Which of the following best describes the humanistic approach to cultural…

Concept

A humanistic view treats communication as a meaning-making activity carried out by thinking, interpreting persons. It therefore emphasizes perception, interpretation, experience, and the mental construction of meaning.

Application

In cultural communication, people do more than transmit signals: they perceive symbols, interpret them through cultural experience, and form meaning. These are cognitive processes.

Therefore, among the offered terms, Cognitive is the best description of the humanistic approach.

Contrast

• Experimental refers to systematic testing through observation or controlled procedures; it describes a research method.

• Altruistic refers to conduct motivated by concern for another person’s welfare; it describes a moral motive.

• Cognitive refers to mental processes such as perception, interpretation, memory, and meaning-making; it describes the relevant human process.

• Violent refers to the use of physical force or aggression that causes or threatens harm; it describes coercive conduct.

Cross-check

The decisive distinction is the kind of term being asked for: the approach concerns how humans understand cultural symbols, not a research procedure, a moral motive, or coercive behaviour.

Source verification

Source verification: The NTA final answer key for 22 June 2023 Shift I identifies General Paper Question ID 2217 with the source-paper value Cognitive.

Result: Cognitive.