UGC NET Comprehension and Communication Syllabus

What is 'feedback' in communication and why is it important?

Feedback is the receiver's response to the message; it completes the communication loop, confirms understanding, and lets the sender adjust the message.

What is 'noise' in the communication process?

Any interference or barrier that distorts, blocks, or disrupts the message between sender and receiver, reducing the fidelity of communication.

What is the 'channel' or 'medium' in communication?

The pathway or means through which the message travels from sender to receiver, e.g., air (speech), print, telephone, email, or mass media.

Who proposed the linear 'Shannon-Weaver model' of communication and what does it include?

Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver (1949); it includes source, transmitter (encoder), channel, receiver (decoder), destination, and introduces the concept of noise.

What is Lasswell's model of communication?

Harold Lasswell's (1948) linear verbal model: 'Who says What in Which channel to Whom with What effect'—corresponding to communicator, message, medium, receiver, and effect.

What are the components of Berlo's SMCR model of communication?

Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver—each influenced by factors like communication skills, attitudes, knowledge, social system, and culture (channel = five senses).

What is the key feature of Osgood-Schramm's model of communication?

It is a circular/interactive model where both parties act as encoder, interpreter, and decoder, emphasizing feedback and shared field of experience.

What is the main difference between linear and transactional models of communication?

Linear models view communication as a one-way flow (sender to receiver); transactional models view it as simultaneous, two-way exchange where both parties send and receive at once.

What is the 'field of experience' in Schramm's model?

The overlapping area of shared knowledge, background, and culture between sender and receiver; the more it overlaps, the more effective communication is.

What is verbal communication?

Communication using words—spoken (oral) or written language—to convey messages.

What is non-verbal communication?

Communication without words, conveyed through body language, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, tone, space, and appearance.

What is 'kinesics' in non-verbal communication?

The study of body movements, gestures, facial expressions, and posture as a means of communication.

What is 'proxemics' in non-verbal communication?

The study of the use of space and physical distance between communicators and how it affects communication.

What is 'paralanguage' (paralinguistics)?

The non-verbal vocal elements of speech—such as tone, pitch, volume, pace, pauses, and intonation—that accompany and modify spoken words.

What is 'chronemics' in communication?

The study of the role of time in communication, such as punctuality, waiting time, and the meaning attached to time.

What is intrapersonal communication?

Communication that occurs within an individual—self-talk, thinking, reflection, and internal processing of information.

What is interpersonal communication?

Direct, face-to-face communication between two or more people involving exchange of messages and immediate feedback.

What is group communication?

Communication among three or more people interacting to achieve a common goal, such as in committees, teams, or discussions.

What is mass communication?

The process of transmitting messages to large, diverse, and geographically dispersed audiences simultaneously through mass media.

What are the main types/levels of communication based on participants?

Intrapersonal (within self), interpersonal (between individuals), group (small groups), public, and mass communication (to large audiences).

Name the major forms of mass media.

Print (newspapers, magazines, books), broadcast (radio, television), film, and digital/new media (internet, social media).

How does mass communication differ from interpersonal communication?

Mass communication reaches a large, anonymous, dispersed audience with delayed/limited feedback via media; interpersonal is personal, between few people, with immediate feedback.

What is the role of feedback in mass communication compared to interpersonal communication?

In mass communication feedback is usually delayed, indirect, and limited; in interpersonal communication it is immediate and direct.

What is classroom communication?

The structured exchange of information between teacher and students (and among students) to facilitate teaching and learning, using verbal and non-verbal channels.

What makes classroom communication effective?

Clarity, two-way interaction/feedback, appropriate use of verbal and non-verbal cues, active listening, suitable language level, and a supportive, distraction-free environment.

What are 'barriers to communication'?

Obstacles or factors that distort, block, or prevent the accurate transmission and understanding of a message between sender and receiver.

Name the major types of communication barriers.

Physical, physiological, psychological/emotional, semantic/linguistic, cultural, organizational, mechanical/technical, and attitudinal barriers.

What are 'semantic barriers' to communication?

Barriers arising from language—differences in meaning, ambiguous words, jargon, poor vocabulary, or misinterpretation of symbols.

What are 'psychological barriers' to communication?

Mental and emotional obstacles such as prejudice, fear, distrust, emotions, perception differences, and lack of attention that distort communication.

How can barriers to effective communication be overcome?

Use clear and simple language, active listening, seek and give feedback, choose the right channel, be aware of non-verbal cues, reduce noise, and show empathy and cultural sensitivity.