UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Uses and gratifications theory emphasises that audiences actively select media to satisfy specific needs and motives. A study investigating why students choose particular apps to meet learning needs applies this perspective. It focuses on user motives rather than powerful media effects. Thus uses and gratifications is the correct label.

Option A:
Cultivation theory looks at long term perception changes due to TV viewing,not immediate choice motives.

Option B:
Uses and gratifications is correct because the study focuses on users’ reasons and needs driving media/app selection.

Option C:
Magic bullet theory assumes passive audiences who are directly affected by media messages,which is opposite to the active choice assumption.

Option D:
Hypodermic models similarly treat audiences as passive recipients of strong direct effects rather than active choosers.

Uses and gratifications theory views audience members as active participants who choose media and content to meet particular needs,such as information,entertainment or companionship. The focus is on what people do with media rather than what media do to people. The stem's reference to audiences actively selecting media to satisfy needs directly describes this approach.

Option A:
Magic bullet theory assumes passive audiences who are directly affected by media messages,which is opposite to the active view.

Option B:
Cultivation theory focuses on long term exposure shaping perceptions,not on selective use for gratifications.

Option C:
Uses and gratifications shifts attention to motives and choices of users,making option C the correct answer.

Option D:
Gatekeeping deals with how information is filtered by media organisations,not with audience motives.

Uses and gratifications theory states that audiences actively choose media to satisfy specific needs and gratifications. Students selecting a forum for quick expert responses are motivated by their need for efficient clarification. Thus they use the medium for the gratifications it provides.

Option A:
Structural constraints may limit choices but do not explain the active selection based on benefits.

Option B:
Gratifications refer to the needs/benefits users seek from media,like quick clarification,so this option fits.

Option C:
Rituals focus on participation and shared experiences but do not capture the functional choice here.

Option D:
Noise refers to interference,not motivation for choosing a channel.