‘What is meant by noise in the message? Select an answer: errors or problems ambiguity or imprecision flamboyance or extravagance encryption or coding’
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: errors or problems
Explanation
In communication theory, “noise” refers to any interference that disrupts or distorts the transmission or interpretation of a message between a sender and a receiver. The correct answer is “errors or problems”, because noise represents obstacles that hinder effective communication.
The concept of noise originates from the Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication, one of the most influential models in communication theory. In this model, noise is any factor that prevents the message from being received accurately as intended. This interference can occur at any stage of the communication process—during encoding, transmission, or decoding.
There are several types of noise:
- Physical noise: External distractions such as loud sounds, poor signal reception, or illegible handwriting.
- Physiological noise: Issues within the sender or receiver, such as fatigue, hearing loss, or illness.
- Psychological noise: Mental interference such as stress, bias, or emotional state that affects interpretation.
- Semantic noise: Misunderstanding due to language barriers, jargon, or ambiguous wording.
For example, if a teacher explains a concept in a noisy classroom, the physical noise may prevent students from hearing the message clearly. Alternatively, if a speaker uses technical jargon unfamiliar to the audience, semantic noise can lead to misinterpretation.
Noise can lead to errors, confusion, or loss of meaning, making it harder for the message to be correctly understood. This is why reducing or managing noise is essential for effective communication—whether through clarifying language, checking understanding, or improving the transmission environment.
Other options like “ambiguity or imprecision,” “flamboyance or extravagance,” and “encryption or coding” do not capture the core meaning of “noise” in communication. While ambiguity can cause confusion, it is considered a feature of the message itself, not an external interference like noise.
