Library & Information Science Research Methods

CLASS is a library automation software package designed specifically for managing library circulation control, which includes tracking check-outs, renewals, and returns of library materials. While online catalogue preparation (A) is a related function, it's not the primary purpose of CLASS. Library automation (B) is too broad - CLASS is a specific tool for one aspect of automation.

UNISIST (Universal System for Information in Science and Technology) was established in 1971 as a collaborative effort between UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and ICSU (International Council of Scientific Unions). The program aimed to improve international cooperation in scientific and technical information exchange. FID (A) and IFLA (B) are other library/information organizations, and IMF (C) is a financial organization - none were UNISIST partners.

 Computerisation of all the library house-keeping. operations is known as library automation. It is done using application software.

ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) is a comprehensive digital library sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education. It specializes in education-related research and information. While the name sounds like it might relate to energy (A) or engineering (C), ERIC is exclusively focused on educational resources and research.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science dedicated to simulating human thought processes, learning, and problem-solving using computational systems. The other options are not standard terminology - 'thinking simulation' (A) and 'thought process mechanism' (C) are descriptive but not established technical terms, while 'third generation computers' (D) refers to integrated circuit-based hardware, not software capabilities.

MINISIS is a database management system specifically designed to operate on Hewlett-Packard (HP) 3000 series computers. It was widely used in library and information systems. The other options - VAX systems (A), CDC systems (C), and IBM systems (D) - represent different hardware platforms that MINISIS was not designed for.

DIALOG is one of the first commercial online information retrieval systems, developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (later DIALOG Information Services) in Palo Alto, California. It provided access to numerous databases across various disciplines. The other options - System Development Corporation (A), OCLC (B), and IBM (D) - developed their own information systems but not DIALOG.

Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is widely regarded as the exponent and father of the scientific method. In his work 'Novum Organum' (1620), he formulated the empirical method of scientific inquiry, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and inductive reasoning. While Aristotle (A) contributed to logic and scientific thought, the systematic scientific method as we know it was developed by Bacon.

The spiral of scientific method is a conceptual framework that studies trends and patterns in research over time. It shows how scientific inquiry evolves, with each cycle building on previous knowledge. This model helps understand how research questions and methods develop through successive iterations, rather than focusing on subject structure (C) or general subject trends (A).

The cardinal points on the spiral of scientific method follow the sequence: Nadir (lowest point/origin), Ascendant (rising/growth), Zenith (peak/maturity), and Descendant (decline/transition). This represents the lifecycle of research ideas from inception through development, peak relevance, and eventual decline or transformation. The other sequences don't follow this logical progression.

A questionnaire is a structured research tool consisting of a series of questions for gathering information from respondents. It's a primary data collection instrument in survey research. Graph (A) is a visualization tool for presenting results, illustration (C) explains concepts, and interpretation (D) is an analytical process - none are data collection tools like the questionnaire.

Dr. S.R. Ranganathan's Canon of Value is a normative principle that states library services should provide maximum value to users. This is classified as applied research because it develops practical principles for solving real-world library problems rather than advancing abstract theory. Pure or basic research seeks generalizable knowledge, while the Canons are directly actionable guidelines for library professionals.

Hypotheses are tentative explanations or predictions that must be empirically tested. Experiments allow researchers to manipulate variables under controlled conditions and observe whether the predicted outcomes occur, thereby confirming or refuting the hypothesis. Observation alone is often insufficient because it doesn't establish causation, and analysis of rules without testing cannot verify empirical claims.

 Historical research is the process of systematically examining past events to give an account of what has happened in the past. Documents such as newspapers, diaries, letters, interviews, speeches, laws, other official statements, and works written by individuals with first-hand knowledge of an event are primary sources in historical research.