comm. chapter one

chapter one terms

adapt

to **modify** one’s behavior to **accommodate** what others are doing

communication

the process by which people use signs, symbols, and behaviors to **exchange information and create meaning**

relational needs

the essential elements people seek in their **relationships** with others

instrumental needs

**practical**, everyday needs

model

a formal **description** of a process

action model

a model describing communication as a **one-way process**

source

the **originator** of a thought or idea

encode

to **put an idea into** language or gesture

message

verbal or nonverbal elements of communication to which people give meaning

channel

a **pathway** through which messages are conveyed

receiver

**the party** who interprets the message

decode

to interpret or **give meaning** to a message

noise

anything that **distracts** people from listening

interaction model

model describing communication similar to the action model but now with **feedback and context**

feedback

verbal and nonverbal **responses** to a message

context

the **physical or psychological environmen**t in which communication occurs

transaction model

model describing communication as a process where everyone is a **sender and receiver at the same time or interchangeably**

channel-**rich** contexts

communication **environments** involving **many** channels at once (e.g. face to face, facetime, video)

channel-**lean** contexts

communication **environments** involving **few** channels at once (e.g. posts, memos, fax)

symbol

a **representation** of an idea

content dimension

**literal information** that is communicated by a message

relational dimension

**signals** about the **relationship** in which a message is being communicated (e.g. confiding in someone you trust)

metacommunication

communication about communication

explicit rules

rules that have been **clearly stated**

implicit rules

rules that have **not been clearly articulated** but are nonetheless understood (e.g. “bless you”)

int**RA**personal communication

communication with **oneself**

int**ER**personal communication

communication that occurs between **two** people in the context of their relationship

small group communication

communication with approximately **3-20 people**

public communication

communication with **above 20 people**

mass communication

communication to a large audience that is transmitted by **media**

communication competence

communication that is **effective and appropriate** for a given situation

self-monitoring

**awareness** of **one’s behavior** and how it affects others

cognitive complexity

the ability to **understand** a given situation **in multiple ways** (e.g. see both sides)

ethics

principles that guide judgments about whether something is morally **right or wrong**