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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
Linear Model of
Communication
Message
Sender
Channel
Receiv
er
Interactive Model of
Communication
Noise
Message
Sender
Channel
Receiv
er
Feedback
Noise
2 elements added:
Feedback response to message
Noise interference with message
Communicator
Communication
Communicator
Shannon-Weaver Model
(1949)
Perceptual Dimension
Event as perceived
SE1
Event
Form
Content
Statement as perceived
Person 2 M2
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:
Gerbners Model
2. Influence of representation
Besides perception, message formulation
influenced by
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
3 important concepts:
1. ComplexityEach element is represented as a
system (i.e. as combination of interdependent
components)
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
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
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
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 inclusive
Encompasses a wide variety of contexts,
approaches, participates, etc.
Consider NV Comm