UPD Fundamentals of Communication – Module 1 Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, principles, elements, forms, effects, and models from Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication.

Communication

A dynamic, systemic or contextual, irreversible and proactive process in which communicators construct personal meanings through symbolic interaction.

Dynamic process

A characteristic of communication that highlights its continual change and movement rather than being static.

Systemic communication

The idea that communication occurs within interrelated contexts; the whole situation influences meaning more than individual parts alone.

Symbolic interaction

Exchanging symbols (words, images, gestures) to create shared meaning during communication.

Message

A set of symbols and meanings produced, transmitted, and interpreted during communication.

Symbol

Something that represents something else and conveys meaning (e.g., words, images, gestures).

Encoding

The process of converting ideas into messages using agreed-upon symbols.

Decoding

Interpreting and assigning meaning to received messages based on shared codes.

Context

The setting, scene, and expectations surrounding a communication act.

Social-psychological context

Context that focuses on participant relationships and the social roles they play.

Physical context

The tangible surroundings and environmental conditions of a communication event.

Temporal context

The time of day, historical period, and sequencing within which communication occurs.

Cultural context

The beliefs, values, and behavioral norms influencing communication among participants.

Source-receiver

Any participant in communication who both encodes and decodes messages.

Channel

The medium or pathway through which a message is transmitted (e.g., sound, text, video).

Noise

Anything that interferes with message transmission or reception, from loud sounds to technical jargon.

Intrapersonal communication

Communication within oneself; inner talk or self-dialogue.

Interpersonal communication

Communication between two persons or a small group whose lives mutually influence one another.

Interviewing (communication)

Purpose-driven question-and-answer interaction, often to gather information or provide counseling.

Small group communication

Interaction among three or more people connected by a common purpose, mutual influence, and shared identity.

Organizational communication

Communication among interrelated individuals within a specific environment to achieve individual and shared goals.

Public communication

One-to-many communication in which a speaker addresses an audience with limited immediate feedback.

Computer-mediated communication

Any human communication that occurs through networked computers or electronic devices.

Mass communication

One source communicating to many dispersed receivers via media such as TV, radio, film, or newspapers.

Cognitive effects

Changes in thinking or knowledge resulting from communication.

Affective effects

Changes in attitudes, values, beliefs, or emotions due to communication.

Behavioral effects

Observable changes in actions or skills following communication.

Linear model of communication

One-way flow of messages from sender to receiver with passive audience involvement.

Lasswell’s model

A linear model asking ‘Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?’ to explain message flow in diverse societies.

Shannon-Weaver model

Linear transmission model depicting sender, channel, receiver, and noise confined to the message pathway.

Berlo’s SMCR model

A linear model emphasizing Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver, each influenced by sociocultural factors.

Interactive model of communication

Models that incorporate feedback, portraying communicators as both senders and receivers.

Schramm’s model (second model)

Interactive model showing overlapping fields of experience and dual roles of encoding/decoding in communicators.

Eugene White’s model

An eight-stage cyclical model illustrating communication as continuous and circular.

Transactional model of communication

Views communication as simultaneous, continuous exchange where participants mutually influence each other.

Dance’s Helix model

Transactional model portraying communication as a helical spiral that moves forward while looping back on itself.

Speech Communication Transaction Model

Gronbeck et al.’s model featuring a speaker, listeners, feedback, multiple channels, and situational/cultural context.

Communication misconception: “More communication is always better”

False belief that quantity of communication guarantees effectiveness; quality and appropriateness matter more.

Communication misconception: “Speakers bear the burden of effective communication”

Myth that only the sender is responsible; in reality, all participants share responsibility.

Communication misconception: “Communication breakdown stops communication”

Erroneous idea that interaction ceases after misunderstanding; people continue sending signals even in breakdowns.

Communication misconception: “Communication consists only of words”

Overlooks nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone, and gestures that convey meaning.

Communication misconception: “Meanings are in words”

Neglects that meanings reside in people’s interpretations, not in the words themselves.

Communication misconception: “Effective communicators are born, not made”

Discounts the fact that communication competence can be learned and improved.

Principle: Communication is purposeful

Every act of communication is done to achieve some goal or effect.

Principle: Communication is transactional

Communicators simultaneously send and receive messages, influencing each other.

Principle: Communication is a package of signals

Messages combine verbal and nonverbal cues that are best interpreted together.

Principle: Communication is a process of adjustment

Participants adapt their messages based on feedback and context.

Principle: Communication has content and relationship dimensions

Messages convey information (content) and define how participants relate (relationship).

Principle: Communication is ambiguous

Messages can be interpreted in multiple ways because of symbol limitations and differing perspectives.

Principle: Communication is punctuated

People structure interaction into segments, defining starts and stops differently.

Principle: Communication is inevitable, irreversible, and unrepeatable

We cannot not communicate; once sent, messages cannot be taken back or identically replicated.