Lecture Notes - Nature and Models of Communication

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering the key concepts from the notes on nature, models, types, barriers, and contexts of communication.

What is the Nature of Communication?

The process of sharing and conveying messages across channels, contexts, media, and cultures, involving exchanging meaningful messages using common symbols, and varying by situation and people involved.

Name the seven elements of the communication process.

Sender, Message, Encoding, Channel, Receiver, Decoding, Feedback.

What does Encoding mean in the communication process?

Converting ideas into words, symbols, or gestures.

What is the Channel in communication?

The medium through which the message is sent (face-to-face, phone, email, etc.).

What is the Receiver’s role in communication?

The intended recipient who interprets the message.

What is Decoding in communication?

Understanding or interpreting the encoded message.

What is Feedback in communication?

The receiver's response that shows if the message was understood.

What is a Communication Breakdown?

When a message or feedback is not sent, received, or understood as intended.

Describe Physical Barriers to communication.

Environmental limitations that disrupt communication (noise, distance, poor equipment).

Describe Psychological Barriers to communication.

Emotional or mental states that affect how messages are sent/received.

Describe Physiological Barriers to communication.

Physical or bodily conditions (hearing loss, illness) hindering communication.

Describe Semantic Barriers to communication.

Misunderstanding caused by word meanings, jargon, or language differences.

Describe Cultural Barriers to communication.

Misinterpretation of behaviors or messages due to different customs, values, or nonverbal cues.

What is the Linear Model of communication?

One-way communication: Sender → Message → Receiver; no feedback; the receiver is passive.

What are Ethos, Pathos, Logos in Aristotle's Model?

Ethos = credibility, Pathos = emotion, Logos = logic; used for persuasion.

What is Lasswell's model formula?

Who? Says what? In which channel? To whom? With what effect?

Describe the Shannon-Weaver Model.

Sender → Encoder → Channel → Decoder → Receiver; includes Noise and later Feedback.

What does Berlo's SMCR Model stand for?

Source - Message - Channel - Receiver; emphasizes factors influencing each element (skills, attitudes, knowledge, culture, etc.).

What is the Osgood-Schramm Interactive Model about?

A two-way process with encoding, decoding, interpretation; feedback is continuous; shared experiences improve understanding.

What is a Gatekeeper in the Westley & Maclean Model?

Someone who filters, edits, or controls what information reaches the audience.

Describe the Westley & Maclean Model flow.

Environmental Factor → Speaker → Message → Gatekeeper → Channel → Receiver.

What is the key point of the Westley & Maclean model regarding gatekeepers?

Gatekeepers filter information before it reaches the audience.

What is the Transactional Model of communication?

An ongoing exchange where both sender and receiver influence the message; communication is simultaneous and affected by noise.

What is Dance's Helical Model?

A spiral view of communication where each act builds on past experiences; combines linear and circular ideas.

What are the main Types of Communication?

Verbal, Nonverbal, Written, Visual.

List Verbal Elements of communication.

Pause, Loudness/Softness, Rhythm, Repetition/Rephrasing, Tone, Appropriate Language.

List some Nonverbal subtypes of communication.

Paralanguage, Kinesics, Oculesics, Proxemics, Haptics, Chronemics.

What is Chronemics?

Use of time; Monochronic vs Polychronic; punctuality shows interest/respect.

What are the 7 C's of Effective Communication?

Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Coherent, Complete, Courteous.

Name Barriers to Effective Communication.

Cultural Differences; Slang/Jargon; Overly Formal Language; Information Overload; Inattention; Distraction/Noise; Emotions; Poor Retention; Physical Difficulty; Intercultural Communication.

What are the types of Identity in communication contexts?

Gender, Age, Cultural, Religious, Social Status.

What are the Functions of Communication?

Regulation/Control; Social Interaction; Information Dissemination; Emotional Expression.

What is Speech Context in communication?

The situation or environment where communication happens, including the speaker, audience, and occasion.

Define Intrapersonal Communication.

Communication with oneself; internal discourse; includes internal thinking, solo vocal, and solo writing.

Define Interpersonal Communication.

Exchange of messages between people to build understanding.

What is Mass Communication?

Message delivered to a large audience through media such as TV, radio, newspapers, or the internet.