When we think about listening, we tend to assume that it is basically the same as hearing; this is a ___________ because it leads us to believe that effective listening is ______. As a result, we make little effort to learn, or develop listening skills and thereby ______ a vital communication function.

The first part of the paragraph presents the distinction between 'listening' and 'hearing'. The author is implying that the 'assumption' that the two are the same (must be wrong). From this, we can guess that he should be using a term similar to 'misconception'. All of 'blunder', 'fallacy', and 'mistake' are only approximate terms and are not as precise as 'misconception', but can still be correct. Effective listening, when mistaken to be similar to hearing, should be thought of as similar to hearing, therefore, 'because it leads us to believe' should be followed by something that establishes 'listening' and 'hearing' as similar. All of 'spontaneous', 'impulsive' and 'instinctive' can be good choices. In the final blank, 'neglect' is the best choice out of the four. Option D, hence, is the best option among the four.