Friday, February 8, 2008

Communication Theories

It's amazing how the communication theories have evolved over time. There are different models of communication which we discussed in class. Following are some that were discussed:

Lasswell Model

Harold Lasswell developed the model in 1948. He focused on verbal messages, "Who says what to whom in what channel with what effect?"


Shannon & Weaver Model

Shannon was the Father of Information Theory. Focused on research, concept of information and started academic field of communication. This model is a linear model and it doesn't deal with content, but how to get your message from point A to point B.


Schramm's Model

A founder of communication studies. Schramm developed three different models. The first model elaborated on Shannon's model. He introdued commonality between the source and the receiver. The source is encoded and transmitted in form of a signal, the signal is then transmitted and decoded to the receiver.




In his second model he added the field experience that helps in determining whether the message is received the way the source wanted it to be received.






In his third model he added feed back. Noise has become a part of the communication process. There is a possibility that the message can become distorted before being recieved. This is the reason for feedback. Ask a question, get an answer, ask another question. Feedback clarifies the message and now communication has become a process. Communication has now become circular as both sender and receiver has taken on both roles in the communication process.



Katz & Lazarsfeld Model

Katz & Lazarsfeld included the mass media in its linear model. Your message is more effective if presented by an Opinon Leader. It is believed that well known people that are respected can influence others. An example of this is when a movie speaks about political views. They are not an expert in the field, but if an actor that is highly respected voices his/her opinion it could sway many people into believing the same view.





Westley-MacLean Model

In this model communication begins with a potential message or event.



Kincaids Model

Kincaid sees communication as a process not an event. Create information to reach a mutual understanding. In a group the task is completed when a mutual understanding is reached.





The different models give us a guideline. If you know the perameters, you can be a more effective communicator.

Personal Experience
While I was participating in a group project, I realized we were using Kinciad's theory. While we were all contributing to the project and voicing our concerns, questions, and solutions, we had to come to an understanding together on what our answers were and what we would use for our project. Every day we use at least one of the models if not more.

References

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