Dan is an atheist with a keen interest in politics. Whenever Dan is watching a debate and one of the candidates mentions his or her belief or interest in God, he stops listening to their statements. Sometimes, he'll even change his vote if a candidate he likes mentions God too frequently. Which of the following listening barriers describes Dan?

a) rebuttal tendency

b) closed-mindedness

c) attack listening

d) information overload

Answer: B. Closed-mindedness

Explanation: When an individual's mind is made up and completely unresponsive to a different opinion or notion. Closed-mindedness is a listening barrier associated with individuals with rigid opinion and abide strictly by their belief even when presented with factual evidences supporting the authenticity of opposing views or new ideas.

In the context above, Dan is completely stucked to atheist belief and feels really uncomfortable when being with or listening to those who believe in God.

B. Close mindedness

Explanation:

Close mindedness simply means to have a mind that is not receptive to new ideas. To be closed-minded. Can mean disapproving, not willing to consider a different idea or opinions.

When one has already decided not to change his/her mind no matter what you tell him/her, he disapproves. This is being close-minded. Close-mindedness will make you not to be able to listen to and understand what you are being told. This is basically because you already have an opinion concerning what you are being told and you are not ready to change it.

Because Dan is an atheist, he doesn't want to hear what anyone that mentions God have to say, hence he is close minded and that is a listening barrier.