In a society characterized by rapid flow of words and various vehicles for interaction, it is not surprising that people especially the critics have started to shift their attention to problems and processes of communication. And in doing so we look at the framework of how communication flows and of by understanding the models of communication.
It is imperative that we look at the setbacks in the implementation of a fully efficient communication thus we dig deeper in comprehending the process of how humans communicate and its structure. The models as discussed by Quebral, observes three main advantages such as
- A model can give a general picture of a whole range of different circumstances
- A model can simplify complicated information (McQuail and Windahl cite Deutsch (1966)
- A model can do estimates or predict possible outcomes
As such they can be either an organizing, heuristic and predictive function (Ongkiko, Ila & Flor, Alexander, 2006).
Among the communication models are the following;
Laswell’s Model
A linear communication model that emphasizes on the 5 features such as Who? Said what? In which channel? To whom? With what effect?
Shannon and Weaver’s Model
Another linear model following a “Sender – Receiver” format with the inclusion of “Noise” or external noises that causes disruption.
Newcomb’s Model
Sometimes called as ABX or Triangle Model. The model gives emphasis to the relationship of the sender and receiver and a topic. It paved way to the introduction of social relationship in maintaining the social equilibrium within the social system.
Osgood and Schramm’s Model
A circular model involving an encoder – sender, decoder – receiver and an interpreter – person who is trying to understand the message.
Gerbner’s Model
A linear model with the premise that every message at every level is altered.
Westley and MacLean’s Model
A two dimensional model accounting for feedback. It explains further that a communication doesn’t start when a person starts speaking, it starts when a person responds to the condition in its surroundings.
Berlo’s Model
A linear model that takes into account the state of both the sender and receiver being that they should be in the same level for effective communication to take place. It also takes social system into consideration.
Dance’s Helical Model
This model is non-linear and dynamic in nature. Like a helix, the process starts from a small circle and in passing it widens taking into account different elements/factors.
Kincaid’s Convergence Model
A process by which participants create and share information in order to reach a common and mutual understanding.
The ultimate objective of “Communication” is to get the message across, the objective of ‘Development Communication” is to get the message across facilitating social development. Communication along with its elements varies depending on the purpose, one-way when the objective is to inform or command, transactional when exchange or interaction within the same level is observed and interactive when interaction between the sender and receiver and vv takes place.
In the course of reading and responding to my classmates’ reports, I have come to comprehend more that communication is dynamic, ever changing and continuous process. Its elements are interrelated with each other. In the case of communication models, not all elements (source, message, receiver, channel, effect and feedback) are present. Elements are called by other names.
References
Ongkiko, Ila & Flor, Alexander. (2006). Introduction to Development Communication. 10.13140/RG.2.1.2952.6887. Retrieved February 16, 2020
[Laswell’s Model] (2010). Retrieved from http://cmm306.wikifoundry.com/page/Propaganda+Analysis%3A+Harold+Lasswell
[Shannon-Weaver’s Model of Communication] (2017). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/shannon-and-weaver-model-of-communication/
[Newcomb’s Model] (2011). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/the-newcomb%E2%80%99s-model/
[Osgood and Schramm’s Model] (2016). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/osgood-schramm-model-of-communication/
[Gerbner’s Model] (2013). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/gerbners-general-model/
[Westley and MacLean’s Model] (2012). Retrieved from https://relivingmbadays.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/westley-and-macleans-model/
[Berlo’s Model] (2016). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/berlos-smcr-model-of-communication/
[Dance’s Helical Model] (2013). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/helical-model-of-communication/
[Kincaid’s Convergence Model] (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.geocities.ws/robert_johannson/2communication.html