What is a major barrier in psychological noise?

Psychological noise refers to the internal factors that can hinder effective communication. Internal emotional conflicts, which are characterized by feelings such as stress, anxiety, or unresolved personal issues, are a significant form of psychological noise. These conflicts can distort perception, disrupt concentration, and ultimately interfere with the listener's ability to interpret messages accurately. For instance, if someone is preoccupied with an ongoing personal issue while trying to engage in a conversation, their ability to understand and process what is being communicated is compromised.

In contrast, the other options focus on different forms of barriers. External distractions pertain to environmental or situational factors that can divert attention but are not internal psychological issues. The physical environment refers to the actual setting in which communication takes place, affecting clarity but not stemming from an individual's internal state. Language differences can lead to miscommunication due to barriers in understanding, but they too do not reflect the internal emotional processes that characterize psychological noise. Thus, internal emotional conflicts clearly represent a major barrier in the context of psychological noise.