Question

Which of the following is a personal cosmopolite source of communication?

• A. Fellow farmer
• B. Friend
• C. Extension agent
• D. Television

Hint:

Use this simple classification matrix:
- Personal + Inside Village = Personal Localite (Fellow Farmer, Friend).
- Personal + Outside Village = Personal Cosmopolite (Extension Agent, Input Dealer).
- Impersonal + Outside Village = Impersonal Cosmopolite (Television, Radio, News).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rogers and Shoemaker classified communication channels based on two distinct dimensions:
1. Interpersonal vs. Impersonal (Mass Media): Interpersonal channels involve face-to-face exchange, while mass media channels involve impersonal mediums.
2. Localite vs. Cosmopolite: Localite channels originate from within the receiver's local social system, while cosmopolite channels originate from outside the immediate social system.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each option based on this two-dimensional classification:
- (A) Fellow farmer: Lives within the same village or social system and communicates face-to-face.
Therefore, they are a personal localite source.
- (B) Friend: Also lives within the local social circle and communicates face-to-face.
Therefore, they are a personal localite source.
- (C) Extension agent: Originates from outside the village social system (representing a research station, university, or government department) but interacts directly and personally (face-to-face) with the farmers.
Therefore, they are a personal cosmopolite source.
- (D) Television: Originates from outside the local social system but does not involve face-to-face personal interaction.
Therefore, it is an impersonal cosmopolite (or mass media) source.
Thus, the Extension Agent is the correct personal cosmopolite source of communication.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C).