UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Semantic barriers arise when sender and receiver attach different meanings to the same word or symbol. The term "assessment" may include quizzes,projects and formative tests,but the student interprets it only as final exams. This mismatch in meaning is a clear semantic barrier.

Option A:
This option is correct because the problem lies in the concept the word refers to,rather than in emotions or environment. Clarifying definitions can remove such semantic barriers.

Option B:
Psychological barriers involve attitudes and emotions such as fear or prejudice,which are not central here.

Option C:
Mechanical barriers come from faulty equipment or physical interference.

Option D:
Cultural barriers stem from differing cultural norms and values,not from misunderstanding a term within the same language community.

Semantic barriers arise when the same words or symbols carry different meanings for sender and receiver. In classrooms,this can happen due to differences in language background,technical vocabulary or cultural references. When meanings do not match,students misunderstand instructions or concepts. Thus,the misinterpretation described in the stem is a semantic barrier.

Option A:
Physical barriers include noise,poor seating,or faulty equipment that interfere with hearing or seeing messages. They do not primarily concern meaning differences in language.

Option B:
Psychological barriers stem from emotions such as fear,anxiety or prejudice,which block willingness to communicate. While important,they are not about differences in word meanings.

Option C:
Semantic barriers can be reduced when teachers use clear language,explain technical terms and check understanding. Because the stem emphasises attaching different meanings to words or symbols,semantic is the correct term.

Option D:
Organisational barriers involve hierarchical structures,complex procedures or unclear channels in institutions. They are different from meaning-based problems within classroom talk.