Ph.D. Entrance Test Syllabus for each university

Part 1 – Research methodology (50%)

Part 2 – Core subjective/subject specific (50%)

Research methodology

Research methodology : An introduction

  •  Meaning of Research
  • Objectives of Research
  • Motivation in Research
  • Types of Research
  • Research Approaches
  • Significance of Research
  • Research methods versus methodology
  • Research and Scientific Method
  • Importance of knowledge how research is done
  • Research process
  • Criteria of good research

Defining the Research problem
  • What is research problem?
  • Selecting the problem
  • Necessity of defining the problem
  • Technique involved in defining problem

 

Research design

  • Meaning of research design
  • Need for research design
  • Features of a good design
  • Important concepts relating to research design
  • Different research designs
  • Basic principles of experimental designs

 

Sampling design

  • Census and sample survey
  • Implications of a sample design
  • Steps in sampling design
  • Different types of sample designs
  • How to select a random sample?
  • Random sample from an infinite universe
  • Complex random sampling designs

 

Measurement and Scaling Techniques

  • Measurement in research
  • Measurement scales
  • Sources of error in measurement
  • Tests of sound measurement
  • Technique of developing measurement tools scaling
  • Meaning of scaling
  • Scale classification bases
  • Important scaling techniques
  • Scale construction techniques

 

Methods of Data Collection

  • Collection of primary data
  • Observation method
  • Interview method
  • Collection of data through questionnaires
  • Collection of data through schedule
  • Difference between questionnaires and schedules
  • Some other methods of data collection of secondary data

 

Processing and Analysis of Data

  • Processing operations
  • Some problems in processing
  • Elements/types of analysis
  • Statistics in research
  • Measures of central tendency
  • Measures of dispersion
  • Measures of asymmetry(skewness)
  • Measures of relationship
  • Simple regression analysis
  • Multiple correlation and regression
  • Partial correlation association in case of attributes
  • Other measures

 

Biostatistics in Research

  • Methods of statistics : Normal distribution, Null hypothesis, ANOVA, t-test, chi square test and other parametric and non-parametric tests, various statistical software in research

 

The Computer : Its Role in Research

  • The computer and computer technology
  • Software and hardware
  • The computer system
  • Important characteristics
  • Binary number system
  • Computer applications
  • Input-output devices
  • Spreadsheet tool: analysis of data and storing
  • Generating charts/graph and other feature
  • Presentation tool : customizing presentation
  • Word processing software
  • Introduction to internet
  • Use of internet
  • Database search and retravel of data

 

UGC regulations and Research grants

  • Latest regulations for PhD and research activities by UGC
  • Sources getting research grants-international agencies
  • Government and private bodies
  • Points to remember while applying for the grants

 

Interpretation and Report Writing

  • Meaning of interpretation
  • Why interpretation?
  • Technique of interpretation
  • Precaution in interpretation
  • Significance of report writing
  • Different steps in writing report
  • Layout of the research report
  • Types of reports
  • Oral presentation
  • Mechanics of writing a research report
  • Precautions for writing research reports
  • Special focus on different parts of the research paper such as Title etc…
  • Abstract-statement of the problem
  • Background list in brief and purpose and scope
  • Key words
  • Methodology-subject
  • Apparatus
  • Instrumentation & procedure
  • Results-tables, Graphs, Figures & statistical presentation
  • Discussion-support or non-support of hypothesis, practical & theoretical implications
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
  • Errata
  • Importance of spell check for entire project/paper
  • Uses of footnotes
  • Conflict of interest
  • Peer review
  • Responsible authorship
  • Ethics in publication

 

Part 2 CORE SUBJECTIVE/SUBJECT SPECIFIC (50%)

Syllabus will be as per NET


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