UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

In basic models of communication,the sender must convert internal thoughts into an external message. This conversion of ideas into language,gestures or images is known as encoding. Without encoding,the message cannot travel through any channel to the receiver. Thus the process described in the stem is correctly termed encoding.

Option A:
Decoding is the opposite operation carried out by the receiver,who interprets the message coming from the sender. It does not refer to the sender choosing words or symbols. Therefore it does not match the description of translating ideas into symbols.

Option B:
Encoding is the stage where the sender decides how best to express their idea so that the receiver can understand. It involves selecting suitable words,tone and non verbal cues. Because the stem emphasises this act of translation,encoding is the most appropriate term.

Option C:
Feedback is the receiver’s response returning to the sender after the initial message has been received and interpreted. It is not the original translation of ideas into message form. Hence feedback cannot be the correct answer here.

Option D:
Filtration refers to selective transmission or suppression of information,often because of organisational or personal factors. It does not describe the basic act of putting ideas into symbols at the point of message creation.

Statements A, C and D are correct, whereas B is incorrect. A is true because most models of listening describe it as a sequence of receiving, constructing meaning and responding. C is true since what a listener already knows shapes how they interpret new information. D is true as nodding, eye contact and other non-verbal cues show attention and form part of active listening. B is false because hearing is a physiological process of sound reception, whereas listening is a psychological process involving attention and interpretation.

Option A:
Option A includes A and C only and omits D, failing to mention that non-verbal responses are integral to the listening process in interactive communication. Although A and C are correct, the option underplays the response component. Therefore A and C only is incomplete and cannot be accepted.

Option B:
Option B combines A, C and D and excludes B, which wrongly equates hearing and listening. It captures listening as a multi-stage, meaning-making and responsive activity. Because it lists all and only the correct statements, A, C and D only is the right answer.

Option C:
Option C groups C and D only and leaves out A, ignoring the core definition that listening involves receiving messages, not only interpreting and responding. While C and D are true aspects of listening, excluding A means the option does not present a full picture of the process. Hence C and D only is not valid.

Option D:
Option D treats all four statements as correct, including B, which confuses hearing with listening. This misrepresentation of basic concepts makes the combination logically inconsistent. Consequently A, B, C and D cannot be chosen.

Psychological barriers are internal states such as fear,shyness or low self esteem that block effective communication. The student in the stem knows the answer but remains silent due to fear of ridicule. This emotional factor stops the message from being shared. Therefore the barrier is psychological.

Option A:
Physical barriers relate to the environment rather than feelings.

Option B:
Mechanical barriers involve technical faults,not personal anxiety.

Option C:
The key factor is the student's emotional state,making psychological the correct answer.

Option D:
Semantic barriers come from confusion about meanings of words,which is not the issue here.

Interpersonal communication is the exchange of information,ideas and emotions between two or a few persons in direct contact. In face to face interaction,people can use verbal as well as non verbal cues to co create meaning. The stem clearly refers to two persons sharing ideas and feelings,which matches the standard definition of interpersonal communication.

Option A:
Interpersonal communication involves mutual sharing and response between individuals in close psychological and often physical proximity. Because the situation describes two people interacting face to face,this option accurately captures the level and type of communication involved.

Option B:
Intrapersonal communication occurs within a single individual,such as self talk or internal reflection,so it cannot describe interaction between two persons.

Option C:
Mass communication refers to one to many messages transmitted through media like TV or radio to large,heterogeneous audiences,not a dyadic conversation.

Option D:
Group communication involves several people interacting together rather than just two in a dyad,so it does not precisely fit the stem.

Statements A, B and C are correct, whereas D is incorrect. A is true because face-to-face interaction includes verbal content, voice tone and body language, and allows rapid feedback. B is true since written notices typically provide only text and do not convey vocal or facial cues, making them lean. C is true as rich channels help clarify complex or ambiguous issues by permitting questions and elaboration. D is false because emotional issues are often better handled through richer channels that allow empathy and nuance, not lean channels alone.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists A and B only and omits C, which highlights the particular usefulness of rich channels for complex messages. Without C, the description of richness is partial. Therefore A and B only cannot be the correct answer.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups B and C only and leaves out A, ignoring the classic example of face-to-face communication as a rich channel. Since A is also correct, B and C only is incomplete.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, B and C, presenting a coherent view of rich versus lean channels and their appropriate use. It excludes D, which overstates the value of lean channels for emotional content. As it includes all and only the correct statements, this option is the right one.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats all four statements as correct, including D. D conflicts with communication practice by claiming that lean channels are always superior for emotional matters. Mixing this false claim with accurate statements makes the option invalid.

Spiral of silence theory suggests that people monitor the climate of opinion and are less likely to express views they perceive as unpopular for fear of social isolation. Over time,majority opinions appear even stronger as minority voices remain silent. The stem describes exactly this reluctance to express minority opinions. Therefore,it refers to the spiral of silence theory.

Option A:
Two step flow focuses on opinion leaders transmitting media messages,not on fear of isolation.

Option B:
Agenda setting addresses issue salience,rather than willingness to speak.

Option C:
Gatekeeping concerns selection of information by media professionals,not individuals' self censorship.

Option D:
Spiral of silence explains why certain perspectives may disappear from public discussion even if many privately hold them,making option D correct.

Among the given statements, A, B, C and E correctly describe aspects of non-verbal communication, whereas D is incorrect. A is true because facial expressions, gestures and posture are standard components of non-verbal behaviour. B is true since paralanguage refers to voice qualities such as tone and pitch, which carry meaning beyond words. C is true because non-verbal cues can reinforce, contradict or even replace verbal messages, and E is true as proxemics concerns the use of space. D is wrong because non-verbal communication is highly significant in professional settings and cannot be ignored; hence the wrong statement is D only.

Option A:
Option A, which states D only, accurately identifies the sole incorrect statement. It recognises that dismissing non-verbal communication in professional contexts contradicts research and practice. Because all other statements reflect accepted principles and only D misrepresents the importance of non-verbal cues, selecting D only is the correct way to answer a “select the wrong statement(s)” item here.

Option B:
Option B suggests that both A and D are wrong, but A is actually a correct and basic definition of non-verbal communication elements. Treating A as wrong would mean denying that facial expressions and gestures are non-verbal, which is clearly false. Therefore, A and D only is an invalid combination.

Option C:
Option C labels C and D as wrong, but C is correct because non-verbal behaviours do indeed complement, contradict or substitute verbal messages. By misclassifying C as incorrect, this combination undermines a widely accepted function of non-verbal communication. Hence C and D only cannot be the right answer.

Option D:
Option D groups B, D and E together as wrong statements, but both B and E are accurate: paralanguage relates to vocal features and proxemics deals with physical space. Including two correct descriptions in a set of supposed wrong statements makes this option logically inconsistent. Consequently, B, D and E only is not acceptable.

In formal education,the central goal of communication is to bring about desirable changes in learners' knowledge,skills and attitudes. All classroom talk,questions,examples and explanations are organised to help learners construct understanding. Even discipline or announcements are ultimately justified in terms of how they support learning. Therefore learning is the most accurate description of the primary purpose of classroom communication.

Option A:
Learning is the outcome that justifies the existence of teaching as a profession and of classrooms as institutions. When teachers design objectives and choose strategies,they focus on what students should learn,not merely what should be said. Hence this option directly matches the core aim of educational communication.

Option B:
Entertainment can be used as a strategy to gain attention or reduce monotony,but it remains secondary to learning goals. If entertainment becomes the main purpose,the instructional value of communication is weakened. Therefore it is not the best completion for the stem.

Option C:
Control refers to managing behaviour and maintaining discipline so that learning can occur effectively. It is an instrumental function rather than the ultimate objective of communication in teaching. Thus it cannot be called the primary purpose.

Option D:
Advertising is associated with promoting products,services or institutions and is not the basic goal of regular classroom interaction. Even when institutions brand themselves,that communication is separate from everyday pedagogic talk. Hence this option is clearly inappropriate here.

Statements A, C and D are correct, while B is the only wrong statement. A is true because sharing assessment criteria in advance promotes transparency and fairness. C is true as ethical feedback avoids personal attack and focuses on helping students improve. D is true since keeping individual performance data private when appropriate respects students’ dignity and privacy. B is false because public humiliation can damage self-esteem, harm the learning climate and violates ethical responsibilities of teachers.

Option A:
Option A groups A and B as wrong statements and thereby misclassifies A, which correctly advocates prior communication of criteria. Including A among wrong statements contradicts basic principles of fair assessment. Therefore A and B only cannot be accepted.

Option B:
Option B lists B and C as wrong, but C is a correct description of ethical feedback practices. Treating C as wrong undermines the idea of constructive, respectful communication with learners. Hence B and C only is not a valid option.

Option C:
Option C combines B and D as wrong statements and thus incorrectly labels D, which recognises the importance of confidentiality, as false. Since D is correct, this combination does not match the pattern of wrong statements in the question. Consequently B and D only cannot be chosen.

Option D:
Option D correctly identifies B only as the wrong statement. It affirms that humiliation is not an acceptable motivational strategy and leaves A, C and D outside the wrong set as appropriate ethical guidelines. For this reason, B only is the correct answer.

James W. Carey advanced the ritual view of communication,emphasising that communication is a symbolic process in which reality is produced,maintained and repaired through shared participation. He contrasted this with the transmission view that focuses on sending information over distance. The stem closely summarises this ritual conception,so Carey is the appropriate completion.

Option A:
Carey's work highlights how activities such as reading a newspaper or attending ceremonies bind communities together by reaffirming shared values. This participation oriented approach is exactly what the question refers to,which supports Option A.

Option B:
Shannon is primarily associated with the mathematical model that emphasises signal transmission,noise and channel capacity rather than ritual participation.

Option C:
Berlo is known for the SMCR model focusing on source,message,channel and receiver but did not articulate the ritual view in the same way.

Option D:
Lasswell is famous for the formula "Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect,"which reflects a transmission perspective,not a participation based ritual view.

Statements A, B and C are correct, while D is the only wrong statement. A is true because concrete examples help students visualise and understand abstract principles. B is true as analogies connect unfamiliar ideas to known situations, aiding comprehension. C is true since irrelevant or poorly chosen examples can mislead or confuse learners. D is false because examples and analogies, when used appropriately, enrich rather than detract from understanding of the main content.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it marks A and D as wrong statements, even though A is a correct description of the value of examples. Including A among wrong statements misrepresents good teaching practice. Hence this option cannot be accepted.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups C and D as wrong. While D is indeed wrong, C is correct in warning against irrelevant examples. Treating C as wrong conflicts with the need for relevance in instructional design.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it lists A, C and D as wrong statements. Both A and C are accurate descriptions of how examples function in teaching. Adding them to D in the wrong set makes this combination highly inconsistent with pedagogical principles.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it singles out D only as the wrong statement. D unreasonably advises avoiding all examples and analogies, ignoring their proven role in deepening understanding. By leaving A, B and C outside the wrong set as correct statements, this option accurately identifies the single incorrect statement.

Statements A, B and C are correct descriptions of major listening types, while D and E are wrong. A is true because discriminative listening emphasises distinguishing sounds and speech cues. B is true as critical listening evaluates arguments for logic and evidence. C is true since empathetic listening involves understanding the speaker’s emotional state. D is false because empathetic listening helps build trust with students, and E is false because educational communication benefits from multiple listening modes. Hence, D and E only are the wrong statements.

Option A:
Option A selects D only and overlooks E, even though claiming that only critical listening is useful also misrepresents practice. As both D and E are incorrect, identifying only one of them makes this option incomplete and unsuitable as a correct answer.

Option B:
Option B chooses E only and ignores D, despite the fact that discouraging empathetic listening is contrary to supportive teaching. Since D and E both conflict with sound pedagogical principles, E only cannot be accepted.

Option C:
Option C correctly groups D and E, recognising that both statements narrow or distort the teacher’s listening role. It keeps A, B and C as true and useful descriptions of discriminative, critical and empathetic listening. Therefore, D and E only is the correct option.

Option D:
Option D labels B, D and E as wrong, but B correctly states that critical listening involves evaluation. Including B among wrong statements is inconsistent with established communication theory, so B, D and E only is invalid.

Schramm's model emphasises that communication is more effective when the fields of experience of sender and receiver overlap. Field of experience includes cultural background,education and prior knowledge. By using familiar language and examples,the teacher deliberately links the message to students' field of experience,so this term correctly completes the stem.

Option A:
When there is high overlap between fields of experience,less explanation is needed and chances of misunderstanding decrease. Adapting content in this way demonstrates audience awareness and aligns fully with Schramm's idea,which supports Option A.

Option B:
Channel is the medium through which the message travels,such as a projector or microphone,and is not the same as the learners' background knowledge.

Option C:
Noise denotes interference that obstructs message transmission,whereas the stem describes a strategy to enhance understanding,not a barrier.

Option D:
Feedback refers to the responses students give after receiving the message,but the question is about pre adapting the message before delivery.

The correlation function of media involves interpreting events,explaining their significance and prescribing responses. Editorials do exactly this by analysing news and guiding public opinion. Therefore they primarily serve the correlation function.

Option A:
Surveillance refers to reporting events and conditions,which is more descriptive than interpretive.

Option B:
Correlation is about interpretation,context and guidance for response,which is exactly what editorials provide.

Option C:
Entertainment focuses on amusement and enjoyment,not serious interpretation of issues.

Option D:
Diversion provides escape/relaxation rather than analysis and guidance.

Feedback in communication is the receiver's response that goes back to the sender,indicating how the message was understood. When students ask questions after a lecture,they reveal which parts are clear and which are confusing. This information helps the teacher evaluate the effectiveness of teaching. Therefore,these responses function as feedback.

Option A:
Noise is any interference that distorts the message and reduces clarity,such as external sound or technical problems. Students' questions are not interference but purposeful responses. Hence this option is not appropriate here.

Option B:
Feedback allows the teacher to modify explanations,provide more examples or change pace based on student needs. Since the stem focuses on responses after a lecture,feedback is the correct concept.

Option C:
Redundancy involves repetition of information for clarity,not the receiver's reactions.

Option D:
Context refers to physical and social setting but does not itself indicate how the message was received.