UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Psychological barriers arise from internal emotional and mental states such as fear, anxiety, low self-esteem or prejudice. These factors can inhibit students from asking questions, answering or expressing doubts, thereby obstructing effective communication. The stem specifically mentions fear of failure and anxiety, which are classic psychological barriers.

Option A:
Psychological barriers often require sensitive handling by the teacher, including building trust, providing encouragement and creating a supportive climate. Since the obstacles described in the stem come from learners’ feelings rather than external conditions, psychological is the correct completion.

Option B:
Semantic barriers result from misunderstanding of words, symbols or language, such as ambiguous terms or different interpretations of jargon. They do not directly involve fear or anxiety.

Option C:
Physical barriers include noise, poor seating arrangements, faulty equipment or distance, which interfere with hearing or seeing messages, not emotional reactions.

Option D:
Organisational barriers arise from hierarchical structures, rigid rules or poor channels of communication within an institution; they do not primarily refer to individual emotional states.