Exploring Communication

Part 2 Models & Properties of

Communication

Modeling Communication
A model is simply an abstract
representation
3 general purposes of models:
Explanation
Prediction
Control

Benefits of Models
Models allow scholars to:
Describe the overall process of
communication or particular aspect of comm
in detail
Illustrate important concepts, contexts, or
theoretical frameworks
More effectively represent relationships

Limitations of Models
Can be incomplete and/or lack a big
picture perspective
Are often based in a specific context
may need to be reassessed outside of
original context
May require supplemental info to make
sense

General Models of
Communication
Well examine 3 general models
Linear, interactive, and transactional

and 6 specific ones

Lasswells, Shannon-Weaver, Gerbners,
Berlos, Westley-Macleans, and the
convergence model

Linear Model of
Communication
Message
Sender
Channel

Receiv
er

Many early perspectives were linear. Comm

described as:
1 way from sender to receiver
Something you do to someone

Interactive Model of
Communication
Noise
Message
Sender

Channel

Receiv
er

Feedback
Noise
2 elements added:
Feedback response to message
Noise interference with message

Comm as 2 way a series of comm acts messages and feedback

Transactional Model of Communication

Communicator

Communication

Communicator

Simultaneous exchangeMessage and feedback integrated into

communication
Mutual influence S and R roles integrated into communicators
Environment added both negative and positive impact

Specific Models of Communication

[ You dont need to write this ]

As we review these models keep the following in mind:
Each of the following models illustrates specific aspects of
comm, but may not describe the whole process
All of the models in this unit are discussed in chapters 2 & 3 in
the Readings text
You dont need to copy the diagramsTheyre posted on UB
learns in a separate power point and included in both lecture
outlines and the text
Exam Qs will cover the concepts associated w/ each model,
not the diagram

Lasswells Model (1948)

One of the earliest models of comm

Simple, organizational model, but lacks several elements
Noted for including a focus on comm (message) effects
communication seen as a productive process

Shannon-Weaver Model
(1949)

Describes mediated comm comm via a device or

tech (e.g. telephone)
2 important distinctions:
Message and signal are distinct
Message/signal and receive signal/message may differ

Includes noise (physical)

Gerbners Model (1956)

Person 1 M

Perceptual Dimension

Event as perceived

SE1

Event

Statement about event SE

(Message)

Form

Content

Statement as perceived
Person 2 M2

Reflection, Context, Availability

Channels, Media, Control

Means &
Control Dimension

n
at
io

tin

Me
s

sa
ge

De
s

Me
s

sa
ge

So
ur
ce

E1

Gerbners Model
Two noteworthy foci:
1. Role of perception in comm
2 instances of filtering:

Message (SE) describing event (E) is based on

senders (M) perception of it (E^1)

Receivers understanding of event is based on their

perception (SE^1) of message

Gerbners Model
2. Influence of representation
Besides perception, message formulation
influenced by

The channels (e.g. television, speech, print, etc)

available and the particular one used

The specific characteristics of that channel

The senders (and receivers) skills using that channel

Berlos SMCR Model (1960)

S

Source

Message

Channel

Receiver

Comm. Skills
Attitude

Elements

Structure

Knowledge

Seeing

Comm. Skills

Hearing

Attitude

Touching

Knowledge

Smelling

Soc. System

Tasting

Culture

Treatment
Soc. System
Culture

Content

Code

On the surface, a basic linear model. The acronym SMCR is

sometimes used as a mnemonic for basic elements in a comm
scenario

Berlos SMCR Model

Berlos model explores how complexity in 4
basic comm elements (source, message,
channel, and receiver) can affect fidelity

3 important concepts:
1. ComplexityEach element is represented as a
system (i.e. as combination of interdependent
components)

Berlos SMCR Model

2. Psychological noisedifferences in
cognitive factors and context (e.g.
knowledge, attitude, socialization)
can inhibit comm

3. Human comm as perceptionvia

encoding and decoding of
messages by individuals

Westley-MacLean Model (1957)

fBA
A = reporter
(observer)

x1

fCA

x2

x3
x3

x1

x11
fBC

C = editor
(gatekeeper)
B = the audience
(receiver)
f = feedback
xi = information

x3
x4

x1 = message
x11 = modified
message

Westley-MacLean Model
Uses the context of journalistic
reporting to explore how messages
can be modified by intermediary
agents before reaching their intended
target
Introduced the concept of a
Gatekeeper

Westley-MacLean Model
Gatekeeperan intermediary agent with
control over info flow. Can affect
message by restricting or facilitating
access and/or by altering content

Westley-MacLean Model
fBA
A = reporter
(observer)

x1

fCA

x2

x3
x3

x1

x11
fBC

C = editor
(gatekeeper)
B = the audience
(receiver)
f = feedback
xi = information

x3
x4

x1 = message
x11 = modified
message

Editor is a gatekeepermodifies reporters message (story) before it

reaches the audience
Intentional gatekeepingchoices made by the editor in the editorial
process
Unintentional gatekeepinginfluence of editors perceptual filtering

Westley-MacLean Model
Gatekeepers exist in any comm context where
messages pass through an intermediary
Other examples of gatekeepers in comm:
Personal assistant (like the editor, a positional gatekeeper)
Leaving a message with a friends roommate (incidental
gatekeeper)

Convergence Model (1979)

Considers communication a process in which participants create

and share information with one another in order to reach a

Convergence Model
Focuses on:
Communication
as a process
Communication
interactions as
often cyclical
Convergence
tendency to
move towards
a common
point (shared
focus,
understanding,
interest, etc.)

Convergence Model

Comm viewed as a cyclical process of expressing

and interpreting (assigning meaning) information
exchanged between individuals, who, overtime,
progress towards convergence
Adopts a transactional perspective
Be sure to read the discussion of the convergence model in Ch. 3

Properties of
Communication
Collectively, our definitions
& models suggest several
properties of communication

Properties of
Communication
Communication is a process
Involves change over time
Elements are dynamic
Comm interactions are influenced by
previous comm and affect future
comm

Properties of
Communication
Communication is continuous
Difficult to break down into discrete,
independent elements/acts
Communication is symbolic
Relies on symbols (messages) to convey
meaning
Symbols (messages) as distinct from meaning and
arbitrary to some degree

Properties of
Communication
Communication is irreversible
Cant take back a message. Refuting or asking to
ignore is not the same
Ex: Remarks to a jury

Communication is systemic
Elements of comm are interrelated
System properties influence individual components

Properties of
Communication
Communication is transactional
Simultaneous exchange and mutual influence

Communication is often flawed

Miscommunication, ambiguity, and gatekeeping

Communication is inclusive
Encompasses a wide variety of contexts,
approaches, participates, etc.

Properties of Human Communication

We can further specify 3 properties

of communication involving humans
1. Human comm involves both intentional
and unintentional processes

Consider NV Comm

Properties of Human Communication

Messages in human comm have
multiple dimensions
Ex. in interpersonal comm:
Content dimension what a message explicitly
says
Relational dimension what a message implies
about the relationship between communicators

Properties of Human Communication

Human comm is a process of perception
Meaning in comm is perceived
Perceptual differences bridged
through comm
Comm shapes perception and vice
versa