation
13. Testing of Hypotheses (if applicable)
14. Findings and Discussion
15. Conclusion and Recommendations
16. Report Writing and Presentation
17. Dissemination of Research Results
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 78
What does deductive method of reasoning refer to?
What does deductive method of reasoning refer to?
Correct Answer: 1. From general to particular
The deductive method is a logical approach in which reasoning proceeds from general
principles or theories to specific conclusions or observations.
🔹 Characteristics of Deductive Reasoning:
● Starts with a general premise or theory
● Moves toward a specific conclusion
● If the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true
Example:
Premise 1: All humans are mortal.
Premise 2: Socrates is a human.
Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.
🔸 Contrast with Inductive Reasoning:
● Inductive Reasoning = From particular to general
(e.g., observing patterns to form generalizations)
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 79
An ideal research paper should include:
A. A statement that establishes the problem or controversial issue that the paper
intends to examine.
B. Background information to establish past theories and current ideas on the topic.
C. Summarizing and paraphrasing.
D. Glorification of the paper writer himself:
E. A thesis to establish one's position.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
An ideal research paper should include:
A. A statement that establishes the problem or controversial issue that the paper
intends to examine.
B. Background information to establish past theories and current ideas on the topic.
C. Summarizing and paraphrasing.
D. Glorification of the paper writer himself:
E. A thesis to establish one's position.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer: 4. A, B and E only
An ideal academic research paper is structured, objective, and argumentative, guided by
critical inquiry and evidence-based analysis.
🔹 Correct Inclusions:
● A. Statement of the problem/issue ✅
A strong paper begins with a clearly defined research problem or controversy
that frames the investigation.
● B. Background information ✅
This provides context, including past theories, literature reviews, and current
debates, essential to situating your research.
● E. Thesis statement ✅
The thesis is a concise summary of the paper's central argument or position,
guiding the entire discussion.
🔸 Incorrect Inclusions:
● C. Summarizing and paraphrasing ❌
These are tools within a paper, not essential structural components. A research
paper is more than just restating information; it must include analysis,
interpretation, and original insight.
D. Glorification of the writer ❌
Academic writing must be objective and humble. Personal glorification is inappropriate and
weakens scholarly credibility.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 80
Which of the following options are true about the epistemological dimension of
research?
Statements:
A. Scientific realism
B. The search for truth
C. Critical theory
D. Certain and indubitable knowledge
E. Mechanism of social control
✅ Correct
Which of the following options are true about the epistemological dimension of
research?
Statements:
A. Scientific realism
B. The search for truth
C. Critical theory
D. Certain and indubitable knowledge
E. Mechanism of social control
✅ Correct
Correct Answer: 2. B and D only
📖 Explanation
The epistemological dimension of research refers to the theory of knowledge - that is,
how we come to know what we know. It addresses the nature, scope, and sources of
knowledge in the research process.
🔹 Correct Statements:
● B. The search for truth ✅
Epistemology is fundamentally concerned with the truth value of knowledge
claims - asking what counts as valid, justified, or reliable knowledge.
● D. Certain and indubitable knowledge ✅
Classic epistemology, especially in the tradition of Descartes, emphasized the
pursuit of certain knowledge - knowledge that is free from doubt.
🔸 Incorrect Statements:
● A. Scientific realism ❌
This belongs more to ontology (what exists) and philosophy of science, not
strictly epistemology.
● C. Critical theory ❌
While it involves epistemological assumptions, it is primarily a theoretical
framework concerned with power, ideology, and emancipation.
E. Mechanism of social control ❌
This refers to sociology or political philosophy, not epistemology.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 81
Which of the following are correct according to the MLA Handbook, 9th edition?
A. One inch margin on all sides is compulsory in a research page.
B. Coordinating conjunctions are written in bold letters in the title of a research paper.
C. Slash is used between two nouns paired as opposites.
D. 'Hanging indent' in the work cited entry is 1/2 inches.
E. Subordinating conjunctions are not written in bold letters in the title of the research
paper.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which of the following are correct according to the MLA Handbook, 9th edition?
A. One inch margin on all sides is compulsory in a research page.
B. Coordinating conjunctions are written in bold letters in the title of a research paper.
C. Slash is used between two nouns paired as opposites.
D. 'Hanging indent' in the work cited entry is 1/2 inches.
E. Subordinating conjunctions are not written in bold letters in the title of the research
paper.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer: 1. A, C and D only
🔹 Correct Statements:
● A. One-inch margin ✅
MLA requires 1-inch margins on all sides of every page.
● C. Slash for opposites ✅
The slash ( / ) is used between paired terms that represent opposing or
contrasting ideas, e.g., reader/writer, self/other.
● D. Hanging indent of 1/2 inch ✅
In the Works Cited page, each entry should use a hanging indent of 0.5 inches
(1/2 inch) after the first line.
🔸 Incorrect Statements:
● B. Coordinating conjunctions in bold ❌
Titles in MLA are written in standard font with capitalization of major words, but
no bolding is applied to conjunctions, prepositions, or any part of the title unless
part of a published source.
● E. Subordinating conjunctions not in bold ❌
The issue is not about boldness but about capitalization: in MLA, subordinating
conjunctions are capitalized, but not bolded.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 82
The incorrect works cited entries according to the MILA Handbook. Ith edition ares
A. Jacobs, Alan. The Pleasures of Reading in the Age of Distraction. Oxford UP, 2011.
B. Charon, Rita, et al. The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine. Oxford UP,
London, 2017.
C. Sabau, Ana. "The Perils of Ownership." American Review, vol. 10, no. 2, 2007, pp. 1-27.
D. Riddle, Julie, "Shadow Animals." The Georgia Review, 67.3, pp. 424-47.
E. Copeland, Edward. The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Cambridge UP, 1997.
131-48.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The incorrect works cited entries according to the MILA Handbook. Ith edition ares
A. Jacobs, Alan. The Pleasures of Reading in the Age of Distraction. Oxford UP, 2011.
B. Charon, Rita, et al. The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine. Oxford UP,
London, 2017.
C. Sabau, Ana. "The Perils of Ownership." American Review, vol. 10, no. 2, 2007, pp. 1-27.
D. Riddle, Julie, "Shadow Animals." The Georgia Review, 67.3, pp. 424-47.
E. Copeland, Edward. The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Cambridge UP, 1997.
131-48.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer: 3. B, D and E only
🔹 Correct Entries:
● A. Jacobs, Alan.
✅ Correct - This is a proper citation for a standalone book published by a well-
known academic press.
Format: Author. Title. Publisher, Year.
● C. Sabau, Ana.
✅ Correct - Follows standard MLA format for a journal article.
Format: Author. "Title of Article." Journal Name, vol. number, no. number, Year, pp. page
range.
🔸 Incorrect Entries:
● B. Charon, Rita, et al.
❌ Incorrect - MLA 9 no longer requires place of publication for well-known
publishers.
✅ Correct: Charon, Rita, et al. The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine. Oxford
UP, 2017.
● D. Riddle, Julie, "Shadow Animals."
❌ Incorrect - The author's name should be followed by a period, not a comma.
Also, journal volume and issue must use "vol." and "no."
✅ Correct: Riddle, Julie. "Shadow Animals." The Georgia Review, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 424-
47.
● E. Copeland, Edward.
❌ Incorrect - This is a book chapter, but the chapter title is missing, and the
editor role is unclear.
✅ Correct for full book: Copeland, Edward, editor. The Cambridge Companion to Jane
Austen. Cambridge UP, 1997.
✅ Correct for a chapter: [Author]. "Chapter Title." The Cambridge Companion to Jane
Austen, edited by Edward Copeland, Cambridge UP, 1997, pp. 131-48.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.