UGC NTA NET/JRF Exam, Social Work, June-2025

Content Analysis is a research method for systematically coding and interpreting textual, visual, or audio content. Its advantages include flexibility, ability to handle large datasets, and application to diverse material types. However, it also has clear disadvantages:

C. Impossible to devise coding manuals: Designing a coding manual that is exhaustive, unbiased, and universally applicable is extremely challenging. Different coders may interpret categories differently, leading to inconsistency.

D. Difficult to ascertain the answers to 'why' questions: Content analysis mainly describes what is present in the content, not why it is there. It cannot easily uncover motives, causes, or underlying psychological processes behind the data.

A (Concerned with both Textual and Visual Materials) and B (Flexibility) are actually strengths, not disadvantages.

The seminal book "Social Diagnosis" (1917) was authored by Mary Ellen Richmond, widely recognised as the pioneer of professional social work casework. In this work:

• She developed a systematic framework for assessing clients' situations.
• She formalised casework methods, shifting social work from charity-based assistance to a professional, evidence-based practice.
• The book emphasised understanding clients' environmental and social contexts-an innovation that laid the foundation for modern social work practice.

In NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software:

• Nodes are the points or categories where coding is applied. They act as containers for themes, ideas, or concepts, enabling researchers to organise and analyse qualitative data.
• Researchers highlight portions of text, images, or media and "code" them to a node representing a particular idea.
• This allows NVivo to collate all instances coded under the same node, making it easier to identify patterns, relationships, and emerging themes.
• Models, bibliographical data, and memos are other NVivo features but do not represent the primary coding route.

The proper sequence of sampling stages in ascending order:

C. Define the Target Population: Determine the group or population of interest (e.g., all high school teachers in a city).
A. Determine the Sampling Frame: Identify a concrete list or source (e.g., a registry of teachers) from which to select participants.
B. Choose the Sampling Technique: Decide the method-probability sampling (random, stratified) or non-probability sampling (convenience, quota).
D. Select the Sample: Draw the actual participants based on the chosen technique. This order reflects the logical steps to ensure representativeness and reduce sampling errors.

Launch order of schemes by the Ministry of Women and Child Development:

A. Swadhar Greh Scheme (2002): Provides shelter, food, clothing, and support services for women in difficult circumstances such as widows, trafficked women, or survivors of violence.

B. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015): Initiated to address the declining Child Sex Ratio and promote education for the girl child through advocacy and multi-sectoral action.

D. Mahila Shakti Kendra (2017): Launched to empower rural women through community participation, training, and access to information about government schemes.

C. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (2017 but rolled out after MSK announcement): Provides maternity benefit cash assistance to improve the health of pregnant and lactating mothers.

The chronological order of launch is A → В → D → C, aligning with historical rollouts and official notifications.

The book "Text of the Hindu Law" was authored by Mahadev Govind Ranade, a 19th-century Indian social reformer, scholar, and judge.

Ranade advocated for social reforms such as widow remarriage, women's education, and the eradication of caste discrimination.

His work on Hindu law reflected a progressive interpretation of scriptures to support social change and modern legal reforms.

Regarding NITI Aayog's approach and structure:
A. Holistic Approach: NITI Aayog integrates economic, social, and environmental goals for inclusive and sustainable development, unlike the Planning Commission's top-down approach.
B. Research Wing: It has a dedicated research unit to provide high-quality policy analysis and innovation.
C. Reciprocal Wing: No such wing exists.
D. Democratic Approach: While NITI Aayog works cooperatively with states (cooperative federalism), "democratic approach" is not cited as a formal structural feature.
Hence, A and B only are correct.

Critical thinking involves objectivity, evaluating evidence, exploring alternatives, and contextual awareness.

Relying on a single assertion for unstructured problems contradicts critical thinking principles, which demand multiple perspectives and rigorous analysis. Therefore, option 3 is not a characteristic of critical thinking.

Stages of policy formulation in correct chronological order:
D. Problem recognition and problem definition: Identifying and clearly defining the issue.
A. Agenda Setting: Placing the identified issue on the policy agenda for government action.
B. Policy formulation and decision-making: Designing and selecting suitable policies.
E. Execution or enforcement of a policy: Implementing the chosen policy. C. Feedback, evaluation, and termination: Assessing outcomes, making adjustments, or discontinuing the policy.

Themes of World Social Work Day by year:
A. Respecting diversity through joint social action→ II. 2023 - Celebrated diversity and collective responsibility.
B. Co-building a new eco-social world: Leaving no one behind → III. 2022 - Focused on inclusive and sustainable societies.
C. Buen Vivir: Shared Future for transformative change → IV. 2024 - Highlighted the Latin American concept of collective well-being.
D. Strengthening inter-generational solidarity for enduring well-being → I. 2025 - Emphasized cooperation across generations for sustainable futures.
Correct Matching: A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I.