In-Depth Notes on Communication Theory

Thinking About Communication Theory

Why Study Communication?

• Pragmatic: Understanding real-world applications of communication in various contexts.

• Complex: Recognizing the intricate nature of communication, involving multiple variables and factors.

• Dynamic: Acknowledging that communication evolves over time, influenced by societal changes and technology.

Communication: What is It?

• Definitions:

  • "Adjusting ideas to people and people to ideas." ~Donald C. Bryant

  • "The development of shared meaning through messages." ~Anderson & Ross

• Key Concepts:

  • Product vs. Process: Is communication a tangible product or a fluid process?

  • Transfer vs. Transaction: Communication as a simple transfer of information or as an interactive transaction?

Models of Communication

• Linear Model:

  • Components: Sender, Encoding, Message, Decoding, Receiver.

  • Focus on a one-way form of communication.

• Interactional Model:

  • Incorporates feedback and acknowledges the role of the audience in interpreting the message.

  • Noise: External factors that can disrupt the communication process.

• Transactional Model:

  • Views communication as simultaneous sending and receiving.

  • Both sender and receiver create and interpret messages concurrently.

  • Emphasizes the importance of context and shared understanding.

The Meaning of “Meaning”

• Key Attributes:

  • Processual: Meanings are not constant; they evolve over time.

  • Personal: Meanings are subjective and can differ among individuals.

  • Relational: Meanings are co-constructed between participants in communication.

  • Multi-Dimensional: Meanings can be polysemous, having multiple interpretations depending on context.

Are YOU a “Theorist”?

• Questions for Self-Reflection:

  • Are you curious?

  • Willing to be surprised?

  • How much do you want to know about communication?

  • Do you appreciate multiple perspectives?

What is “Theory”?

• Definitions:

  • "An umbrella term for all careful, systematic, self-conscious discussion and analysis of communication phenomena." ~Ernest G. Bormann

  • "An account of what something is, how it works, what it produces or causes to happen, and what should be the case." ~Julia T. Wood

Informal Theorizing Steps

1. Ask meaningful questions.

2. Collect evidence.

3. Form a tentative conclusion.

Troubleshooting Procedure

Scientific Method Steps:

1. Ask a question.

2. Do background research.

3. Construct a hypothesis.

4. Test with an experiment.

5. Analyze data and draw conclusions.

6. If results align with the hypothesis, communicate results or refine.

7. If results don't align, reassess and explore new questions or hypotheses.

Images of Theory

• Different forms of communication:

  • Television, Radio, Letters, Mobile Telephones, Computers, Internet platforms (e.g., Yahoo, Google).

• Uses: Informing, networking, entertainment, and business applications.