General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Who coined the phrase 'The medium is the message'?
Answer:
Marshall McLuhan
Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase 'The medium is the message' in his book 'Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man' (1964).
2
What is 'Uses and Gratifications' theory?
Answer:
An approach to understanding why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs
Uses and Gratifications theory is an audience-centered approach that focuses on what people do with media, as opposed to what media does to people.
3
What is 'Muckraking'?
Answer:
Reform-minded journalists in the Progressive Era who exposed established institutions and leaders as corrupt
Muckrakers were a group of American writers and journalists who exposed corruption in politics and business in the early 20th century.
4
What does 'AP' stand for in news agencies?
Answer:
Associated Press
AP stands for Associated Press, an American non-profit news agency.
5
What is a 'Press Release'?
Answer:
An official statement delivered to members of the news media for the purpose of providing information or making an announcement
A press release is a written communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something ostensibly newsworthy.
6
What is 'Propaganda'?
Answer:
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view
Propaganda is information that is not objective and is used primarily to influence an audience and further an agenda.
7
What is the 'Spiral of Silence' theory?
Answer:
People stay silent when they feel their views are in the minority
The Spiral of Silence theory posits that individuals have a fear of isolation, which results in remaining silent instead of voicing opinions they perceive to be in the minority.
8
What does 'UPI' stand for?
Answer:
United Press International
UPI stands for United Press International, a major international news agency.
9
What is 'Circulation'?
Answer:
The number of copies of a publication distributed or sold
Circulation is the number of copies of a newspaper or magazine that are distributed on an average day.
10
What is a 'Pseudo-event'?
Answer:
An event arranged or accomplished primarily for the media coverage it will generate
A pseudo-event is an event or activity conducted for the purpose of media publicity. It includes press conferences and photo ops.