Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Barrier to communication) A. Semantic B. Cognitive C. Organisational D. Affective List-II (Example) 1. Lack of feedback 2. Misunderstanding the meaning of a word 3. Fear of social stigma 4. Information overload Code :
- (a) A - 3, B - 1, C - 4, D - 2
- (b) A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2
- (c) A - 2, B - 1, C - 4, D - 3
- (d) A - 2, B - 4, C - 1, D - 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• A. Semantic barriers concern the meaning of words: misunderstanding a word (2).
• B. Cognitive barriers concern the mind's capacity to process: information overload (4).
• C. Organisational barriers arise from structure and systems: lack of feedback (1).
• D. Affective barriers arise from emotions: fear of social stigma (3). A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3: (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) A - 3, B - 1, C - 4, D - 2
- Semantic barriers concern word meaning (A-2), not fear of stigma.
- (b) A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2
- Semantic barriers concern word meaning (A-2), and affective ones concern fear (D-3).
- (c) A - 2, B - 1, C - 4, D - 3
- Information overload is cognitive (B-4), and lack of feedback is organisational (C-1).
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.