UGC NET Paper 1

UNIT IV — COMMUNICATION
Complete Study Notes with Models, Barriers,
Mass Media & Previous Year Questions

Syllabus-aligned | 20+ Years of PYQs | Expected Questions

UGC NET Paper 1 — Unit IV Syllabus Topics:

1. Communication: Meaning, types and characteristics
2. Effective communication: Verbal & Non-verbal, Inter-Cultural and group communications,
Classroom communication
3. Barriers to effective communication
4. Mass Media and Society
 1. MEANING, DEFINITION & CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMMUNICATION
The word Communication is derived from the Latin noun communis and the Latin verb communicare,
which means 'to make common', 'to share', or 'to participate'. It is NOT merely sending messages — it
implies shared meaning between sender and receiver.

1.1 Key Definitions by Scholars

Scholar / Source Definition

Oxford Dictionary The transfer or conveying of meaning from one person to another.

Claude Shannon One mind effecting another. (Information Theory origin)

L.A. Richards Exchange of meaning between individuals through a common system of symbols.

Wilbur Schramm The mechanism through which you mend relations exist and develop.

Aristotle The search for all available means of persuasion.

Charles Cooley The mechanism through which human relations exist and develop.

Keith Davis The process of passing information and understanding from one person to another.

Murphy & Hildebrandt A process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non-verbal messages.

■ Exam Tip: Questions frequently ask about the ORIGIN of the word communication (Latin:
communis/communicare) and WHO defined what. Learn at least Shannon, Schramm and Aristotle definitions.

1.2 Characteristics / Nature of Communication

Dynamic process: Communication is not static; it is ever-changing, continuous and fluid.
Two-way process: Involves both sender and receiver; feedback makes it complete.
Circular process: Communication is cyclical — after receiving, the receiver becomes sender.
Involves exchange of ideas: It is always about sharing meaning, facts, opinions, emotions.
Contextual: Every communication event is influenced by context (physical, social, cultural, temporal).
Purposive: Communication is goal-oriented — to inform, persuade, entertain, or command.
Irreversible: Once communicated, a message cannot be uncommunicated.
Universal: Every human communicates; it transcends barriers of culture and geography.
Pervasive: Communication happens at all levels of human activity.

1.3 Types of Communication — Master Summary Table

Basis Types Key Features

Direction / Level Intrapersonal Within self (self-talk)

Interpersonal Between 2 persons
Group 3 or more persons
Mass One source → large audience
Transpersonal Conversing with spirits/ancestors
 Channel Verbal Spoken / oral words
Non-verbal Body language, gestures, silence
Written Letters, memos, emails
Visual Images, signs, diagrams

Direction (org) Downward Superior → subordinate

Upward Subordinate → superior
Horizontal Peers / same level
Diagonal Cross-departmental

Formality Formal Follows official channels; orderly

Informal (Grapevine) Spreads quickly; unofficial; also called 'grapevine'

Mode Linear One-way (telephone)

Circular Feedback-based loop
Interactive Real-time two-way

■ Exam Tip: 'Transpersonal communication' = conversing with spirits/ancestors [2012-December PYQ].

Telephone = linear/one-way communication [2013-September PYQ]. Grapevine = informal communication
[2015-June PYQ].

1.4 Levels / Contexts of Communication

Level Description Example

Intrapersonal Communication with oneself; inner dialogue Planning, self-talk, dreaming

Interpersonal Face-to-face between two or more people Conversation, interview

Group Within a defined group (3–20 persons) Committee meeting, seminar

Public / Mass One source to a large, diverse audience TV broadcast, newspaper

Organisational Within or across organisations Company memo, press release

Intercultural Across different cultural backgrounds Diplomatic talks, global media

1.5 Goals / Functions of Communication

• To inform: sharing knowledge and facts
• To persuade: influencing attitudes or behaviour
• To entertain: providing enjoyment or diversion
• To control / regulate: managing behaviour (rules, commands)
• To create good relations and organisational goodwill
• To elicit receiver's response: provoking a reaction

■ Exam Tip: The information function of mass communication is called 'surveillance' [2010-Dec PYQ].
Communication has four primary functions: Surveillance, Correlation, Cultural Transmission, Entertainment
(Lasswell/Wright).
 2. MODELS OF COMMUNICATION
A communication model is a theoretical representation of the communication process — it maps out who
says what, through which channel, to whom, and with what effect. Models help us understand, test, and
improve communication. They have evolved from simple linear models to complex interactive ones.

2.1 Aristotle's Model of Communication (5th Century BC)

The oldest model of communication. Proposed by Greek philosopher Aristotle. Focusses on public
speaking / rhetoric and how to persuade an audience.

Components: Speaker → Speech → Occasion → Audience → Effect

Component Role

Speaker (Ethos) The communicator / source — credibility matters most

Speech The message/content being delivered

Occasion The context / setting of delivery

Audience The receivers

Effect The response or outcome

Limitation: One-way / linear model. No feedback mechanism. Speaker-centric.

2.2 Shannon-Weaver Model (1949) — The Mathematical / Telephone Model

Proposed by Claude Shannon (mathematician at Bell Labs) and Warren Weaver. Originally developed for
telecommunication / telephone systems, later applied to human communication. This is the most
exam-frequently tested model.

Flow: Information Source → Transmitter (Encoder) → Channel → Receiver (Decoder) → Destination

Element Meaning Real-world Example

Information Source Originator of the message Human brain / speaker

Transmitter / Encoder Converts message into signals Mouth / microphone / telephone

Channel Medium of transmission Wire / air waves / radio

Noise Any interference distorting signal Static, semantic confusion, distraction

Receiver / Decoder Reconstructs the message Ear / telephone earpiece

Destination The target person/system Listener / reader

Key concepts introduced:

• Entropy — degree of uncertainty/randomness in a message. Higher entropy = more information
potential. Break-down in verbal communication described as 'entropy' [2014-June PYQ].
• Redundancy — repetition to overcome noise.
• Noise — anything that distorts the original message (physical, semantic, psychological).
• Signal-to-noise ratio — higher ratio = better communication.
 Limitations: Linear; no feedback; treats communication mechanistically; ignores social context.

■ Exam Tip: The Telephone Model was first developed in the area of INFORMATION THEORY [2014-June
PYQ]. Break-down in verbal communication is described as ENTROPY [2014-June PYQ]. In circular
communication, the encoder becomes decoder when there is FEEDBACK [2014-June PYQ].

2.3 Lasswell's Model (1948) — The Political Communication Model

Proposed by Harold D. Lasswell, a political scientist. Designed to analyze mass communication and
propaganda. A verbal model expressed as a question chain.

Question Communication Element Study Focus

WHO? Communicator / Source Control Analysis

Says WHAT? Message / Content Content Analysis

In which CHANNEL? Medium Media Analysis

To WHOM? Audience / Receiver Audience Analysis

With what EFFECT? Response / Impact Effect Analysis

Functions of Mass Communication (Lasswell):

• Surveillance of the environment
• Correlation of parts of society
• Transmission of cultural heritage
Charles Wright later added a 4th function: Entertainment.

Limitation: One-way; no feedback; ignores noise; overly sender-centric.

2.4 Wilbur Schramm's Models (1954)

Wilbur Schramm developed three progressive models. He introduced the concept of Field of Experience
— communication is effective only when sender and receiver share common experiences/contexts.

Model 1 — Linear (like Shannon-Weaver): Source → Encoder → Message → Decoder → Destination.

Added the idea that encoding/decoding is done by humans.
Model 2 — With Field of Experience: Effective communication happens in the OVERLAPPING area of
sender's and receiver's field of experience. No overlap = no communication. Introduced semantic noise.
Model 3 — Circular / Interactive: Communication is a circular, continuous loop. Both parties are
simultaneously sender and receiver. Introduced FEEDBACK as integral. This model explains
interpersonal communication best.

■ Exam Tip: Schramm's key contribution: 'Field of Experience' and circular model. In circular communication,
encoder becomes decoder when there is FEEDBACK.

2.5 Berlo's SMCR Model (1960) — Source-Message-Channel-Receiver

Proposed by David Berlo. The most detailed linear model, focusing on factors influencing each
component rather than just labelling the components. Emphasises that communication is not just
transmission — effectiveness depends on characteristics of each element.
 Component Factors Influencing It

S — Source Communication skills, Attitude, Knowledge, Social system, Culture

M — Message Content, Elements, Treatment, Structure, Code

C — Channel Seeing, Hearing, Touching, Smelling, Tasting (the 5 senses)

R — Receiver Communication skills, Attitude, Knowledge, Social system, Culture (same as Source)

Limitation: No feedback, no noise concept; ignores environment.

2.6 Osgood-Schramm Circular Model (1954)

A collaborative model by Charles Osgood and Wilbur Schramm. Both communicators are equal
participants — each encodes, interprets, and decodes. The communication cycle is circular and
continuous. Best suited for interpersonal, face-to-face communication.

Key difference from linear models: No distinction between sender and receiver — roles interchange
constantly.

2.7 Westley-MacLean Model (1957) — Mass Communication Model

Proposed by Bruce Westley and Malcolm MacLean. Specifically designed for mass media
communication. Introduced the concept of a gatekeeper — an editor, journalist, or intermediary who
selects and filters messages before they reach the audience. The gatekeeper (Channel C) is the key
innovation.

Flow: Communicator (A) → Gatekeeper/Channel (C) → Receiver (B). Feedback goes from B to C and from
C to A.

2.8 Dance's Helical / Spiral Model (1967)

Proposed by Frank E.X. Dance. Communication is compared to a helix (spiral) — it starts simple and grows
more complex as it progresses. Captures the developmental nature of communication: each new
communication builds on the past. Unlike circular models, it does not return to the exact same point — it
moves forward and upward.

2.9 Transactional Model (Barnlund, 1970)

Proposed by Dean Barnlund. The most comprehensive contemporary model. Communication is viewed as a
simultaneous, dynamic transaction — all parties send and receive at the same time. Accounts for
context, noise, and multiple simultaneous cues. Both communicators are simultaneously sender-receiver
(sendreceiver).

Three types of noise recognised:

• External noise (physical distractions)
• Internal/Physiological noise (hunger, pain)
• Semantic noise (different word meanings)

2.10 Models Comparison — At a Glance

Model Year Type Key Innovation Feedback?

Aristotle 5th C BC Linear Speaker-Speech-Audience-Effect No

Lasswell 1948 Linear Who-Says What-Channel-Whom-Effect No

Shannon-Weaver 1949 Linear Noise introduced; info theory No

Schramm (I) 1954 Linear Encoding/decoding by humans No

Schramm (II) 1954 Interactive Field of Experience Partial

Osgood-Schramm 1954 Circular Equal roles, circular loop Yes

Berlo SMCR 1960 Linear Factors within each element No

Westley-MacLean 1957 Mass comm Gatekeeper concept Yes

Dance Helical 1967 Spiral Developmental growth of comm Yes

Barnlund Transact. 1970 Transactional Simultaneous sending/receiving Yes

■ Exam Tip: Frequently tested: Shannon-Weaver = telephone/information theory; Aristotle = oldest model;
Dance = spiral/helical; Westley-MacLean = gatekeeper; Barnlund = transactional.
 3. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
3.1 Verbal Communication
Verbal communication uses spoken or written words. In classroom communication, language carries three
primary things: Power, Structure, and Tradition [2016-July PYQ]. In communication, the language used is
the verbal code [2015-June PYQ].

Forms of Verbal/Oral Communication:

• Intrapersonal: Self-talk, thinking, reflection
• Interpersonal: Face-to-face conversation, telephone
• Small group: Seminars, panel discussions, brainstorming
• Public speaking: Lectures, debates, speeches
• Mass communication: Radio, TV, press

Para Language — Aspects of voice OTHER than speech include:

• Tone and pitch
• Speed and pace
• Volume and intensity
• Pauses and rhythm
• Accent and articulation
PYQ: Aspects of the voice, other than speech, are known as PARA LANGUAGE [2015-December].

3.2 Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication involves all communication that does not use words — body language, gestures,
expressions, space, time, and appearance. Attitudes, actions and appearances in classroom context are
NON-VERBAL [2015-Dec PYQ].

Type Definition Examples

Kinesics Study of body movements, postures, and

Nodding,
gestures
waving, posture

Proxemics Study of personal space and distance (Edward

Intimate Hall)
(0-18"), Personal (1.5-4ft), Social (4-12ft), Public (>12ft)

Chronemics Use of time as communication Being on time, pausing for effect

Haptics Communication through touch Handshake, pat on back

Oculesics Communication through eye contact Staring, avoiding gaze, winking

Paralanguage Vocal qualities (non-word sounds) Tone, pitch, speed, volume, pauses

Appearance Dress, grooming, physical features Uniform, formal attire

Facial Expression Face conveys emotions Smile, frown, raised eyebrow

Vocalics Voice characteristics (same as paralanguage)

Pitch, volume, rate, quality

Silence Deliberate absence of speech Moment of silence, dramatic pause

Advantages of Non-Verbal Communication:

• Reinforces verbal messages
 • Expresses emotions better than words
• Universal — some gestures transcend cultures
• Faster than verbal in some cases
Disadvantages of Non-Verbal Communication:
• Can be misinterpreted across cultures
• Context-dependent
• Cannot convey complex information alone

■ Exam Tip: Non-verbal components in classroom [2016-Aug PYQ]: Facial expression, kinesics and personal
space. Effective listening factors [2016-Aug]: Acknowledgement of thoughts, reflection, open-ended questions.

3.3 Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication refers to communication between people from different cultural backgrounds.
It requires awareness of cultural differences in verbal style, non-verbal cues, use of time, and value systems.

Barriers in Intercultural Communication:

• Ethnocentrism — judging others' cultures by your own standards
• Stereotyping — fixed beliefs about cultural groups
• Language barriers — different vocabulary, idioms
• Different non-verbal codes — same gesture, different meanings
• High-context vs Low-context cultures (Edward Hall)

High-context cultures (Japan, China, India): meaning embedded in context, relationships, non-verbal cues.
Low-context cultures (USA, Germany): explicit, direct verbal communication.

3.4 Group Communication

Group communication involves three or more people with a common purpose. Organisational
communication can be equated with group communication [2013-Dec PYQ].

• Requires shared leadership

• Roles are interdependent
• Decision-making may use consensus or voting
• More prone to groupthink and conflict than interpersonal comm

3.5 Classroom Communication

Classroom communication is typically utilitarian (goal/task-oriented) [2015-Dec PYQ] and primarily
cognitive in nature [2013-September PYQ]. It is primarily a discourse type of communication
[2013-December PYQ].

Elements a teacher controls directly:

The self, selected methods of communication, and the message [2016-Aug PYQ]. Teacher does NOT have
direct control over: audience noise, reception, feedback technology.

Key principles for classroom communicators:

• Adopt well-established posture [2016-July PYQ]
• Voice modulation is key [2016-July PYQ]
 • Use artful pauses [2016-August PYQ]
• Know audience emotions
• Words communicated in classroom carry: Power, structure, tradition [2016-July]
• Classroom communication rests on principle of Edutainment [2012-December PYQ]

7 C's of Effective Communication: Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Concreteness, Correctness,

Consideration, Courtesy.

■ Exam Tip: Choice of communication partners is influenced by: Proximity, utility, loneliness [2016-July]. Every
communicator must experience anticipatory excitement [2016-July].
 4. BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Barriers are obstacles that prevent effective communication — they may distort, delay, or prevent the
message from reaching the receiver with its intended meaning intact.

Type of Barrier Description Examples

Physical / Environmental External conditions that disrupt communication

Noise, poor lighting, distance, faulty equipment

Semantic / Language Differences in understanding words or symbols

Jargon, connotative vs denotative meaning, ambiguity

Psychological Mental/emotional interference Prejudice, fear, anxiety, closed mindedness

Cultural Different cultural backgrounds affect interpretation

Different non-verbal meanings, values, customs

Organisational Structural/hierarchical issues Too many levels, information overload, filtering

Perceptual Different perceptions of sender vs receiver

Stereotyping, selective attention, projection

Physiological Physical conditions of the communicator

Hearing impairment, speech defects, illness

Technological Issues with communication technology Network failure, digital divide, system errors

4.1 Semantic Barriers in Detail

Denotative vs Connotative words: Denotative = literal, dictionary meaning. Connotative words are
CULTURAL [2010-Dec PYQ]. A message beneath a message is labelled 'meta-communication'.
Labelling and stereotyping: Fixed labels distort understanding of individuals.
Filtering: Sender withholds part of the message. Common in upward communication.
Information overload: Too much information causes poor processing.
Entropy: Breakdown in verbal communication; concept from Shannon-Weaver [2014-June].

4.2 Barriers in Organisational Communication (12 by Lesikar)

1. Physical distance between communicators
2. Status differences (hierarchical barriers)
3. Semantic problems (language differences)
4. Cultural differences
5. Information overload
6. Lack of feedback
7. Perceptual differences
8. Filtering of information
9. Poor listening skills
10. Emotional factors (fear, prejudice)
11. Technological failures
12. Environmental noise

4.3 Barriers Specifically in Classroom Communication

Internal and external factors that affect message reception by students in classroom are referred to as noise
[2016-August PYQ].
• Physical noise (classroom acoustics, seating arrangement)
• Moralising, being judgemental, and comments of consolation = barriers to effective communication [PYQ
Answer]
• Psychological barriers (student anxiety, prejudice)
• Teacher's poor communication skills
• Speed of utterance and acoustics

■ Exam Tip: What is NOT a barrier to effective communication? Eye contact, personal statements, simple
narration [PYQ]. A major barrier in cognitive data transmission is an individual's CODING ABILITY [2011-June
PYQ].
 5. MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY
Mass communication involves a single source transmitting information to a large number of receivers
simultaneously [2014-Dec PYQ]. Mass media are the channels through which this happens.

5.1 Classification of Mass Media

Category Examples Key Feature

Print Media Newspapers, magazines, books, journals

Asynchronous; permanent record

Electronic/Broadcast Radio, Television, Satellite TV Synchronous; wide reach

Digital/New Media Internet, social media, podcasts Interactive, personalised

Outdoor / OOH Billboards, hoardings, transit ads Local; high visibility

Film Cinema / movies Entertainment + social influence

Asynchronous medium examples: Newspaper [2010-Dec PYQ]. Audio-Visual two-way:

Video-conferencing [2012-June PYQ]. Networked media: media in interconnected series of communication
points [2010-Dec PYQ].

5.2 Key Mass Media Terms

TRP: Television Rating Points — measures viewership of TV shows [2012-June PYQ]
DAVP: Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity — Govt of India ad agency [2012-June PYQ]
PAL: Phase Alternating Line — TV broadcasting system used in India [2012-June PYQ]
SITE: Satellite Instructional Television Experiment — India's 1970s satellite TV experiment [2011-Dec
PYQ]
AIR: All India Radio — started broadcasting in 1936 [2012-June PYQ]
Yellow Journalism: Sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers/viewers [2014-Dec PYQ]
Photo Bleeding: Photo colour adjustment/bleeding beyond margins [2011-Dec PYQ]
Grapevine: Informal communication network; fast but imprecise [2013-Dec PYQ]
Entropy: Breakdown/disorder in verbal communication [2014-June PYQ]
Active Audience: Users who use media for their own ends [2013-Dec PYQ]

5.3 Indian Mass Media Facts (Exam-Critical)

Fact Answer

First multi-lingual news agency in India Hindustan Samachar [2013-Dec PYQ]

Largest circulated daily newspaper The Times of India [2012-Dec PYQ]

Highest newspaper circulation language Hindi [2011-Dec PYQ]

TV aspect ratio in India 4:3 [2011-Dec PYQ]

TV broadcasting system in India PAL (Phase Alternating Line) [2012-June PYQ]

AIR started broadcasting 1936 [2012-June PYQ]

SITE project purpose Satellite Instructional Television Experiment for education [2011-Dec]
 MC National University of Journalism Located at Bhopal [2012-June PYQ]

Communication at international level Addressed by UNESCO [2013-Sep PYQ]

Pioneer of silent film in India Dada Sahib Phalke [2012-Dec PYQ]

Dada Sahib Phalke Award 2013 Gulzar [2014-June PYQ]

5.4 Media Theories

Theory Key Scholar(s) Core Idea

Agenda Setting Theory McCombs & Shaw (1972)

Media tells us WHAT to think about, not what to think.

Uses and Gratifications Theory Katz, Blumler & Gurevitch

Audiences actively choose media to satisfy specific needs.

Magic Bullet / Hypodermic Needle

Early 20th century Media has direct, immediate, powerful effect on passive audience.

Two-Step Flow Theory Media → Opinion Leaders → General Public. Challenged magic bullet.
Lazarsfeld & Katz (1955)

Cultivation Theory George Gerbner Long-term TV viewing cultivates distorted view of reality.

Spiral of Silence Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann

People hide minority views for fear of isolation.

Framing Theory Goffman / Entman How media presents info shapes perception. Referential framing [2013-Sep

Minimal Effects Theory Klapper (1960) Media has limited effects; interpersonal factors matter more.

■ Exam Tip: Telephone Model developed in INFORMATION THEORY area [2014-June]. Minimal effects theory
= Klapper. Referential framing connects audience with REALITY [2013-Sep PYQ].
 6. PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs) — 20+ Years
Questions are organised by year (newest first). Correct answers are marked with ✓. All questions are from
official UGC NET Paper 1 Communication unit.

Q1. [2016-August] Internal and external factors that affect message reception by students in the
classroom are referred to as:
A. Feedback
B. Fragmentation
C. Channelization
✓ D. Noise
Answer: D. Noise
Explanation: Any internal or external interference in classroom communication is 'noise'.

Q2. [2016-August] A teacher in a classroom has immediate control over:

✓ A. The self, selected methods of communication and the message.
B. The audience, the noise and the reception.
C. The feedback, the technology and the audience experience.
D. The communication channel, other communicators, and external factors.
Answer: A. The self, selected methods of communication and the message
Explanation: Teachers control their own communication style and content directly.

Q3. [2016-August] Figure out the components of non-verbal communication in a classroom:

A. Facial expression, cultural space and seating arrangement
B. Speed of utterance, feel good factor and acoustics
C. High sound, physical ambience and teacher-learner distance
✓ D. Facial expression, kinesics and personal space
Answer: D. Facial expression, kinesics and personal space
Explanation: These three are core non-verbal components.

Q4. [2016-July] The choice of communication partners is influenced by factors of:

✓ A. Proximity, utility, loneliness
B. Utility, secrecy, dissonance
C. Secrecy, dissonance, deception
D. Dissimilarity, dissonance, deviance
Answer: A. Proximity, utility, loneliness
Explanation: Classic social-psychological factors influencing partner choice.

Q5. [2016-July] In a classroom, words communicated carry:

A. Inspiration, controversy and introspection
B. Diversion, criticism and irrationality
C. Insipidity, irrationality and non-acceptance
✓ D. Power, structure and tradition
Answer: D. Power, structure and tradition
Explanation: Language in classroom carries sociological weight.
Q6. [2016-July] Identify the important element a teacher has to take cognizance of while
addressing students in a classroom:
A. Avoidance of proximity
✓ B. Voice modulation
C. Repetitive pause
D. Fixed posture
Answer: B. Voice modulation
Explanation: Voice modulation is essential for effective classroom delivery.
Q7. [2015-December] Aspects of the voice, other than the speech are known as:
A. Physical language
B. Personal language
✓ C. Para language
D. Delivery language
Answer: C. Para language
Explanation: Paralanguage = vocal qualities excluding words.

Q8. [2015-December] Every type of communication is affected by its:

A. Reception
B. Transmission
C. Non-regulation
✓ D. Context
Answer: D. Context
Explanation: Context shapes meaning and reception of all communication.

Q9. [2015-December] Attitudes, actions and appearances in the context of classroom

communication are considered as:
A. Verbal
✓ B. Non-verbal
C. Impersonal
D. Irrational
Answer: B. Non-verbal
Explanation: Actions and appearances = non-verbal cues.

Q10. [2015-December] Most often, the teacher-student communication is:

A. Spurious
B. Critical
✓ C. Utilitarian
D. Confrontational
Answer: C. Utilitarian
Explanation: Classroom communication is purpose/goal-oriented.

Q11. [2015-June] The term 'grapevine' is also known as:

A. Downward communication
✓ B. Informal communication
C. Upward communication
D. Horizontal communication
Answer: B. Informal communication
Explanation: Grapevine is the informal, unofficial communication network.

Q12. [2015-June] In communication, the language is:

✓ A. The verbal code
B. Intrapersonal
C. The symbolic code
D. The non-verbal code
Answer: A. The verbal code
Explanation: Language = verbal code of communication.
Q13. [2014-December] 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. Mass Communication
Explanation: One-to-many = mass communication.

Q14. [2014-June] 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. Information theory
Explanation: Shannon-Weaver was a Bell Labs information theory model.

Q15. [2014-June] Break-down in verbal communication is described as:

A. Short Circuit
B. Contradiction
C. Unevenness
✓ D. Entropy
Answer: D. Entropy
Explanation: Shannon-Weaver: entropy = disorder/breakdown in signal.

Q16. [2014-June] In circular communication, the encoder becomes a decoder when there is:
A. Noise
B. Audience
C. Criticality
✓ D. Feedback
Answer: D. Feedback
Explanation: In circular models, feedback reverses sender-receiver roles.

Q17. [2013-December] The first multi-lingual news agency of India was:

A. Samachar
B. API
✓ C. Hindustan Samachar
D. Samachar Bharati
Answer: C. Hindustan Samachar
Explanation: India's first multi-lingual news agency.

Q18. [2013-December] 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. Active audience
Explanation: Uses & Gratifications theory: active audiences choose media purposefully.
Q19. [2013-December] Organisational communication can be equated with:
A. Intra-personal communication
B. Inter personal communication
✓ C. Group communication
D. Mass communication
Answer: C. Group communication
Explanation: Organisational communication = group-level communication.

Q20. [2013-September] Telephone is an example of:

✓ A. Linear communication
B. Non-linear communication
C. Circular
D. Mechanised
Answer: A. Linear communication
Explanation: Telephone = one-way linear model (Shannon-Weaver).

Q21. [2013-September] Communication issues at the international level are addressed by:
A. ILO
B. ITU
C. UNDP
✓ D. UNESCO
Answer: D. UNESCO
Explanation: UNESCO handles global communication and press freedom issues.

Q22. [2013-September] Classroom communication is normally considered as:

A. Effective
B. Affective
✓ C. Cognitive
D. Non-selective
Answer: C. Cognitive
Explanation: Classroom communication is primarily knowledge/cognition-based.

Q23. [2012-December] The English word Communication is derived from the words:
✓ A. Communis and Communicare
B. Communist and Commune
C. Communism and Communalism
D. Communion and Common sense
Answer: A. Communis and Communicare
Explanation: Latin roots: communis (common) + communicare (to share).

Q24. [2012-December] Conversing with the spirits and ancestors is termed as:
✓ A. Transpersonal communication
B. Intrapersonal communication
C. Interpersonal communication
D. Face-to-face communication
Answer: A. Transpersonal communication
Explanation: Communication beyond normal human experience.
Q25. [2012-December] Classroom communication of a teacher rests on the principle of:
A. Infotainment
✓ B. Edutainment
C. Entertainment
D. Power equation
Answer: B. Edutainment
Explanation: Education + Entertainment = Edutainment.

Q26. [2012-June] 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. Audio-Visual two way
Explanation: Video-conferencing = bi-directional, audio + video.

Q27. [2011-December] Communication with oneself is known as:

A. Organisational Communication
B. Grapevine Communication
C. Interpersonal Communication
✓ D. Intrapersonal Communication
Answer: D. Intrapersonal Communication
Explanation: Self-talk / inner monologue = intrapersonal.

Q28. [2011-December] 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
Answer: C. Satellite Instructional Television Experiment
Explanation: India's 1975-76 satellite TV experiment for rural education.

Q29. [2011-June] 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. Coding ability
Explanation: If one cannot encode/decode properly, cognitive data transmission fails.

Q30. [2011-June] Transforming thoughts, ideas and messages into verbal and non-verbal signs is
referred to as:
✓ A. Channelisation
B. Mediation
 C. Encoding
D. Decoding
Answer: A. Channelisation
Explanation: Note: the correct textbook answer here is actually 'Encoding' — check your source. PYQ
answer key marks A (Channelisation).
Q31. [2010-December] The information function of mass communication is described as:
A. Diffusion
B. Publicity
✓ C. Surveillance
D. Diversion
Answer: C. Surveillance
Explanation: Lasswell's surveillance function = monitoring environment for information.

Q32. [2010-December] An example of asynchronous medium is:

A. Radio
B. Television
C. Film
✓ D. Newspaper
Answer: D. Newspaper
Explanation: Newspaper is consumed at the reader's own time = asynchronous.

Q33. [2010-December] In communication, connotative words are:

A. Explicit
B. Abstract
C. Simple
✓ D. Cultural
Answer: D. Cultural
Explanation: Connotative meaning is culturally derived, beyond literal definition.

Q34. [2010-December] Media that exist in an interconnected series of communication points are
referred to as:
✓ A. Networked media
B. Connective media
C. Nodal media
D. Multimedia
Answer: A. Networked media
Explanation: Interconnected media nodes = networked media.
 7. EXPECTED / PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR
UPCOMING UGC NET
Based on PYQ analysis, these are high-probability questions for upcoming exams. Answers are based on
standard UGC NET material.

QE1. [Expected] Which model of communication introduced the concept of a 'gatekeeper'?

A. Shannon-Weaver Model
B. Aristotle's Model
✓ C. Westley-MacLean Model
D. Berlo's SMCR Model
Answer: C. Westley-MacLean Model
Explanation: Westley and MacLean (1957) introduced gatekeeper as the intermediary editor/journalist.

QE2. [Expected] The Dance Helical model of communication compares communication to:
A. A circle
B. A linear chain
✓ C. A spiral/helix
D. A triangle
Answer: C. A spiral/helix
Explanation: Frank Dance (1967) used a helix/spiral to show developmental nature of communication.

QE3. [Expected] Which of the following is NOT a component of Berlo's SMCR model?
A. Source
B. Message
✓ C. Noise
D. Receiver
Answer: C. Noise
Explanation: Berlo's model has Source, Message, Channel, Receiver — but explicitly excludes noise.

QE4. [Expected] The concept of 'Field of Experience' in communication was introduced by:
A. David Berlo
B. Harold Lasswell
✓ C. Wilbur Schramm
D. Claude Shannon
Answer: C. Wilbur Schramm
Explanation: Schramm introduced overlapping fields of experience to explain effective communication.

QE5. [Expected] Proxemics, the study of personal space in communication, was conceptualised
by:
✓ A. Edward T. Hall
B. Albert Mehrabian
C. Ray Birdwhistell
D. Paul Ekman
Answer: A. Edward T. Hall
Explanation: Edward Hall coined proxemics and the 4 zones: intimate, personal, social, public.
QE6. [Expected] Which type of communication is characterised as 'one source to many receivers
simultaneously'?
A. Group communication
B. Interpersonal communication
✓ C. Mass communication
D. Intrapersonal communication
Answer: C. Mass communication
Explanation: One-to-many simultaneous transmission = mass communication.

QE7. [Expected] The Agenda Setting Theory of mass communication was propounded by:
A. Lazarsfeld and Katz
B. George Gerbner
✓ C. McCombs and Shaw
D. Wilbur Schramm
Answer: C. McCombs and Shaw
Explanation: McCombs & Shaw (1972) proposed media sets public agenda — WHAT to think about.

QE8. [Expected] Which of the following best describes 'entropy' in communication?

A. Repetition of message to reduce noise
✓ B. Breakdown or disorder in verbal communication
C. Encoding process of the sender
D. Feedback loop in circular communication
Answer: B. Breakdown or disorder in verbal communication
Explanation: Shannon-Weaver: entropy = disorder/unpredictability in communication signal.

QE9. [Expected] In Lasswell's model, the question 'With what effect?' corresponds to which type
of analysis?
A. Control analysis
B. Content analysis
C. Audience analysis
✓ D. Effect analysis
Answer: D. Effect analysis
Explanation: Each of Lasswell's 5 questions corresponds to a different analysis.

QE10. [Expected] Non-verbal communication that focuses on the use of time is called:
A. Kinesics
B. Proxemics
✓ C. Chronemics
D. Haptics
Answer: C. Chronemics
Explanation: Chronemics = study of time as a non-verbal communication element.
QE11. [Expected] The 7 C's of effective communication include all EXCEPT:
A. Clarity
B. Completeness
✓ C. Creativity
D. Conciseness
Answer: C. Creativity
Explanation: 7 C's: Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Concreteness, Correctness, Consideration,
Courtesy.

QE12. [Expected] Two-Step Flow theory of communication was given by:

A. McCombs and Shaw
B. George Gerbner
✓ C. Lazarsfeld and Katz
D. Denis McQuail
Answer: C. Lazarsfeld and Katz
Explanation: Two-step flow: Media → Opinion Leaders → Public. Challenges magic bullet.

QE13. [Expected] Which of the following is an example of downward communication in an

organisation?
A. Employees submitting grievances to HR
✓ B. Manager issuing work orders to subordinates
C. Two colleagues discussing a project
D. Cross-departmental task force meeting
Answer: B. Manager issuing work orders to subordinates
Explanation: Superior to subordinate = downward communication.

QE14. [Expected] Which communication model is best suited to explain interpersonal

face-to-face communication?
A. Lasswell's model
B. Shannon-Weaver model
✓ C. Osgood-Schramm circular model
D. Aristotle's model
Answer: C. Osgood-Schramm circular model
Explanation: Osgood-Schramm is designed for equal-participant interpersonal communication.

QE15. [Expected] What does 'yellow journalism' refer to?

A. Reporting on environmental issues
✓ B. Sensationalism and exaggeration in news reporting
C. News printed on yellow paper
D. Investigative journalism
Answer: B. Sensationalism and exaggeration in news reporting
Explanation: Yellow journalism = overhyped, sensational reporting to attract readers.
 8. QUICK REVISION MASTER SHEET
Key Fact Answer / Value

Word 'Communication' from Latin Communis + Communicare

Oldest communication model Aristotle's model (5th century BC)

Model first developed for telephone/information theory Shannon-Weaver (1949)

Who introduced 'noise' in communication models? Shannon-Weaver

Who introduced 'gatekeeper' concept? Westley-MacLean (1957)

Who introduced 'Field of Experience'? Wilbur Schramm (1954)

Spiral/helical model by? Frank Dance (1967)

Transactional model by? Dean Barnlund (1970)

Entropy in communication means? Breakdown/disorder in verbal communication

Telephone is example of? Linear communication

Grapevine is? Informal communication

Communication with self is? Intrapersonal communication

Conversing with spirits is? Transpersonal communication

Language is? The verbal code

Para language means? Vocal aspects other than words

Connotative words are? Cultural words (beyond literal meaning)

Non-verbal study of body movement? Kinesics (Ray Birdwhistell)

Non-verbal study of personal space? Proxemics (Edward Hall)

Non-verbal study of time? Chronemics

Non-verbal through touch? Haptics

Classroom comm is primarily? Cognitive / Utilitarian

Classroom comm principle? Edutainment

Asynchronous medium example? Newspaper

Audio-Visual two-way example? Video-conferencing

Mass comm information function? Surveillance (Lasswell)

SITE stands for? Satellite Instructional Television Experiment

DAVP stands for? Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity

TRP stands for? Television Rating Points

First multi-lingual news agency in India? Hindustan Samachar

Pioneer of silent film in India? Dada Sahib Phalke

TV broadcasting system in India? PAL (Phase Alternating Line)

AIR started in year? 1936

Largest circulated daily newspaper India? The Times of India

UNESCO handles? International communication issues

7 C's of communication? Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Concreteness, Correctness, Co

Agenda Setting Theory by? McCombs and Shaw (1972)

Two-Step Flow Theory by? Lazarsfeld and Katz

Cultivation Theory by? George Gerbner

Minimal Effects Theory by? Klapper (1960)