The post – positivist theory recognises that human behaviour is not

The post – positivist theory recognises that human behaviour is not ________ like the elements of the physical world.

(A) transient

(B) ambiguous

(C) negative

(D) constant

Correct Ans: (D)

Explanation:

Post-positivist theory emerged as a response to the rigid methods of positivism, which treats the world as measurable and predictable. While positivism relies on observable, testable facts, post-positivism takes a different view—especially when it comes to human behaviour.

This theory recognizes that human behaviour is not constant. People think, feel, and act in unpredictable ways. Their choices often depend on context, emotions, culture, and time. So, unlike physical objects that behave the same way under the same conditions—like water boiling at 100°C—humans don’t follow fixed rules.

For example, if a person buys a product today, they might not make the same choice tomorrow. Their decision could change due to mood, advertising, or peer influence. Therefore, post-positivist researchers accept that variability is natural in human actions. They focus more on patterns and probabilities, not universal laws.

Now let’s clear up the wrong options. Transient means short-lived, but human behaviour can be long-lasting too, so that doesn’t fit. Ambiguous means unclear, but post-positivism doesn’t deny clarity—it simply rejects absolute predictability. Negative is irrelevant here, as the theory doesn’t label behaviour as good or bad.

So, the only fitting word is constant, because post-positivist theory rejects the idea that people behave in fixed, unchanging ways. That’s why it favors mixed research methods—using both quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (interviews, observations) techniques. It also encourages researchers to account for bias, background, and subjectivity in their studies.

In summary, post-positivist theory says loud and clear: humans are not machines. Their behaviour shifts, adapts, and often surprises us. So, if you want to study communication effectively, you must accept that human actions will never be as constant as physical laws.