Communication Models and Types

Chapter 2: Communication Types

• This chapter discusses models of communication and types of communication.

Models of Communication

• Communication models explain the process of communication, describing how communication works and emphasizing different aspects.
• These models simplify complex communication processes.
• Key components: sender, receiver, message, channel, noise, and feedback.

1-Transmission (Linear) Model

• Proposed by Shannon and Weaver in 1949.
• Linear communication is a one-way process.
• It involves a sender, message, channel, and receiver.
• Focuses on the transmission of information and the accuracy of the message.
• Builds on Aristotle's work, including a speaker, message, and hearer.
• Includes the concept of "noise" as interference that distorts the message.
• Communication flows from: Sender encodes the message, transmits through channel, receiver decodes message.
• Limitations: Ignores feedback and the interactive nature; assumes communication is linear and static.
• Real-world applications: TV and radio broadcasts, public speeches, and advertisements.
• A radio announcer encodes a verbal message, transmits it via radio waves, and it's decoded by the listener.

2-Interactive Model

• Proposed by Schramm in 1954.
• Communication is a two-way process.
• Includes feedback, making it more dynamic with physical and psychological contexts.
• Emphasizes both sender and receiver in encoding and decoding.
• Introduces "field of experience" as shared understanding between sender and receiver.
• Communication flows from: Sender transmits message, receiver gives feedback, then back to sender.
• Limitations: Still somewhat linear; doesn't fully capture real-world complexity.
• Examples of feedback may include a class discussion or a conversation with a roommate regarding the location of the phone remote.
• In this model there are two sender-receivers who exchange messages
• This model is less focused on the message and more focused on the interaction itself, and how the communication process works.
• Physical context includes environmental factors like layout, temperature, or lighting.
• Psychological context includes mental and emotional factors like stress, anxiety, and emotions.
• Real-world applications: Email and text messaging, online chat conversations, and classroom discussions.

3-Transaction Model

• Proposed by Barnlund in 1970.
• It is a continuous and simultaneous exchange of messages (not in turns).
• Acknowledges that both participants are senders and receivers at the same time.
• Context (social, cultural, and relational) influences communication.
• Noise and nonverbal signals (gestures, expressions) affect meaning.
• Recognizes that communication is influenced by past experiences and relationships.
• Components: Sender/Receiver sends Message sends to Receiver/Sender, then the process is simultaneous
• Captures complexity and dynamism with real-life communication.
• Accounts for non-verbal cues and environmental factors.
• Real-world applications: Face-to-face conversations, video calls and meetings, and group discussions.
• Social context refers to the stated or unstated norms that guide communication.
• Relational context includes the previous interpersonal history and type of relationship we have.
• Cultural context includes various aspects of identities such as race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, and ability.
• This model is influenced by numerous aspects of our identities and is not limited to race or ethnicity.

Comparison Between Models

• Linear Model follows a one-way direction, and does not include feedback or context.
• Interactive Model follows a two-way direction, and includes feedback and context.
• Transaction Model follows a simultaneous exchange, and includes continuous feedback and highly important context.
• Real world applications of the Linear Model includes Media and Speeches.
• Real world applications of the Interactive Model includes Emails and Chats.
• Real world applications of the Transactional Model includes Conversations and Meetings.