A person asks clarifying questions to check the accuracy of a message they received, aiming to verify facts. Which term best fits?

• A. Performing social rituals
• B. Reality-tester
• C. Intrinsic reward
• D. Reconstructive listening

Answer: (B)

Reality-testing in listening is when you ask clarifying questions to verify the accuracy of information. This approach helps you confirm facts before accepting or sharing a message, reducing the risk of misinformation. A person who does this is described as a reality tester, because their goal is to test whether what was said is true. This fits best because the situation centers on actively checking facts through questions, rather than interpreting implied meaning, seeking internal rewards, or engaging in polite social routines. Reconstructive listening focuses on meaning-making and filling in gaps, not on fact verification. Intrinsic reward describes internal motivation or satisfaction, not the act of verifying information. Performing social rituals involves polite or customary behaviors, not the specific process of fact-checking.