Communication Models Practice Flashcards

Learning Objectives of Communication Models

  • Define Communication Models: Understand the definition and explain the significance of these models within the communication process.

  • Identify Key Elements: Describe the fundamental components of four specific models:

    • Aristotle's Model
    • Shannon-Weaver Model
    • Transaction Model
    • Schramm Communication Model

  • Differentiate Characteristics: Distinguish between the four models based on their specific traits and the flow of communication.

  • Real-Life Application: Apply the appropriate communication models to various real-world situations.

Defining a Model and Communication Model

  • What is a Model?

    • A model is a graphic representation designed to explain the way a variable works.
    • It serves as a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept.

  • What is a Communication Model?

    • A communication model offers a highly convenient way to analyze real-life conversations by plotting key structural components on a graphical checklist.

Overview and Evolution of Models

  • Aristotle (Pre−300 B.C.Pre-300 \, B.C.): Focused on speech structure and the effects of public speaking. It is the earliest mass communication structure.

  • Shannon-Weaver (19491949): Introduced a linear, technical path. It added the concept of noise into the communication process.

  • Transaction (Modern Era): Represents an active two-way flow where feedback is critical.

  • Schramm (19541954): Known as the "Overlap Era," it is built on shared experiences and commonalities.

Model 1: Aristotle's Model of Communication

  • Historical Context: Originated with Greek philosopher Aristotle; recognized as the earliest mass communication structure within classical rhetoric (Pre−300 B.C.Pre-300 \, B.C.).

  • Primary Focus: Concentrates solely on public speaking instead of interpersonal interaction.

  • Five Basic Elements:

    • Speaker: Performs the active role; delivers a speech to the audience at a specific time (occasion) for specific effects.
    • Speech: The tool used to persuade or influence the audience. It must be tailored according to the target audience and the situation.
    • Occasion: The situation or venue where the speech occurs.
    • Audience: Influenced by the speech; remains in a passive role.
    • Effect: The final result, which involves influencing the audience's mind and persuading their thoughts towards the speaker.

Model 2: Shannon-Weaver Model (19491949)

  • The Technical Transmission Loop: Developed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver, this classic mathematical model describes communication as a linear, engineering-based structure.

  • Key Elements (Linear with Noise):

    • Information Source (Sender): The person who creates the original message or idea in their mind.
    • Transmitter (Encoder): The tool or device (e.g., microphone or phone) that converts the message into electronic signals.
    • Channel: The pathway or medium (e.g., airwaves, wires, or the internet) through which the signal travels.
    • Noise: Any unwanted distraction or interference (e.g., static or background noise) that disrupts the message along the channel.
    • Receiver (Decoder): The device that catches the signal and converts it back into understandable words (e.g., a phone speaker or earphone).
    • Destination: The final person who gets, hears, and is supposed to understand the message.

  • Visual Representation: The flow follows Sender $\rightarrow$ Encoder $\rightarrow$ Channel (affected by Noise) $\rightarrow$ Decoder $\rightarrow$ Receiver $\rightarrow$ Destination.

Model 3: Transaction Model

  • Transactional Framework: Transforms communication into a real-time, shared process.

  • Core Concepts:

    • Simultaneous Action: Both participants operate as "communicators." Sending, receiving, and decoding occur simultaneously through ongoing feedback.
    • Collaborative Meaning: Meaning is co-created. Understanding is developed together through verbal exchanges and immediate facial cues.
    • Contextual Spheres: Acknowledges that physical spaces, cultures, and relationships continuously shape how messages are interpreted.

  • Elements of the Transaction Model:

    • Communicators (Sender/Receiver): People involved who simultaneously act as both senders and receivers, reversing roles constantly.
    • Behaves/Decodes: The actions performed; one person "behaves" (acts or speaks to create a message) while the other "decodes" (interprets and understands).
    • Message: The information, ideas, or meaning collaboratively shared.
    • Channel(s): The pathways or mediums through which messages and feedback travel.
    • Feedback: The response or return message sent back to the original speaker, creating a continuous two-way loop.
    • Noise: A disruptive barrier or interference that messes up the smooth flow of communication.

Model 4: Schramm's Model (19541954)

  • The Field of Experience (\text{Erfahrungsfeld}): Wilbur Schramm argued that communication success relies on the overlapping life histories, cultures, and values between participants.

  • Overlapping Fields:

    • Encoding & Decoding: Senders construct messages while receivers interpret them using their specific cultural backgrounds.
    • Zero Overlap Fallacy: If fields of experience have zero overlap, messages are easily misconstrued.
    • Commonality Goal: Effective communication aims to establish shared reference frames.

  • Key Elements (Interactive Loop):

    • Sender/Encoder: The source who creates the message and translates it into a clear code based on personal experiences.
    • Signal: The actual message, sign, or symbol transmitted.
    • Decoder/Receiver: The destination who captures the signal and translates it into meaning using their own personal experiences.
    • Field of Experience: The accumulated background, knowledge, culture, and life experiences of an individual.
    • Feedback: The loop where the receiver responds back to the sender, turning communication into an interactive, shared process.
    • Noise: An interfering barrier that disrupts or alters the signal between overlapping fields.

Comparative Analysis of Communication Models

  • Aristotle's Model:

    • Classification: Linear (Classical Rhetoric)
    • Core Concept: Speaker, occasion, audience, effect.
    • Role of Receiver: Passive (Listener).
    • Academic Limitation: Excludes interpersonal conversation.

  • Shannon-Weaver Model:

    • Classification: Linear (Mathematical)
    • Core Concept: Technical signals, channel encoding, noise.
    • Role of Receiver: Passive (Decoder).
    • Academic Limitation: Ignores semantic nuances and lacks a feedback loop.

  • Transaction Model:

    • Classification: Transactional
    • Core Concept: Continuous, simultaneous role swap.
    • Role of Receiver: Active Communicator.
    • Academic Limitation: Extremely high complexity; difficult to isolate specific factors.

  • Schramm's Model:

    • Classification: Interactive
    • Core Concept: Field of experience, interpreter roles.
    • Role of Receiver: Active Interpreter.
    • Academic Limitation: Assumes eventual commonality between participants; generalization.