Student Library

Models of Communication

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Objectives

  • Describe the different models of communication.
  • Distinguish similarities and differences between each model of communication.
  • Determine the different advantages and disadvantages of different models of communication.

Models of Communication

  • Models are used to visually demonstrate how interactions between different components in communication work.
  • There are three types of models of communication:
    • Linear
    • Transactional
    • Interactive

Linear Model of Communication

Linear Model

  • It is a one-way communication.
  • It is used for mass communication.
  • While senders send messages, receivers only receive.
  • It has no concept of feedback and noise
  • It has several defined components:
    • Sender: the person who sends the message after encoding.
    • Encoding: the process of converting the message into codes compatible with the channel and understandable by the receiver.
    • Decoding: the process of changing coded message into understandable language by the receiver
    • Message: the information sent by the sender.
    • Channel: the medium which the message is sent.
    • Receiver: the person who gets the message.
    • Noise: the disruptions caused in the communication process in channel or in the ability to understand the message.
  • There are also advantages and disadvantages of this model:
    • Advantages:
      • Good at audience persuasion and propaganda setting.
      • It can produce intentional results.
    • Disadvantages:
      • Communication is not continuous.
        • This is because there is no concept of feedback.
      • There is no way to know if communication was effective.

Different Types of Linear Models

Lasswell’s Model

  • It was developed by Harold D. Lasswell in 1948.
  • It is also known as:
    • action model
    • linear model
    • one-way model
  • It is the one of the most influential models.

Aristotle’s Model

  • The first and earliest linear model
  • It was developed by Aristotle.
    • He was a teacher of rhetoric.
    • He also put up an academy to produce good speakers.

Berlo’s SMCR Model

  • It was postulated by David Berlo in 1960.
  • It came from Shannon-Weaver’s Model of Communication
  • This model has some unique features:
    • It contains factors individual components of communication making communication more efficient
    • It focuses on:
      • encoding before sending the message, and
      • decoding before receiving the message.
  • Some criticism of this model include:
    • Both persons must be similar according to factors mentioned below.
    • There is no concept of any feedback or communication barrier.

Shannon-Weaver’s Model

  • It has no concept of feedback.
  • This model can only be used in public speaking.

Transactional Model of Communication

Transactional Model

  • It is a two-way communication.
  • There is an exchange of information.
  • It is used for interpersonal communication (between persons).
  • Senders and receivers each take turns to send and receive messages.
    • We call both the sender and receiver as communicators.
  • There is simultaneous feedback.
    • The process of sending and receiving messages happens at the same time.
  • Feedback is taken as a new message.
  • There advantages and disadvantages of this model include:
    • Advantages:
      • There is simultaneous and instant feedback
      • There is no discrimination between sender and receiver.
    • Disadvantages:
      • It encourages non-verbal communication.
      • There is more noise.
        • This is because communicators communicate at the same time.

Barlund’s Model

  • It was proposed by Dean Barlund in 1970.
  • He says that sending and receiving messages happens simultaneously.
    • Because of this, noise and feedback also happens simultaneously.
  • It was further adapted as the General Transactional Model.
  • It shifted the trend from linear model dynamic and the two-way models.
  • It shows field experience of the sender and receiver.
  • It is considered by critics as the most systematic model of communication.

Interactive Model of Communication

Interactive Model

  • It is used for new media. (eg. the Internet)
  • The feedbacks are often slower in turns.
  • There is a concept of field of experience.
  • It is also known as the convergence model.
  • Communication becomes linear if receiver does not respond.
  • There is no physical engagement between sender and receiver in communication.
  • Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages:
    • Advantages:
      • There is feedback even in mass communication.
      • New communication channels become possible.
    • Disadvantages
      • Feedback might take a very long time.
      • Sender and receiver might not know each other.

Schramm’s Model

  • It was established by Wilbur Schramm
    • He was also considered as Father of Mass Communication.
  • He says that communication can only take place if and only if there is an overlap between the field of experience of both the speaker and the listener.
    • The field of experience are the factors that influence our understanding and interpretation of the message:
    • These can be:
      • culture,
      • social background,
      • beliefs,
      • experiences,
      • values, and
      • rules
  • Some advantages of this model include:
    • It allows both parties to give their opinion.
      • This is because of circular communication.
    • The interchanges between sender and listener is equally active.
    • The concept of field of experience helps understand the communication process.

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