Communication Barriers : Notes on Barriers to

effective communication | 2020

ugcnetpaper1.com/communication-barriers/

March 11, 2020

Barriers to Effective Communication

UGC NET Study materiel on Communication Topics for NET Exam has
been covered entirely based on topics provided in the syllabus. In the 5
Parts series which can be referred using below, the first four parts contain
important short study notes useful for your paper 1 preparation while the
5th part contains solved question papers of last almost 12 years MCQ
Question.

Please sequentially go through them to understand them in better ways.

Unit-IV Communication(Based on Latest UGC NET Syllabus)

This part of the blog post will cover the important topic of Communication; in the
past, this has been seen that 2/3 Question was asked based on “Principle barriers in
Communication” & “How to Overcome on them”

Objective
In this part we will cover followings:

Introduction to Categories of Communication Barriers

Main Key Point of Different Categories

Technical Aspects of Communication Barriers

How to overcome those

Suggested Readings

Introduction
The information to be communicated should be clear and accurate. If an individual
sends the message, and the other one receives it and interprets it in the same way as the
sender had intended to express, the process of communication is said to be complete
and successful. However, Communication is not always successful. Certain barriers in
communication affect the clarity, accuracy and effectiveness of the message.

Several things can prevent the message from reaching the intended recipient or from
having the desired effect on the recipient. There may be some fault in the
communication system as well.

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Types of Communication Barriers
As the barriers to communication influence the major variables in the communication
process, they may be categorized on various bases.

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 BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

Main Key Point of barriers to effective communication

The ideas and massage have to reach from the transmitter to receive in the same sense.
If it does not happen, it is on account of barriers to communication.

Main Key Point of barriers can be explained as follows:

Semantic barriers

This barrier is related to the process of coding and decoding the message. Various types
of semantic gaps found in the day-to-day use of people are as follows:

Words having similar pronunciation but multiple meaning: Same

pronunciation but are having many meanings. For example sight, site, cite.
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 Badly expressed message: Lack of clarity and precision make the message
badly expressed. Lack of coherence, awkward sentence structure, jargons etc. are
common faults, which lead to such messages.
Wrong interpretation: Whenever one interprets a symbol, his understanding
may differ with others.

The Hindi word ‘kaka’ means uncle in one part of the country but the small boy in
another part of the country.

Technical Language: When technical language is used in the communication

process, it creates barriers in understanding the message in the same sense and
the same spirit. When technical jargons or specialist languages are used in the
communication and conversation process, they create tension, confusion and
misunderstanding between the sender and the receiver.

New meanings given to ordinary words by computer technology; to people who are
not familiar with computers, “mouse” is only an animal, whereas in computer jargon,
it is a device.

Organizational Barriers

It may originate in contradictory management policies or too many levels of

management or the clash between line and staff operations. The specialized nature of
functions or even the special language of those functions may cause it. It may have its
source in formal-informal, or grapevine transactions. Following are the organizational
barriers in communication:

Organization culture and climate: In every organization, there exists a

unique culture and climate. The climate and culture of an organization ultimately
influence the freedom, thrust and interaction pattern among people in an
organization.
Organizational rules and regulations: The rules and regulations of the
organization vary widely from one organization to another. They may be so rigid
that they may influence the flow of information in the wrong direction.
Status relationships: The status, power and position relationship acts as the
hurdle in the effectiveness of communications. Individuals may not be able to say
what they wish to say because of their fear for the position and power of the other
party in the communication process. The complex hierarchical structure of the
organization like too tall or too much of divisionalisation of the organization may
not facilitate the free flow of communication.
Lack of cooperation between superior and subordinate: There may not
be proper cooperation between the superior and subordinate for various personal
or organizational relationships, which may hold to improper communication in an
organization.

Interpersonal Barriers

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The effectiveness of Communication depends a lot on the interpersonal relationship
between two people. If and when the sender and receiver are at the same economic,
educational and status level and also have a good rapport with each other, there is
hardly any barrier arising in communication. But, in case of a difference at any level,
there is a greater chance of Miscommunication. The most common example for this in
an organization is the Barriers relating to Superior and Subordinate.

The subordinate must follow the order of the superior, carry out all work efficiently, and
provide full information related to any matter, which arises in the organization or any
work. Moreover, the superior should have full confidence in himself and the
subordinate.

1. Lack of proper channel: There may be complexity in the organizational

structure, which may influence proper and effective communication from the
subordinate. They may not feel free to communicate because of the pressure of
position power and authority.
2. No interest to communicate: There may not be any interest on the part of
subordinates to have a dialogue, discussion and interaction with their superiors,
which affect the communication process adversely.
3. Lack of cooperation: lack of cooperation and mutual understanding also leads
to the hiding of certain information between the superior and subordinates in the
organization.
4. Lack of trust: There may be a lack of trust and coordination between the
superior and the subordinate, which may lead to infective communication.
5. The poor relationship between superior and subordinate: A good
relationship must develop between superiors and subordinates frequently and
freely. They must interact to improve the upward and downward communication
system. The superior must listen to the subordinates’ suggestion, their problems,
and must have faith in them. In the absence of all this, it may so happen that what
the superior speaks, the subordinate may not understand it.
6. Fear of penalty: If subordinate fees that because of free expression and upward
communication he will face some type of penalty, there is a possibility that he may
not provide a full or correct message to the superior.

Individual / Psycho-sociological Barriers:

Individual or Psycho-sociological barriers are the prime barriers in interpersonal

communication. People have different styles of communication. People also have
personal feelings, desires, fears, hopes, likes, dislikes, attitudes, views and opinions.
The meaning assigned to a message depends upon the emotional or psychological status
of both the parties involved in the process of communication.

1. Style: Style, how a person communicates, involves many elements, though style
overlaps with several of the other factors in the analysis, it adds its distinct
flavour.

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 2. Selective perception: The receiver may make a world of his own around
himself. He projects his interest and expectations as he decodes messages. He
may only take that much piece of information, which may suit his world of
thinking. As a result, the person acquires incomplete and inappropriate
information, which influence the communication process. Having a poor self-
concept or self-understanding, or a poor understanding of others can cause
perceptual distortions.
3. Halo effect: People do not listen carefully because of impressions based on
earlier encounters. Even one of the parties having a halo effect will disrupt the
flow of communication.
4. Status relationship: There maybe status and power relationship, which may
hinder the communication process and affect the effectiveness of communication.
Status effects also hinder communication is as much as people occupying higher
positions in the organization tend to “tell a lot to subordinates but not to listen,
effective communication is not possible.
5. Poor attention and Retention: About half of the information, if not properly
retained, is lost. The sender may suffer from each problem. It also said that about
30% of the information is lost in each oral transmission. Human memory may not
always retain what it is told. This causes communication breakdown and
necessitates the repetition of the message using several channels
6. Inattention: The preoccupied mind of the receiver and the reluctant non-
listening is one of the major psychologies barriers. It is because of it that people
do not react to ideas/messages received in communication.
7. Undue importance of written words: The undue importance given to the
written words may lead to loss of information. The successive information is not
accurate and right. Written communication often tells what is to be done but not
why it should be done. It takes the persuasive quality.
8. Defensiveness: If one feels threatened by a message, one becomes defensive
and responds in such ways that reduce the understanding. Such defensive
behaviour prevents understanding.
9. Closed Mind: Limited intellectual background, limited reading and narrow
interests can cause a person’s mind to be narrow. This limits the ability to take in
new ideas. People with closed minds do not take in any new information or
suggestions to change.
10. State of Health: Physical condition can affect the efficiency in all
communication skills. In the case of the poor health condition, the communicating
ability is reduced as the mind is not alert and perception is low.
11. Filtering: Filtering is the process of reducing the details or aspects of a message.
Each person who receives the message reduces it according to his or her
understanding of the situation. In this process, much of the important
information may be lost or misinterpreted and the sender will fail to convey what
he wants to convey.

Cross-Cultural/ Geographic Barriers:

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Culture is a shared set of values and attributes of a group; it is the total of the ways of
living built up by a group and transmitted from one generation to another. Culture is so
much a part of an individual’s manner of talking, behaving and thinking, that
communication style and competence are influenced by it.

Some of the significant differences between cultures are:

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National Character/ Basic Personality.
Language
Values and norms of behaviour
Social relationships
Concepts of time
Concepts of space
Nonverbal communication
Perception

Words, colours and symbols have different meanings in different cultures. For example:

In England, an invitation for dinner 8 pm would see most guests arriving at

about 8.15; in Germany punctually is king; in Greece, 9 to 9.30 might be the
norm; in India even later- if at all.
In most parts of the world nodding your head means agreement, shaking your
head means no-except in some parts of India, where the reverse is true.
When the Japanese say “Yes”, they mean, “Yes, I am listening”. The Americans
may take it to mean, “Yes, I agree”.
Wearing white colour on marriage may be forbidden in some cultures, whereas,
in other cultures, the main wedding dress is white.

Physical Barriers/ Channel and Media Barriers

Physical distractions cause a lot of noise, often literally: insufficiently insulated rooms
with car noises filtering through, poor lighting, and such things as frequent movement
of bodies postures, with a pen in the hand, even the arrival of coffee at a critical stage on
the communication process are the causes of communication barriers in organizations.
Constant telephone interruptions are one of the commonest physical distractions. These
obstacles prevent a message from reaching the intended recipient.

The following obstacles are considered under this category:

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Noise: Noise is any disturbance which occurs in the transmission process. In face to
face conversation without a microphone, the air may be disturbed by noise in the
environment such as traffic, factory work, a typewriter clattering away in a nearby office
and people talking, and so on. Wider connotation of noise includes many other factors
that are likely to hinder communication. Sometimes, the inner chatting going on in the
mind of the listener, which distracts the message received, is also termed as Noise.

Environment: Interferences may also arise from external transceivers, number of

links in the chain and circumstantial factors:

The same sort of differentiation in circumstances counts for the channels within each of
the levels and in broader terms for the oral, written, and non-verbal communication.

For example, a speech delivered before a small dinner gathering will be different from
the same speech delivered before an auditorium full of people. Everyone is markedly
different while sitting to watch a cricket match rather than a legal hearing. Still another
circumstantial feature a listener who has to stand because the seats are all taken is
generally not the same as he or she would be if seated comfortably

Defects in the Medium: Defects in the devices used for transmitting communication
are external and usually not in the control of the sender or receiver. The telephone, the
postal system, the courier service or even the electronic media may fail or break down.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS IN COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

A few technical aspects in communication barriers are briefly narrated by
Murphy’s Law on communication: Following are the basics in this law on
communication:

Communication usually fails. Except by chance, it succeeds. On account of

various barriers, the possibility of success in the flow of communication is rare.
If the message can be understood, in different ways, it will be understood in
just the way that does the most harm. People receive massage in their way. In
most of the cases, the most harmful side of communication is considered.
It refers to the sender manipulating information so that the receiver will see it as
more favourable. In organizations, the information is condensed and synthesized.
Objective information does not reach to the authority. The more the vertical levels
in the organization’s hierarchy, the more opportunities there are for filtering.
Meta communication. In a communication apart from the message, there is a
Meta message. Meta message exists in the people’s minds because of their actions
such as being hard to contact. It is the most important thing in seat word
language.

Noise in the communication process. Noise can enter the communication

process because of situational factors. It is one of the factors influencing the
communication process. Noise is mostly related to mechanical distractions. A few

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noise distractions are as follows: (i) Human sounds, (ii) Traffic, (iii) Telephone
instruments (iv) Channel defects (v) Birds (vi) Trees (vii) Fans (viii) Chalk writing (ix)
Use of Duster (x) Projector and (xi) Nasal Voice

OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS IN COMMUNICATION

Constant effort is required to overcome the barriers which unconsciously creep up in the
process of Communication. Barriers can be overcome if sufficient effort is put into the
communication process and it is desired that communication be effective and efficient.

One way of reducing the effects of these barriers is to check continuously during the
communication process what the massage is. The actions to be taken by the Sender,
Receiver and together with the two of them, to achieve this are listed below:

Sender: The sender should be clear about the following Ws and H:

WHO To whom should the message go?

WHY Why should I communicate? What are the motives?

WHAT Decide what to communicate. Be clear about what one needs to

communicate.

WHEN The best time for optimum reception is chosen.

HOW Use a language, which the receiver will understand and which is
unambiguous.

WHERE Choose a location which will not interfere with the reception,
understanding and acceptance of the message: Privately? Home or away?
In a group? At work or outside?

Receiver: The receiver can be aware of the following, to overcome the

barriers:

Be fully attentive to the sender.

Listen actively to the message being sent.
Ask for clarification and repetition wherever necessary.
Keep checking the receipt of information with sender.

Both: Receiver and Sender can make the Communication Flawless if they:

Realize that misunderstandings are bound to occur, and be alert for all cues to this
effect.
Listen, listen, listen, and listen again.
Share opinions, feelings and perceptions generated by the message.

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Note thus, both parties separately as well as together have to work to remove the
 Note thus, both parties separately as well as together have to work to remove the
barriers and achieve the communication effectiveness. For example, a manager tries
to get things done through other people. The management of people can be called
leadership, and all of us have our preferred leadership styles, which affect how we
communicate with others, especially our staff.

Measures to Overcome Barriers in Communication

Following are some of the additional measures to overcome the barriers to
communication:

1. Fostering good relationship: Strong relationships must be fostered between

the employer and the employee to avoid misunderstanding and accept each
other’s viewpoints to remove the barriers and to facilitate proper communication
in the organization.
2. Purposeful and well-focused Communication: Communication should be
purposeful and directed to an individual. At the end of the Communication, the
receiver should not be left to feel that communication had been meaningless or
useless.
3. Coordination between superiors and subordinates: In case the superior
thinks on one line, which is different from the subordinate and vice versa, it will
affect the effectiveness of communication. Therefore, there should be good and
proper coordination and cooperation between the superior and subordinate for
effective communication.
4. Avoid technical language: The specialized language should be avoided. There
should be all efforts to use the language commonly understood by the receiver and
sender of the message. There should be the least use of technical jargons in the
communication process.
5. Feedback: The selective perception of the receiver should be minimized through
proper feedback. The drawback of selective perception should be explained to
minimize the barriers.
6. Accuracy: There should be accuracy in the message to be transmitted between
parties to the communication to improve its effectiveness.
7. The clarity in the message: The message to be transferred should be clear,
practical accurate and without any ambiguity.
8. Communication of organizational philosophy: Efforts have to be made in
a planned way to sensitize people with organizational philosophy. It should be
properly communicated to its employees so that they give proper attention to their
day to day communication.

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 9. Flat organizational structure: The organization should have a clear cut and
simple organizational structure. The tall hierarchical structure should be
removed, and it should be changed to a flat structure to avoid excessive control of
information. Wrong information to be transferred to anyone in the organization
will prove detrimental. Proper redesign of organizational structure will reduce the
status gap. The status effect can occur when one person is considerably higher in
the hierarchy than another.
10. Division of labour: There should be proper division of labour between the
persons to reduce information overload and prevent delay in information transfer.
11. Organization policies: The organization should formulate its policies in such a
way that it will give full advantage to all members of the organization. It should be
flexible and easy to implement. While the organization’s goal must be clear,
everyone must know about his position, his right in organizational
communication. The network has to be fully developed so that no such type of
barriers exists. Moreover, there should be consistency when message a passed
from sender to receiver. One should not introduce his view in the message. It must
be clear and understood by everyone easily. Timeline in the message should be
there. If it is not passed in time, such message will be of no use.
12. Minimize semantic problem: People use either the same word in different
ways or different words in the same way. One will be surprised to know that there
are 15 different meanings of the word ‘charge’ in the English language. They also
occur when people use jargons or professional shorthand which they expect others
to understand, or language which is outside the other’s vocabulary.
13. Proper communication channels: If one wants immediate action from the
receiver, there is no need to send a lengthy discussion report. One would probably
pick up the telephone or go to his office to tell him what to do. Remember also
that one picture is worth a thousand words, and in this age of computer graphics,
the information can be produced more quickly in this way too.
14. Right feedback: Although one -way communication is quicker, two -way
communication is more accurate. In complex situations, it helps both the sender
and receiver to measure their understanding and improves their joint
commitment to the task. It enables both parties to identify and correct
misunderstanding leading to a higher quality of reception and acceptance.

To communicate effectively, we need to overcome all the barriers and own skills to
improve the existing communication abilities

Lets Summarize This :

The Communication Barriers are the negative forces that may affect the
effectiveness of communication by acting upon any or all of the basic elements of
the communication process and sender/receiver/channel.

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The barriers to communication can be categorized as follows:
Semantic Barriers: Arising out of different meanings assigned to the
same words by different people or difference in interpretation
Organizational Barriers: Arising out of Organizational Policies, Culture,
Climate, Rules, etc
Interpersonal Barriers: Arising due to the relationship between the
sender and receiver, especially between Superior and subordinate
Psycho sociological/ Individual Barriers: Arising due to personal
characteristics of the sender and receiver and factors like filtering, style,
state of health, etc.
Cross-Cultural Barriers: Arising due to difference in Cultural Values
and Beliefs of sender and receiver. They may be on account of difference in
Language, National Character, Time, etc.
Physical barriers: Barriers of Distance, Defects of Medium,
Environment, Noise, etc.
Technological barriers: Arising due to Technological advancements.
To overcome barriers, the Sender should be aware, as to Whom, Why, Where,
What message is to be transmitted and How is it to be transmitted. The Receiver
should listen to the message attentively.
There are various Measures to Overcome the Barriers to Communication, like
removing Semantic difficulties, giving proper feedback, removing organizational
bottlenecks, and so on.

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Study Material Notes UGC NET Communication Paper
1| New Syllabus
ugcnetpaper1.com/important-key-notes-communication/

April 22, 2020

Important Study Material Notes Ugc net Communication paper 1

UGC NET Study materiel on Communication Topics for NET Exam has
been covered entirely based on topics provided in syllabus. In the 5 Parts
series which can be referred using below , the first four parts contains
important short study notes useful for your paper 1 preparation while the
5th part contains solved question papers of last almost 12 years MCQ
Question.

Please go through them in sequential fashion to understand them in better

ways.

Unit-IV Communication(Based on Latest UGC NET Syllabus)

As you all know there will be 5 Question based on Communication in General Paper 1
exam. This has been also observed that Question was mostly asked from the definition
of communication, information barriers of communication, communication models
and theories and informal and formal communication differences.

In this blog we will cover the most Important key Notes Communication
as below:

Introduction to Communication
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 Various definition
Process of communication
Forms and types of communication
types and characteristics of communication.

Objective
After studying this blog, you should be able to cover –

Understand the meaning and definition of communication.

Be able to know the objectives of communication Know the relevance
of communication in an organisation and in management
Understand the types and characteristics of communication.

Introduction to communication
Communication is defined as “the process of passing information and understanding
from one person to another, it is essentially a bridge of meaning between people” All
communication is essentially sharing of information or some message. Communication
is the most important of our social activities.

We can classify communication as interpersonal, intrapersonal, group communication,

Metacommunication, upward, downward, lateral, diagonal, formal, informal, oral,
written or non-verbal communication.

Understand the functions and importance of communication

In terms of Business “Communication is an important requirement of every business. A

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businessman participates in the process of communication in many ways. For instance,
he informs the consumer about his product, he motivates them to do the work or
collects information about the progress of business etc.”

Three Simple Definitions

Communication means sharing of information

Communication is the giving and receiving of messages
Communication is the transfer of information from one or more people to one or
more other people

Meaning of Communication
The term communication is derived from the latin word “communis” or “communicare”
which means to make common. Thus communication means to make common facts,
information’s, thoughts and requirements. Communication therefore is the exchange of
thoughts, message, information etc. by way of speech, signal or in writing.

Communication is a two-way process and works well with feedback, this helps to
confirm that intended message has been successful.

Scholar Definition of communication

In order to understand further, many scholars have defined the term such as

“Communication is the sum of all things, one person does when he wants to create
understanding in the minds of another. It involves a systematic and continuous process
of telling, listening and understanding.”

– Allen Louis

Communication has been defined “As the transfer of information from one person to
another whether or not it elicits confidence.”

– Koontz and O’ Donell

“Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more

persons.” – George Terry

“Communication is the process by which information is transmitted between

individuals and/or organization so that an understanding response results”.

– By Peter Little

“Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more

persons”.

– By W.H. New man and C.F. summer Jr.

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There are many other comprehensive definitions exist and touches all the aspects of the
communication process in general terms such as business communication,
Organizational communication etc.

“Administrative communication is a process which involves the transmission and

accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of eliciting actions,
which will accomplish organizational goals.”

Process of Communication
Communication is effective when a concise and clear message is delivered well, received
successfully and understand fully. The process of communication has the following
distinct components:

UGC NET Note for Communication Process

Communication begins with an impulse (or motivation) to pass on a message made up

of bits of information. In the process of encoding, units of information are selected and
organized for transmission. Input is the sum of experiences that build up in the human
brain or computer.

The output is the encoded message transmitted by the information source (an individual
person or group of people). The interpretation of the message is referred to as decoding.

Feedback is the response or message that the recipient (decoder) returns to the sender
(encoder).

The sender has an idea

Sender encodes the idea
The sender transmits the message through a medium
The receiver gets the message
The receiver decodes the message
Receiver sends feedback

Feedback in the communication process is the response that gives us some

indication of how effectively we communicate. It is the gauge of efficiency
in communication

Types and Characteristics of communication

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Based on whom the message is addressed

We classify communication according to the number of persons (receivers) to whom the

message is addressed:

Intrapersonal Communication:
It is talking to oneself in one’s own mind. Examples are soliloquies or asides
in dramatic works.

Interpersonal Communication:
It is the exchange of messages between two persons. For example, a
conversation, dialogue, or an interview in which two persons interact (others
may also be present as the audience). An author communicates
interpersonally with his reader, who is always present as a silent audience in
the author’s mind while he writes. A letter too is an example of interpersonal
communication between the writer and the person to whom it is written.

Group Communication:
It can be among small or large groups, like an organization, club or
classroom, in which all individuals retain their individual identity.

Mass Communication:
It occurs when the message is sent to large groups of people, for example, by
newspaper, radio, or television. In this process, each person becomes a
faceless individual with almost no opportunity for personal response or
feedback.

Based On the basis of the medium employed

Verbal Communication:
It means communicating with words, written or spoken. Verbal
communication consists of speaking, listening, writing, reading, and
thinking. It may further be classified as Oral or Written Communication.
Non-verbal communication:
It includes using of pictures, signs, gestures, and facial expressions for
exchanging information between persons. It is done through sign language,
action language, or object language. Non-verbal communication flows
through all acts of speaking or writing. It is a wordless message conveyed
through gestures (sign), movements (action language), and object language
(pictures/clothes) and so on. Further non-verbal communication can be
identified by personal space (proxemics), sense of smell (olfactics) and time
(chronemics).
Meta Communication:
Here the speaker’s choice of words unintentionally communicates
something more than what the actual words state. For example, a flattering
remark like “I’ve never seen you so smartly dressed” could also mean that
the regular attire of the listener needed improvement.
5/13
Formal Communication:
A formal channel of communication can be defined as a means of
communication that is formally controlled by managers or people occupying
positions in an organization. The communication flows through formal
channels, that is, officially recognized positions along the line in the
organization. This ensures that the information flows orderly, timely, and
accurately. Any information, decision, memo, reminder etc. will follow this
path.
Informal Communication:
Side by side with the formal channel of communication every organization
has an equally effective channel of communication that is the informal
channel. It is not officially sanctioned, and quite often it is even discouraged
or looked down upon.
But, then, it is very much there and has been given the name ‘grapevine’
precisely because it runs in all directions-horizontal, vertical, diagonal. As
the management experts put it, “it flows around water coolers, down
hallways, through lunch rooms, and wherever people get together in
groups”.
Downward Communication:
The Communication that flows from Top to Bottom is known as downward
communication. Any organization has an inbuilt hierarchical system, and in
that, in the first instance, communication invariably flows downwards.
Upward Communication:
The Communication that flows from bottom to top, which is from lower
hierarchical level to higher level, is called Upward Communication. The
main function of upward communication is to supply information to the
upper levels about what is happening at the lower levels. It is just the reverse
of the previous dimension
Lateral Communication:
When communication takes place between two or more persons who are
subordinates working under the same person or those who are working on
the same level, it is called lateral or horizontal communication. A good
example of this kind of communication is that between functional managers.
It is necessary for the reviewing of the activities assigned to various
subordinates having identical positions
Diagonal Communication:
Diagonal or Crosswise communication includes the flow of information
among persons at different levels who have no direct reporting relationships.
As an example, the Communication between the Training Supervisor and
Marketing Manager, regarding the Training of a few employees of the
Marketing Department, is Diagonal Communication. This kind of
communication is used to speed up information flow, to improve
understanding, and to coordinate efforts for the achievement of
organizational objectives.
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Characteristics of communication
From the analysis of above-mentioned definitions we get the following
essential features of communication:

1. It Involves at Least Two Persons:

Communication involves at least two persons, a sender and a receiver. The sender is
called communicator and the receiver of the message is known as communicate. A
person who speaks, writes or issues some instructions is the sender and the person for
whom the communication is meant or who receives the message is the receiver or
communicates.

2. Message is a Must:

A message is the subject matter of communication. e.g., the contents of the letter or
speech, order, instructions or the suggestions. A communication must convey some
message. If there is no message there is no communication.

3. Communication May be Written, Oral or Gestural:

Communication is generally understood as spoken or written words. But in reality, it is

more than that. It includes everything that may be used to convey meanings from one
person to another, e.g., movement of lips, or the wink of an eye or the wave of hands
may convey more meaning than even written or spoken words.

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4. Communication is a Two Way Process:

It involves both information and understanding. Communication is not complete unless

the receiver has understood the message properly and his reaction or response is known
to the sender. Understanding is the end result of communication but it does not imply
agreement.

5. Its Primary Purpose is to Motivate a Response:

The primary purpose of communication is to motivate response or influence human

behaviour. There is no doubt that motivation comes from within but communicator can
also motivate people by good drafting of message, proper timing of communication, etc.
To create understanding, communication should be relevant to the situation. It must
always be remembered that communication is a means of motivating and not an end
itself.

6. Communication may be Formal or Informal:

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Formal communication follows the formal channels provided in the organisation
structure. For example, the Managing Director communicates with the departmental
heads, say Finance Manager, finance manager communicates to deputy finance
manager, the deputy finance manager with accounts officer and so on.

In simple words, in informal communication, there is no direct communication between

the Managing Director and the accounts clerks. Informal communication flows from
informal channels of communication which are not provided in the organisation
structure. These channels develop among members because of personal contacts
through working with each other.

7. It Flows Up and Down and also from Side to Side:

Communication flows downward from a superior to subordinate and upward from

subordinate to a superior. It also flows between two or more persons operating at the
same level of authority.

8. It is an Integral Part of the Process of Exchange:

It refers to the exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions and knowledge and information’s
between two or more persons.

[Source – Characteristics of Communication ]

Objectives/Purpose Of Communication
The objectives of communication are dynamic and ever-changing. Some of the common
objectives of official communication are to get or give information, to ask for or give
instructions or advice or suggestions, to make requests, to persuade other people to
agree with us.

Sometimes, we communicate with the intention of complaining, or warning; but

unfortunately, we do this angrily and get into arguments. If we learn to complain and
warn in an acceptable and constructive manner, our serious intention can be conveyed
quite effectively without damaging relationships.

In order to caution, counsel, clarify, apprise, evaluate, reprimand, organize and

numerous such objectives, we make use of communication.

Evaluation Of Communication Effectiveness

Communication is not an end in itself; rather it is a means to attain other ends or goals.
Hence, it has to be effective to be able to attain these goals or objectives.
Communication effectiveness can be examined in relation to the following criteria:

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 Fidelity of Communication: the distortion free quality of a message is called
fidelity. An effective person gets the message across to others with minimal
possibilities of misunderstanding.
Economy: In an effective communication a minimum of energy time, symbols and
cues are used to encode message without losing its fidelity and impact.
Congruence: An effective communication integrates both verbal and non-verbal
cues.
Influence: The most important criterion of effectiveness is the influence that the
communicator is able to exercise over the receiver of the communication.
Influence means the communicator achieve the results he intended.
Relationship Building: effective communication contributes to the building of
trust and a better relationship between the source and the target.

Seven C’s of Effective Communication

These are the Seven terms, starting with the letter C, which makes communication more
understandable, valuable and effective.

Below are 7 C’s of effective communication which is applicable to both written as

well as oral communication.

These are as follows:

1. Completeness – The communication must be complete. It should convey all the

facts required by the audience. The sender of the message must take into
consideration the receiver’s mindset and convey the message accordingly. A
complete communication has following features:
Complete communication develops and enhances the reputation of an
organization.
Moreover, they are cost saving as no crucial information is missing and no
additional cost is incurred in conveying the extra message if the
communication is complete.
A complete communication always gives additional information wherever
required. It leaves no questions in the mind of the receiver.
Complete communication helps in better decision-making by the
audience/readers/receivers of the message as they get all desired and crucial
information.
It persuades the audience.

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2. Conciseness – Conciseness means wordiness, i.e, communicating what you
want to convey in least possible words without forgoing the other C’s of
communication. Conciseness is a necessity for effective communication. Concise
communication has following features:
It is both time-saving as well as cost-saving.
It underlines and highlights the main message as it avoids using excessive
and needless words.
Concise communication provides short and essential message in limited
words to the audience.
Concise message is more appealing and comprehensible to the audience.
Concise message is non-repetitive in nature.
3. Consideration – Consideration implies “stepping into the shoes of others”.
Effective communication must take the audience into consideration, i.e, the
audience’s viewpoints, background, mindset, education level, etc. Make an
attempt to envisage your audience, their requirements, emotions as well as
problems. Ensure that the self-respect of the audience is maintained and their
emotions are not at harm. Modify your words in a message to suit the audience’s
needs while making your message complete. Features of considerate
communication are as follows:
Emphasize on “you” approach.
Empathize with the audience and exhibit interest in the audience. This will
stimulate a positive reaction from the audience.
Show optimism towards your audience. Emphasize on “what is possible”
rather than “what is impossible”. Lay stress on positive words such as jovial,
committed, thanks, warm, healthy, help, etc.
4. Clarity – Clarity implies emphasizing on a specific message or goal at a time,
rather than trying to achieve too much at once. Clarity in communication has
following features:
It makes understanding easier.
Complete clarity of thoughts and ideas enhances the meaning of the
message.
Clear message makes use of exact, appropriate and concrete words.
5. Concreteness – Concrete communication implies being particular and clear
rather than fuzzy and general. Concreteness strengthens the confidence. The
concrete message has the following features:
It is supported by specific facts and figures.
It makes use of words that are clear and that build the reputation.
Concrete messages are not misinterpreted.

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 6. Courtesy – Courtesy in message implies the message should show the sender’s
expression as well as should respect the receiver. The sender of the message
should be sincerely polite, judicious, reflective and enthusiastic. The courteous
message has the following features:
Courtesy implies taking into consideration both viewpoints as well as
feelings of the receiver of the message.
The courteous message is positive and focused at the audience.
It makes use of terms showing respect for the receiver of the message.
It is not at all biased.
7. Correctness – Correctness in communication implies that there are no
grammatical errors in communication. Correct communication has following
features:
The message is exact, correct and well-timed.
If the communication is correct, it boosts up the confidence level.
The correct message has a greater impact on the audience/readers.
It checks for the precision and accurateness of facts and figures used in the
message.
It makes use of appropriate and correct language in the message.

Awareness of these 7 C’s of communication makes you an effective communicator.

[Source –seven-cs-of-effective-communication ]

Four S’s of Communication

Four terms starting with letter S, which add to the value of the message in
Communication

Shortness

“Brevity is the soul of wit,” it is said. The same can be said about communication.

If the message can be made brief, and verbosity did away with, then the transmission
and comprehension of messages are going to be faster and more effective.

Flooding messages with high sounding words do not create an impact.

Many people harbor a misconception that they can actually impress the receiver if they
carry on their expeditious travails.

Little do they realize how much they have lost as the receiver has spent a major chunk
of his time in trying to decipher the actual meaning of the message.

Simplicity

Simplicity both in the usage of words and ideas reveals clarity in the thinking process.

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It is normally a tendency that when an individual is himself confused that he tries to use
equally confusing strategies to lead the receiver in a maze.

Reveal clarity in the thinking process by using simple terminology and equally simple
concepts.

Strength

The strength of a message emanates from the credibility of the sender.

If the sender himself believes in a message that he is about to transmit, there is bound to
be strength and conviction in whatever he tries to state.

Halfhearted statements or utterances that the sender himself does not believe in add a
touch of falsehood to the entire.

Sincerity

A sincere approach to an issue is clearly evident to the receiver. If the sender is genuine,
it will be reflected in the manner in which he communicates.

Suppose there is a small element of deceit involved in the interaction or on the part of
the sender.

If the receiver is keen and observant, he would be able to sense the make-believe
situation and, business transactions, even if going full swing, would not materialize.

[Source – 4s-of-communication]

LET US SUM UP
Communication is defined as “the process of passing information and understanding
from one person to another, it is essentially a bridge of meaning between people” All
communication is essentially sharing of information or some message. Communication
is the most important of our social activities.

We can classify communication as interpersonal, interpersonal, group communication,

Meta communication, upward, downward, lateral, diagonal, formal, informal, oral,
written or non-verbal communication.

Reading, writing, speaking and listening are the four skills of communication The
objective of communication may inform, persuade, to train, motivate, educate, to relate,
reprimand, to rectify and so on.

Important Study Material for Communication(Study Notes Based on Latest UGC NET
Syllabus)
The information provided on ugcnetpaper1.com is gathered from various
official/unofficial online and offline resources. Although we take every possible
precaution to ensure that the content on our website is as authentic and accurate as
12/13
possible followed by the manual check, there still might have some human mistakes.
And we certainly are not responsible for any losses caused because of the inefficient
information on the website.

if you see any information/study material or notes which are incorrect feel free to
reach us on [email protected] for modification required.

We will be more than happy to update.

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MCQ ON COMMUNICATION | Extensive 12 Years
Solved NET EXAM
ugcnetpaper1.com/mcq-on-communication/

December 4, 2018

MCQ ON COMMUNICATION

(MCQ Based on Solved Paper NTA UGC NET EXAM 2006-2018)

UGC NET Study materiel on Communication Topics for NET Exam has
been covered entirely based on topics provided in syllabus. In the 5 Parts
series which can be referred using below , the first four parts contains
important short study notes useful for your paper 1 preparation while the
5th part contains solved question papers of last almost 12 years MCQ
Question.

Please go through them in sequential fashion to understand them in better

ways.

Unit-IV Communication(Based on Latest UGC NET Syllabus)

Based on July 2018 Exam
Differentiation between acceptance and non-acceptance of certain stimuli in classroom
communication is the basis of :
(1) selective expectation of performance
(2) selective affiliation to peer groups
(3) selective attention
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(4) selective morality
Answer: (4)
Assertion (A) : The initial messages to students in the classroom by a teacher need not
be
critical to establish interactions later.
Reason (R) : More control over the communication process means more control over
what the students are learning.
Code :
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Answer: (3)

Assertion (A) : To communicate well in the classroom is a natural ability.

Reason (R) : Effective teaching in the classroom demands knowledge of the
communication process.
Code :
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false, but (R) is true

Answer: (4)

Assertion (A) : Classroom communication is a transactional process.

Reason (R) : A teacher does not operate under the assumption that students’ responses
are purposive.
Select the correct code for your answer :
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Answer: (1)

Which of the following set of statements is correct for describing the human
communication
process ?
(a) Non-verbal communication can stimulate ideas.
(b) Communication is a learnt ability.
(c) Communication is not a universal panacea.
(d) Communication cannot break-down.
(e) More communication means more effective learning by students.
(f) Value of what is learnt through classroom communication is not an issue for
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students.
Code :
(1) (a), (c), (e) and (f)
(2) (b), (d), (e) and (f)
(3) (a), (b), (c) and (d)
(4) (a), (d), (e) and (f)

Answer: (4)
Based on November 2017 Exam
The classroom communication should essentially be :
(1) Contrived
(2) Empathetic
(3) Abstract
(4) Non-descriptive
Answer: (2)

A good communicator begins his/her presentation with a :

(1) Complex question
(2) Non-sequitur
(3) Repetitive phrase
(4) Ice-breaker

Answer: (4)

In a classroom, the probability of message reception can be enhanced by :

(1) Establishing a viewpoint
(2) Exposing the ignorance of students
(3) Increasing the information load
(4) Using high decibel audio tools

Answer: (1)

Based on January 2017 Exam

Effective communication pre-supposes
(1) Non-alignment
(2) Domination
(3) Passivity
(4) Understanding

Answer: (4)

When verbal and non-verbal messages are contradictory, it is said that most people
believe
in
(1) indeterminate messages
(2) verbal messages
(3) non-verbal messages
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(4) aggressive messages

Answer: (3)

The typical feature of an information-rich classroom lecture is in the nature of being

(1) Sedentary
(2) Staggered
(3) Factual
(4) Sectoral

Answer: (3)

Expressive communication is driven by

(1) Passive aggression
(2) Encoder’s personality characteristics
(3) External clues
(4) Encoder-decoder contract

Answer: (4)

Positive classroom communication leads to

(1) Coercion
(2) Submission
(3) Confrontation
(4) Persuasion

Answer: (4)

Classroom communication is the basis of

(1) Social identity
(2) External inanities
(3) Biased passivity
(4) Group aggression

Answer: (1)

Based on July 2016 Exam

Imagine you are working in an educational institution where people are of equal status.
Which method of communication is best suited and normally employed in such a
context ?
(1) Horizonatal Communication
(2) Vertical communication
(3) Corporate communication
(4) Cross communication

Answer: (1)

Identify the important element a teacher has to take cognizance of while addressing
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students in a classroom.
(1) Avoidance of proximity
2) Voice modulation
(3) Repetitive pause
(4) Fixed posture

Answer: (2)

What are the barriers to effective communication ?

1) Moralising, being judgemental and comments of consolation.
(2) Dialogue, summary and self-review.
(3) Use of simple words, cool reaction and defensive attitude.
(4) Personal statements, eye contact and simple narration.

Answer: (1)

The choice of communication partners is influenced by factors of

1) Proximity, utility, loneliness
(2) Utility, secrecy, dissonance
(3) Secrecy, dissonance, deception
(4) Dissimilarity, dissonance, deviance

Answer: (1)

As a teacher, select the best option to ensure your effective presence in the classroom.
(1) Use of peer command
(2) Making aggressive statements
3) Adoption of well-established posture
(4) Being authoritarian

Every communicator has to experience

(1) Manipulated emotions
2) Anticipatory excitement
(3) The issue of homophiles
(4) Status dislocation

Answer: (2)

Based on DECEMBER 2015 Exam

The main objectives of student evaluation of teachers are :
(a) To gather information about student weaknc
(b) To make teachers take teaching seriously.
(c) To help teachers adopt innovative methods of leaching.
(d) To identify the areas of further improvement in teacher traits.
Identify the correct answer from the codes given below :
(1) (a) and (b) only (2) (b), (c) and (d) only
3) (a), (b) and (c) only (4) (a) only
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Answer: (3)

Using the central point of the classroom communication as the beginning of a dynamic
pattern of ideas is referred to as :
(1) Systemisation (2) Problem – orientation
(3) Idea protocol 4) Mind mapping

Answer: (4)

Aspects of the voice, other than the speech are known as :

(1) Physical language (2) Personal language
3) Para language (4) Delivery language

Answer: (3)

Every type of communication is affected by its :

(1) Reception (2) Transmission (3) Non-regulation 4) Context

Answer: (4)

Attitudes, actions and appearances in the context of classroom communication are

considered as :
(1) Verbal 2) Non-verbal (3) Impersonal (4) Irrational

Answer: (2)

Most often, the teacher – student communication is :

(1) Spurious (2) Critical 3) Utilitarian (4) Confrontational

In a classroom, a communicator’s trust level is determined by :

(1) the use of hyperbole (2) the change of voice level
(3) the use of abstract concepts 4) eye contact

Based on JUNE 2015 EXAM

Effectiveness of communication can be traced from which of the following ?
(a) Attitude surveys
(b) Performance records
(c) Students attendance
(d) Selection of communication channel
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(1) (a), (b), (c) and (d)
2) (a), (b) and (c)
(3) (b), (c) and (d)
(4) (a), (b) and (d)

Answer: (2)

Assertion (A) : Formal communication tends to be fast and flexible.

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Reason (R) : Formal communication is a systematic and orderly flow of information.
(1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is correct explanation of (A)
(2) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not correct explanation of (A)
(3) (A) is correct but, (R) is false
4) (A) is false but, (R) is correct

Answer: (4)

Which of the following are the characteristic features of communication ?

(a) Communication involves exchange of ideas, facts and opinions.
(b) Communication involves both information and understanding.
(c) Communication is a continuous process.
(d) Communication is a circular process.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(1) (a), (b) and (c)
(2) (a), (b) and (d)
(3) (b), (c) and (d)
4) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

Answer: (4)

The term ‘grapevine’ is also known as :

(1) Downward communication
2) Informal communication
(3) Upward communication
(4) Horizontal communication

Answer: (2)

Which of the following is not a principle of effective communication ?

(1) Persuasive and convincing dialogue
(2) Participation of the audience
3) One-way transfer of information
(4) Strategic use of grapevine

Answer: (3)

In communication, the language is :

(1) The verbal code (2) Intrapersonal
(3) The symbolic code (4) The non-verbal code

Answer: (1)

Based on DECEMBER 2014 EXAM

When academicians are called to deliver lecture or presentation to an audience on
certain topics or a set of topics of educational nature, it is called
(A) Training Program B) Seminar
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(C) Workshop (D) Symposium

Answer: (B)

Media is known as

(A) First Estate (C) Third Estate

(B) Second Estate D) Fourth Estate
Answer: (C)

The mode of communication that involves a single source transmitting information to a

large number of receivers simultaneously, is called
(A) Group Communication
B) Mass Communication
(C) Intrapersonal Communication
(D) Interpersonal Communication

Answer: (B)

A smart classroom is a teaching space which has

(i) Smart portion with a touch panel control system.

(ii) PC/Laptop connection and DVD/VCR player.

(iii) Document camera and specialized software

(iv) Projector and screen Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(A) (i) and (ii) only
(B) (ii) and (iv) only
(C) (i). (ii) and (iii) only
(D) (i).(ii),(iii)and(iv)
Answer: (D)

The term ‘Yellow Journalism’ refers to

(A) sensational news about terrorism and violence
B) sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers / viewers.
(C) sensational news about arts and culture
(D) sensational news prints in yellow paper.

Answer: (B)

In the classroom, the teacher sends the message either as words or images. The students
are really
(A) Encoders (B) Decoders
(C) Agitators (D) Propagators

Answer: (B)

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The next term in the series :
AB, ED, IH, NM, is
A) TS (B) ST
(C) TU (D) SU

Answer: (A)

Based on JUNE 2014 EXAM

In circular communication, the encoder becomes a decoder when there is
(A) noise
(B) audience
(C) criticality
D) feedback

Answer: (D)

Break-down in verbal communication is described as

(A) Short circuit
(B) Contradiction
(C) Unevenness
D)Entropy

Answer: (C)

The Telephone Model of Communication was first developed in the area of

(A) Technological theory
(B) Dispersion theory
(C) Minimal effects theory
D)Information theory

Answer: (D)

Based on DECEMBER 2013 EXAM

Users who use media for their own ends are identified as
(A) Passive audience
B) Active audience
(C) Positive audience
(D) Negative audience

Answer: (B)

Classroom communication can be described as

(A) Exploration
(B) Institutionalisation
(C) Unsignified
D) Discourse

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Answer: (D)

Ideological codes shape our collective

(A) Productions
B) Perceptions
(C) Consumptions
(D) Creations

In communication, myths but are have power

(A) uncultural.
(B) insignificant.
C) imprecise.
(D) unpreferred

Answer: (C)

The first multi- lingual news agency of India was

(A) Samachar
(B) API
C) Hindustan Samachar
(D) Samachar Bharati

Answer: (C)

Organisational communication can also be equated with

(A) intra-personal communication.
(B) inter-personal communication.
C) group communication.
(D) mass communication.

Answer: (C)

Based on JUNE 2013 EXAM

In the process of Communication, which one Of the following is in the chronological
order ?
(A) Communication, Medium, Receiver, Effect, Message
(B) Medium, Communicator, Message, Receiver, Effect
C) Communicator, Message, Medium, Receiver, Effect
(D) Message, Communicator, Medium, Receiver, Effect

Answer: (C)

Communication via New media such as computers, teleshopping, internet and mobile
telephony is termed as
(A) Entertainment

10/22
B) Interactive Communication
(C) Development Communication
(D) Communitarian

Answer: (B)

Classroom communication of a teacher rest on the principle of

(A) Infotainment
B) Edutainment
(C) Entertainment
(D) Enlightenment

Answer: (B)

________ is important when a teacher communicates with his / her student

(A) Sympathy
B) Empathy
(C) Apathy
(D) Antipathy

Answer: (B)

Based on DECEMBER 2012 EXAM

Classroom communication must be
(A) Teacher centric
B) Student centric
(C) General centric
(D) Textbook centric

Answer: (B)

The best method of teaching is to

(A) impart information
(B) ask students to read books
(C) suggest good reference material
D) initiate a discussion and participate in it

Interaction inside the classroom should generate

(A) Argument
(B) Information
C) Ideas
(D) Controversy

Answer: (C)

“Spare the rod and spoil the child”, gives the message that
(A) punishment in the class should be banned.

11/22
(B) corporal punishment is not acceptable.
C) undesirable behaviour must be punished.
(D) children should be beaten with rods.

Answer: (C)

The type of communication that the teacher has in the classroom, is termed as
(A) Interpersonal
(B) Mass communication
C) Group communication
(D) Face-to-face communication

Answer: (C)

Based on JUNE 2012 EXAM

Related Posts
MCQ ICT | Information and Communication Technology(ICT) |…

Study Material Notes UGC NET Communication Paper 1| New…

Prev Next 1 of 6
Video-Conferencing can be classified as one of the following types of communication
(A) Visual one way
(B) Audio-Visual one way
C) Audio-Visual two way
(D) Visual two way

Answer: (C)

MC National University of Journalism and Communication is located at

(A) Lucknow B) Bhopal (C) Chennai (D) Mumbai

Answer: (B)

All India Radio (A.I.R.) for broadcasting was named in the year
(A) 1926B) 1936(C) 1946 (D) 1956

In India for broadcasting TV programmes which system is followed?

(A) NTCS B) PAL(C) NTSE (D) SECAM

Answer: (B)

The term ‘DAVP’ stands for

(A) Directorate of Advertising & Vocal Publicity
(B) Division of Audio-Visual Publicity
(C) Department of Audio-Visual Publicity
D) Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity

12/22
Answer: (D)

The term “TRP” is associated with TV shows stands for

A) Total Rating Points
(B) Time Rating Points
(C) Thematic Rating Points
(D) Television Rating Points

Answer: (A)

Based on DECEMBER 2011 EXAM

Photo bleeding means
(A) Photo cropping
(B) Photo placement
(C) Photo cutting
D) Photo colour adjustment

Answer: (D)

While designing communication strategy feed-forward studies are conducted by

(A) Audience
B) Communicator
(C) Satellite
(D) Media

Answer: (B)

In which language the newspapers have highest circulation ?

(A) English B) Hindi(C) Bengali (D) Tamil

Aspect ratio of TV Screen is

A) 4 : 3(B) 3 : 4 (C) 2 : 3 (D) 2 : 4

Answer: (A)

Communication with oneself is known as

(A) Organisational Communication
(B) Grapewine Communication
(C) Interpersonal Communication
D) Intrapersonal Communication

Answer: (D)

The term ‘SITE’ stands for

(A) Satellite Indian Television Experiment
(B) Satellite International Television Experiment
C) Satellite Instructional Television Experiment
(D) Satellite Instructional Teachers Education
13/22
Answer: (C)

Based on JUNE 2011 EXAM

Public communication tends to occur within a more
(A) complex structure
(B) political structure
(C) convenient structure
D) formal structure

Answer: (D)

Transforming thoughts, ideas and messages into verbal and non-verbal signs is referred
to as
(A) channelisation
(B) mediation
C) encoding
(D) decoding

Effective communication needs a supportive

(A) economic environment
(B) political environment
C) social environment
(D) multi-cultural environment

Answer: (C)

A major barrier in the transmission of cognitive data in the process of communication is

an individual’s
(A) personality (B) expectation (C) social status D) coding ability

Answer: (D)

When communicated, institutionalized stereotypes become

(A) myths (B) reasons (C) experiences D) convictions

Answer: (D)

In mass communication, selective perception is dependent on the receiver’s

(A) competence (B) pre-disposition C) receptivity(D) ethnicity

Answer: (C)

Based on DECEMBER 2010 EXAM

Media that exist in an interconnected series of communication – points are referred to
as
A) Networked media

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(B) Connective media

(C) Nodal media

(D) Multimedia

Answer: (A)

The information function of mass communication is described as

(A) diffusion (B) publicity C) surveillance(D) diversion

Answer: (C)

An example of asynchronous medium is

(A) Radio (B) Television (C) Film D) Newspaper

Answer: (D)

In communication, connotative words are

(A) explicit (B) abstract (C) simple D) cultural

A message beneath a message is labelled as

(A) embedded text (B) internal text (C) inter-text D) sub-text

Answer: (D)

In analog mass communication, stories are

A) static(B) dynamic (C) interactive (D) exploratory

Answer: (A)

Based on JUNE 2010 EXAM

In communication, a major barrier to reception of messages is
A) audience attitude
(B) audience knowledge
(C) audience education
(D) audience income

Answer: (A)

Post-modernism is associated with

(A) newspapers
(B) magazines
(C) radio
D) television

Answer: (D)

Didactic communication is
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(A) intra-personal
B) inter-personal
(C) organisational
(D) relational

Answer: (B)

In communication, the language is

(A) the non-verbal code
(B) the verbal code
(C) the symbolic code
(D) the iconic code

Answer: (B)

Identify the correct sequence of the following :

(A) Source, channel, message, receiver
(B) Source, receiver, channel, message
(C) Source, message, receiver, channel
D) Source, message, channel, receiver

Answer: (D)

Based on DECEMBER 2009 EXAM

The chronological order of non-verbal communication is
A) Signs, symbols, codes, colours
(B) Symbols, codes, signs, colours
(C) Colours, signs, codes, symbols
(D) Codes, colours, symbols, signs

Answer: (A)

Which of the following statements is not connected with communication ?

(A) Medium is the message.
(B) The world is an electronic cocoon.
(C) Information is power.
D) Telepathy is technological.

Answer: (D)

Communication becomes circular when

A) the decoder becomes an encoder
(B) the feedback is absent
(C) the source is credible
(D) the channel is clear

Answer: (A)

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Based on JUNE 2009 Exam
Which one of the following Telephonic Conferencing with a radio link is very popular
throughout the world ?
(A) TPS (B) Telepresence
C) Video conference(D) Video teletext

Answer: (C)

Which is not 24 hours news channel ?

(A) NDTV24x7 (B) ZEE News
(C) Aajtak D) Lok Sabha channel

The main objective of F.M. station in radio is :

(A) Information, Entertainment and Tourism
B) Entertainment, Information and Interaction
(C) Tourism, Interaction and Entertainment
(D) Entertainment only

In communication chatting in internet is :

(A) Verbal communication (B) Non verbal communication
C) Parallel communication (D) Grapevine communication

Answer: (C)

Based on DECEMBER 2008 EXAM

Community Radio is a type of radio service that caters to the interest of :
A) Local audience (B) Education
(C) Entertainment (D) News

Answer: (A)

Orcut is a part of:

(A) Intra personal Communication
(B) Mass Communication
(C) Group Communication
D) Interpersonal Communication

Answer: (D)

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below :
List-I List – II
(Artists) (Art)
(a) Amrita Shergill (i) Flute
(b) T. Swaminathan Pillai (ii) Classical Song
(c) Bhimsenjoshi (iii) Painting
(d) Padma Subramaniyam (iv) Bharat Natyam
Codes :
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(a) (b) (c) (d)
A) (iii) (i) (ii) (iv)
(B) (ii) (iii) (i) (iv)
(C) (iv) (ii) (iii) (i)
(D) (i) (iv) (ii) (iii)

Answer: (A)

Which is not correct in latest communication award ?

(A) Salman Rushdie – Booker’s Prize – July 20, 2008
(B) Dilip Sanghavi – Business Standard CEO Award July 22, 2008
(C) Tapan Sinha – Dada Saheb Falke Award, July 21, 2008
D) Gautam Ghosh – Osians Lifetime Achievement Award July 11, 2008

Answer: (D)

Based on JUNE 2008 EXAM

Communication with oneself is known as :
(A) Group communication
(B) Grapevine communication
(C) Interpersonal communication
D) Intrapersonal communication

Answer: (D)

Which broadcasting system for TV is followed in India ?

(A) NTSE B) PAL
(C) SECAM (D) NTCS

Answer: (B)

All India Radio before 1936 was known as :

(A) Indian Radio Broadcasting
(B) Broadcasting Service of India
C) Indian Broadcasting Service
(D) All India Broadcasting Service

Answer: (C)

The biggest news agency of India is :

A) PTI (B) UNI
Answer: (A)
(C) NANAP (D) Samachar Bharati

Prasar Bharati was launched in the year :

(A) 1995 B) 1997 (C) 1999 (D) 2001

Answer: (B)
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Based on DECEMBER 2007 Exam
The first Indian Satellite for serving the educational sector is known as :
(A) SATEDU (B) INSAT – B
C) EDUSAT(D) INSAT-C

Answer: (C)

Exclusive educational channel of IGNOU is known as :

A) GyanDarshan (B) Cyan Vani
(C) DoorDarshan (D) Prasar Bharati

Answer: (A)

The head quarter of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya is situated

in:
(A) Sevagram (B) New Delhi
C) Wardha (D) Ahmedabad

Answer: (C)

Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer using the codes given below :
List-I List-II
(Institutes) (Locations)
(a) Central Institute of English (i) Chitrakoot and Foreign
Languages
(b) Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya (ii) Hyderabad
(c) Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (iii) New Delhi
(d) IGNOU (iv) Dharmasala
Codes :
(a) (b) (c) (d)
A) (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
(B) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
(C) (iii) (iv) (i) (ii)
(D) (i) (ii) (iv) (iii)

Answer: (A)

The aim of vocationalization of education is :

(A) preparing students for a vocation along with knowledge
(B) converting liberal education into vocational education
(C) giving more importance to vocational than general education
D) making liberal education job-oriented

Answer: (D)

Based on JUNE 2007 Exam

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Press Council of India is located at :
(A) Chennai (B) Mumbai
(C) Kolkata D) Delhi

Answer: (D)

Adjusting the photo for publication by cutting is technically known as :

(A) Photo cutting (B) Photo bleeding
C) Photo cropping (D) Photo adjustment

Answer: (C)

Feed-back of a message comes from:

(A) Satellite (B) Media
C) Audience (D) Communicator

Answer: (C)

Collection of information in advance before designing communication strategy is known

as:
(A) Feed-back (B) Feed-forward
(C) Research study D) Opinion poll

Answer: (D)

The aspect ratio of TV screen is:

A) 4:3 (B) 4:2
(C) 3:5 (D) 2:3

Answer: (A)

Based on DECEMBER 2006 Exam

Which one of the following can be termed as verbal communication?
(A) Prof. Sharma delivered the lecture in the class room.
(B) Signal at the cross-road changed from green to orange.
(C) The child was crying to attract the attention of the mother.
(D) Dipak wrote a letter for leave application.

Answer: (A)

Which is the 24 hours English Business news channel in India ?

(A) Zee News (B) NDTV 24×7
C) CNBC (D) India News

Answer: (C)

Consider the following statements in communication :

(i) Hema Malini is the Chairperson of the Children’s Film Society, India.
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(ii) Yash Chopra is the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification of India.
(iii) Sharmila Tagore is the Chairperson of National Film Development Corporation.
(iv) Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Preeti Zinta have all been recipients of Dada Saheb
Phalke Award.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(A) (i) and (iii) (B) (ii) and (iii) (C) (iv) only (D) (iii) only

Which of the following pair is not correctly matched ?

(A) N. Ram : The Hindu
B) Barkha Dutt : Zee News
(C) Pranay Roy : NDTV 24×7
(D) Prabhu Chawla : Aaj taak

Answer: (B)

“Because you deserve to know” is the punchline used by :

(A) The Times of India (B) The Hindu
(C) Indian Express D) Hindustan Times

Based on JUNE 2006 Exam

The function of mass communication of supplying information regarding the processes,
issues, events and societal developments is known as :
A) content supply(B) surveillance
(C) gratification (D) correlation

The science of the study of feedback systems in humans, animals and machines is
known as:
A) cybernetics(B) reverse communication
(C) selectivity study (D) response analysis

Answer: (A)

Networked media exist in inter-connected:

(A) social environments
(B) economic environments
(C) political environments
D) technological environments

Answer: (D)

The combination of computing, telecommunications and media in a digital atmosphere

is referred to as:
(A) online communication (B) integrated media
(C) digital combine D) convergence

Answer: (D)

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A dialogue between a human-being and a computer programme that occurs
simultaneously in various forms is described as:
(A) man-machine speak (B) binary chat
(C) digital talk D) interactivity

Answer: (D)

This comprehensive MCQ is specially developed for the candidates of CBSE UGC NET
2017 Exam (For Compulsory Paper-I) Teaching and Research Aptitude for the purpose
of practice of questions based on the pattern of the examination. please feel free to
reach us incase you need more info or comment to highlight any issues with above
question set.

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Mass-Media and Society | New Topic Based on Latest
Syllabus
ugcnetpaper1.com/mass-media-and-society/

April 10, 2020

In this blog post; I will cover the details of Mass-Media and Society, in general, we talk
about details on ‘How media Influence us’, ‘importance of Mass Communication’ and
”features of different media of Mass Communication”

UGC NET Study materiel on Communication Topics for NET Exam has
been covered entirely based on topics provided in the syllabus. In the 5
Parts series which can be referred using below, the first four parts contain
important short study notes useful for your paper 1 preparation while the
5th part contains solved question papers of last almost 12 years MCQ
Question.

Please sequentially go through them to understand them in better ways.

Unit-IV Communication(Based on Latest UGC NET Syllabus)

Introduction
Media is the reflection of our society and it depicts what and how society works. Media,
either it is printed, electronic or the web is the only medium, which helps in making
people informed. It also helps in entertaining the public, educate and make people
aware of the current happenings.

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There are different media involved in the process of mass communication. They reach
every corner of the world and are very powerful. They invade even the privacy of our
bedrooms. They inform, educate, entertain and persuade. They also help in the
transmission of culture and perform the job of surveillance of society.

They are the mass media. The major functions of mass communication are that it
informs, enriches, educates and entertains.

Social media is becoming one of the most popular and most accessed media of
communication these days. Social media has brought different people from the different
geographical area on one platform on which they can share their feeling, ideas,
emotions, information and much more.

With the advancement of science and technology, the world has come close to each
other. Today people don’t have to wait for the dissemination process but the condition is
such that every social media user has become a source of information on their own.

The daily news and views to which the social media user comes across to cover a wide
range of topics. These topics or subjects are related to the happenings of our
surrounding. People can like, show emotions through the list of emoticons or even
comment accordingly.

The social media act as an umbrella that constitutes a variety of interesting features that
have our life very easier. Features of tagging friends, location sharing, photo and video
uploads, message chatting, video calling, searching friends etc have made our life more
engaging.

Objective :
To understand the meaning of Mass Communication
To discuss the elements involved in Mass Communication
To study the importance of Mass Communication
To study the features of different media of Mass Communication
To know the need for Mass communication

What is Mass Communication & mass media

Outside the realm of interpersonal communication exists another form of
communication, which involves communication with mass audiences and
hence the name mass communication; and the channels through which this
kind of communication takes place are referred to as mass media.

Mass communication is the term used to describe the academic study of various means
by which individuals and entities relay information to large segments of the population
all at once through mass media.

Both mass communication and mass media are generally considered synonymous for
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the sake of convenience. The media through which messages are being transmitted
include radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, films, records, tape recorders, video cassette
recorders, internet, etc. and require large organizations and electronic devices to put
across the message.
Mass communication can also be defined as ‘ a process whereby mass-
produced messages are transmitted to large, anonymous and
heterogeneous masses of receivers’. By ‘mass-produced’ we mean putting
the content or message of mass communication in a form suitable to be
distributed to large masses of people.
‘Heterogeneous’ means that the individual members of the mass are from a
wide variety of classes of the society. ‘Anonymous’ means the individuals in the
mass do not know each other. The source or sender of the message in mass
communication does not know the individual members of the mass. Also, the
receivers in mass communication are physically separated from each other and
share no physical proximity.

What are the Elements & Characteristics of Mass communication

We require a sender, a message, a channel and a receiver for communication to occur.
Further, there is feedback, which is the response or reaction of the receiver, which
comes back to the sender through the same or some other channel. Another element,
which plays an important role in communication, is noise or the disturbances.

It is observed that the term mass communication must have at least five
aspects:

Large audience
Fairly undifferentiated audience composition
Some form of message reproduction
Rapid distribution and delivery
Low cost to the consumers

Characteristics of Mass communication:

Directs messages toward the relatively large, heterogeneous and anonymous

audience.
Messages are transmitted publicly no privacy.
Short duration message for immediate consumption
Feedback is indirect, non-existent or delayed
Cost per exposure per individual is minimum
Source belongs to organization or institutions
Mostly one way

Types of mass media

Mass media can be classified according to their physical form, the technology involved
and the nature of the communication process.
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The general classification on this basis is as follows:

Traditional Media- The traditional arts and folk arts combine several art forms like
dance, music, songs and theatre to attract audiences. The performances are
spontaneous and most often made on the spot.

Print Media- Print media served as the major means of communication reaching a
wide audience. Major forms of print media are :

Newspapers
Magazines and periodicals
Books

Electronic Media- The history of electronic media starts with the invention of
cinematography by Lumiere Brothers who conducted the premiere show of cinema in
1895. Later the radio was invented by Guglielmo Marconi. The first radio station was
set up in Pittsburg, New York and Chicago in the 1920s.

In short, the term electronic media mainly include Film, Radio & Television.

New Media/Social Media & Others- Internet and the World Wide Web opened up
several new avenues for mass communication which include e-mail, websites, podcasts,
e-books, blogging, social networking sites, Internet Protocol Television, Internet radio
and the like. These kinds of online and digital means of producing, transmitting and
receiving messages are called new media.

Social media has brought different people from the different geographical area on one
platform on which they can share their feeling, ideas, emotions, information and much
more.

Functions of mass media

In a society like ours, mass media have a responsible role to play in fostering
democracy, plurality and communal harmony through the functions listed below.

Information and education.

Socialization
Entertainment
Political awareness
Cultural transmission
Catalyst to development

After having a discussion on these ideal functions of mass media in any society, you will
be able to analyze how our mass media perform their function.

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Information and education.

Mass media carry a lot of information which are essential for our day to day life. We get
examination results, weather forecasts, current affairs, traffic regulations, alerts,
precautions, government policies etc. from mass media. The core of the media’s
information function is performed by the media content called news. Good media try to
carry accurate, objective and complete information since biased or incomplete reports
will keep the audience away from the media.

News based contents like reports, features, photos, cartoons and editorials and now
news contents like advertisements educate people about the newest trends in their
surroundings. Mass media assist formal education system also, by publicizing
information on educational programmes, publishing special educational supplements
and inspiring society to acquire higher education.

Educational supplements published by various Malayalam newspapers, educational

television and radio channels are examples for educational services of mass media.

Vyas Channel of the Consortium of Educational Communication under the University

Grants Commission and Gyandarshan of Doordarshan are some of such efforts. The
Gyanvani is an educational radio channel of Indira Gandhi National Open University
(IGNOU).

Entertainment

We all need the entertainment to break the monotony of our hectic, stressful life and
divert our attention from the troubles and tensions. All media have entertainment
content. Newspapers publish cartoons, comics, puzzles and special weekend
supplements. The lion’s share of magazine content such as short stories, novels, satires
and comics are also intended to entertain the audience

Socialization

Socialization means empowering people to acquire norms and experiences of the group
as a whole, to maintain cultural consensus and communal harmony. It is through mass
media that we know the cultural and social norms of various groups in our society.

Based on this information, individuals honour others and behave according to the
common values and thus create an integrated society.

Political awareness

If you analyze the mass media, be it television or newspapers, most of their content,
especially news, is centred on politics in our society. We see our leaders criticize officials
and political leaders and advocate for better living conditions during panel discussions
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on television. Similarly, journalists expose corruption, show up developments, and
condemn or praise political activities considering their merits.

These actions of the media make our democracy vibrant. Thus mass media assume a
key role in setting the agenda for the entire political system and policymaking by
forming public opinion on various issues. This process is called an agenda-setting
function.

This function is as important as that of other estates of democracy – the legislature, the
bureaucracy and the judiciary. Thus the media is regarded as the Fourth Estate
of Democracy.

Cultural transmission

Mass media are the bridge between our past and present. They report day to day affairs
which will become the history of tomorrow. The best records of modern history are
newspapers of yesteryears. We get our cultural tradition from history and we follow the
best of them. In keeping our culture flowing, the media play a vital role. It focuses on
the genuine aspects of our culture and points out the undesirable trends.

Catalyst to development

Mass media report problems faced by people in different walks of life and make the
administrators aware of them. Media also make people aware of their rights, the details
of government subsidies, development policies etc. They point out the merits and
demerits of certain projects. In short, the media support development either being the
advocates of government-sponsored development or critics of development projects
which needs to be amended.

This development-oriented function of media is termed as Development

Communication. Development Communication has been recognized as a specialized
area in communication studies and research.

Importance of Mass media

-The pervasiveness of Mass Media
-Mass Communication Informs
-Mass Media Entertains
-Mass Communication Persuades
-Mass Communication Binds

The mass media have an important role in a modern democratic society as the main
channel of communication.

The population relies on the news media as the main source of information and the
basis on which they form their opinions and voting decisions. Any selection of messages
in the mass media will thus have a profound effect on the entire society.

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Competition has become increasingly keen in the area of the mass media as they keep
fighting for the attention of the readers, listeners, and TV-viewers.

The life and death of each newspaper and TV station are at stake here when the income
from advertising and sponsoring is proportional to the number of readers or viewers.

The printed media have problems competing with electronic media as sources of news.
To survive, they are increasingly turning to other strategies such as entertainment,
titillation, scandal-mongering, and spreading fear and spending fewer resources on
serious researching of news.

This is not only about the survival of the fittest of the news media; it is also about the
cultural selection and political selection.

How mass-media Influence us

The degree of influence depends on the availability and pervasiveness of
media. traditional mass media still have great influence over our lives. Books once were
supremely influential because they came first before newspapers, magazines, radio or
television.

Newspapers and magazines became great influences after they were developed. Sound
recordings and film were and still are influential. Radio and then television was very
influential. As the 20th century closed, TV exposed us to untold numbers of images of
advertising and marketing, suffering and relief, sexuality and violence, celebrity, and
much more.

New and influential media-distribution channels have appeared in the 21st century.
Delivered via the World Wide Web across the Internet, we are influenced daily by blogs,
wikis, social networks, virtual worlds and myriad forms of content sharing.

We have put our trust on the media as an authority to give us news, entertainment and
education. However, the influence of mass media on our kids, teenagers and society is
so big that we should know how it works.

The media makes billions of dollars with the advertising they sell and that we are
exposed to, every single moment. We buy what we are told to buy by the media.

After seeing thousands of advertising’s we make our buying decisions based on what we
saw on tv, newspapers or magazines. These are the effects of mass media especially in
teenagers, they buy what they see on tv, what their favourite celebrity advertise and
what is acceptable by society based on the fashion that the media has imposed on them.

Let us sum up
In this blog, you have learnt that mass media is an inevitable part of our society. Mass
media is all around us in the form of newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television,
film and new media. Their characteristics, functions and convergence are also dealt
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with in detail. They give us a lot of information, educate the masses, entertain our
society through various means and also set some social agenda. Mass media are an
essential entity for a democratic political system.

They are also an effective tool for creating public opinion and support public demands.
Mass media reveal the social realities before their audience. They help in transmitting
culture from one generation to another. We also discussed the need for every citizen to
be media literate to use media in a sophisticated and responsible manner.

FURTHER READING/References
Mass Communication & Development Dr Baldev Raj Gupta
Mass Communication in India Keval J Kumar
Mass Communication Journalism in India D S Mehta
4.Mass Communication Theory Denis Mc Quail

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