UGC NET/JRF EXAM, Mass Communication and Journalism, June-2025

21. Which one of the following is the lowest level of measurement?

1. Nominal Measurement Scale
2. Ordinal Measurement Scale
3. Interval Measurement Scale
4. Ratio Measurement Scale

Correct Answer: 1. Nominal Measurement Scale

Solution:This is the lowest level of measurement because it categorizes data into distinct groups without providing any order, numeric value, or quantitative meaning.

Nominal scales simply label variables-for example, gender, political party, or blood tyре-where categories are different but not ranked. Since no mathematical operations or comparisons of magnitude are possible, it represents the most basic and least informative form of measurement in research.

22. Cronbach's Alpha uses the analysis of variance approach to assess:

1. Mean score of two groups
2. The effects of independent variable on a sample
3. The sources of variance between two variables
4. Internal consistency of a measure

Correct Answer: 4. Internal consistency of a measure

Solution:Cronbach's Alpha evaluates how closely related the items in a test or questionnaire are, indicating whether they measure the same underlying construct.

Using an ANOVA-based approach, it assesses variance within items, between items, and shared variance to determine reliability.

A higher alpha value suggests that the items produce consistent responses, making the instrument dependable for psychological, communication, and social science research.

23. The study of different groups of people at different times from the same population is called:

1. Case studies
2. Cohort analysis
3. Panel studies
4. Trend studies

Correct Answer: 4. Trend studies

Solution:This method studies different samples from the same population at different points in time to observe patterns, shifts, or long-term changes
in attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics.

Unlike panel studies-where the same individuals are followed-trend studies draw new groups each time but from the same population framework.

This approach helps identify how societal trends evolve without tracking the same respondents repeatedly.

24. Sampling error indicates:

1. Average difference of scores from the population mean
2. How close the data from a sample are to the population mean
3. The degree to which a result can be reproduced by another research
4. Measurements and analysis vary inconsistently from one study to another

Correct Answer: 2. How close the data from a sample are to the population mean

Solution:Sampling error refers to the difference between a sample statistic and the true population parameter. It arises because a sample can never perfectly
represent the entire population due to randomness and size limitations.

The smaller the sampling error, the more accurately the sample reflects the population. Larger samples and proper sampling methods typically reduce this error and increase the precision of research findings.

25. Who is the author of the book "Headlines from Heartland"?

1. Sevanti Ninan
2. Robin Jeffrey
3. S. Natarajan
4. M. Chalapathi Rao

Correct Answer: 1. Sevanti Ninan

Solution:Sevanti Ninan authored "Headlines from the Heartland," a significant work examining the rise of regional language media in India, especially the Hindi press.

The book analyzes how rural and semi-urban regions shaped media consumption, political communication, and cultural identity.

Through detailed fieldwork and media analysis, Ninan highlights how vernacular journalism transformed public discourse, democratized media access, and reshaped India's communication landscape.