UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

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.

Spiral of silence theory explains why individuals may remain silent when they perceive their opinion as being in the minority. They fear social isolation and therefore do not speak,which in turn strengthens the appearance of majority opinion. The stem mirrors this mechanism. Hence spiral of silence is the correct answer.

Option A:
Two step flow focuses on opinion leaders passing messages,not on silence of minorities.

Option B:
Uses and gratifications sees audiences as actively choosing media for needs fulfilment.

Option C:
Therefore spiral of silence is the best match because it specifically links minority silence to fear of isolation.

Option D:
Cultivation theory concerns the cumulative impact of long term television viewing on perceptions of reality.

Spiral of silence theory explains why people may withhold minority views when they feel outnumbered and fear social isolation. The stem describes individuals who disagree but stay silent for this reason. This matches the central idea of the spiral of silence.

Option A:
Spiral of silence is about withholding minority opinions due to fear of isolation,exactly as described.

Option B:
Uses and gratifications is about active media use to satisfy needs,not silence.

Option C:
Cultivation theory looks at long term media exposure shaping perceptions of reality.

Option D:
Diffusion of innovations concerns adoption of new ideas,not suppression of opinions.