UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Defensive communication occurs when a person feels threatened and tries to protect their self image rather than understanding the message. The teacher in the stem rejects criticism and stops listening. This behaviour reflects defensiveness.

Option A:
Supportive communication would involve acknowledging the student's point and exploring it constructively,which is not happening here.

Option B:
Defensive behaviour focuses on self protection and rejection of feedback,which fits the teacher’s reaction.

Option C:
Empathetic behaviour would focus on understanding the student's feelings,again absent in this case.

Option D:
Phatic communication is about small talk and social contact,not reactions to criticism.

Defensiveness is a psychological state in which individuals feel threatened and protect their self image by resisting messages. The student in the stem misreads constructive feedback as hostile and withdraws attention. This blocking of listening is a sign of defensiveness.

Option A:
Redundancy refers to repetition of message elements and does not involve emotional self protection.

Option B:
Empathy is about understanding others' feelings,which is opposite to defensive closure.

Option C:
The description clearly fits defensiveness,making this option correct.

Option D:
Mechanical failure relates to equipment breakdown,not human reactions.