UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

In Berlo's SMCR model,Source and Receiver are analysed in terms of communication skills,attitudes,knowledge,social system and culture. Communication skills such as speaking,writing,listening and reading strongly influence how well messages are encoded and decoded. The stem asks about characteristics of both source and receiver that affect effectiveness,which points directly to communication skills.

Option A:
This option is correct because Berlo explicitly highlights the need for compatible and adequate skills on both sides. If a sender has poor speaking skills or a receiver has weak listening skills,communication suffers. Therefore,these characteristics are central in the model.

Option B:
Physical distance is important in other theories such as proxemics but is not the key feature emphasised in SMCR for both source and receiver.

Option C:
Economic status may influence access to media,but Berlo's model focuses more on skills and psychological factors.

Option D:
Organisational rank may shape power relations but is not listed as the main characteristic in SMCR components.

The SMCR model is named after its four components: Source,Message,Channel and Receiver. It was proposed by David K. Berlo as a way of highlighting how communication skills,attitudes and social systems of both source and receiver affect the process. The stem explicitly refers to this SMCR framework. Therefore,the correct answer is Berlo.

Option A:
Shannon is associated with the Shannon Weaver model,which focuses on information source,channel and noise in an engineering context,not the SMCR framework.

Option B:
Schramm developed circular models emphasising feedback and shared field of experience,but he is not linked to the SMCR acronym.

Option C:
Lasswell is known for the formula “Who says what,in which channel,to whom,with what effect?” and not for the SMCR terminology.

Option D:
Berlo’s model is important in communication studies for stressing the personal characteristics of source and receiver,making option C appropriate.