What is the listening role in which the listener does not share responsibility or involve themselves in the communication process?

• A. Active listening
• B. Critical listening
• C. Passive listening
• D. Empathetic listening

Answer: (C)

Passive listening is when the listener takes in the message without actively engaging or sharing responsibility for the communication. The listener mainly receives information and offers little or no feedback, paraphrasing, or questions, so the speaker does most of the work. This fits the description of not involving themselves in the process. Active listening involves responding and clarifying, critical listening involves evaluating the content, and empathetic listening involves understanding the speaker’s feelings and perspective.