Glossary

1.2 The Communication Process and Models

4 min read•july 30, 2024

Communication is a complex process involving multiple elements and models. The views it as a dynamic exchange where participants simultaneously send and receive messages, influenced by their experiences and the context.

Different models offer varying perspectives on communication. Linear models present a one-way process, while interactional models recognize turn-taking. Transactional models provide the most comprehensive view, capturing the simultaneous nature of real-world communication.

Transactional Communication

The Nature of Transactional Communication

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  • The transactional model views communication as a process where senders and receivers simultaneously exchange messages
    • All parties involved in the communication act are communicating at the same time
  • Communication is seen as a cooperative process where meaning is created and shared by the participants
    • The roles of and are interchangeable and dynamic throughout the communication process
  • Transactional communication is influenced by the personal fields of experience of each participant
    • Cultural background, personal experiences, attitudes, and beliefs affect how messages are encoded, transmitted, received, and decoded
      • Example: A person's cultural upbringing may influence their interpretation of a
  • , both verbal and nonverbal, is emphasized in the transactional model
    • Allows participants to gauge the effectiveness of their communication and make necessary adjustments
      • Example: A speaker may adjust their tone or content based on the audience's facial expressions or verbal responses

Factors Affecting Transactional Communication

  • can disrupt or distort the transactional communication process, leading to misunderstandings or miscommunication
    • Physical noise: Background sounds or visual distractions
    • Psychological noise: Biases, preconceptions, or emotional states
    • Semantic noise: Ambiguous or unfamiliar words or phrases
  • The context in which the communication takes place can influence the transactional process
    • Physical setting, social norms, and the relationship between participants all play a role
      • Example: Communication between a boss and an employee may differ from communication between friends

Communication Models: Linear vs Interactional vs Transactional

Linear Models

  • Linear models, such as the , view communication as a one-way process
    • A sender transmits a message through a channel to a receiver
  • Do not account for the influence of personal fields of experience or the importance of feedback
    • Example: A radio broadcast where the listener cannot provide immediate feedback to the broadcaster

Interactional Models

  • Interactional models, such as the Osgood-Schramm model, recognize that participants alternate between the roles of sender and receiver
    • Acknowledge the two-way nature of communication and the role of feedback
  • Still view communication as a sequence of actions rather than a simultaneous process
    • Example: A telephone conversation where participants take turns speaking and listening

Transactional Models

  • Transactional models see communication as a simultaneous and continuous process
    • Participants are constantly sending and receiving messages at the same time
  • Consider the dynamic nature of communication and the multiple factors that can influence the process
    • Noise, context, and the relationship between participants are all taken into account
  • More complex than linear and interactional models, but offer a more comprehensive and realistic representation of communication
    • Example: A group discussion where participants are actively listening, speaking, and responding to one another in real-time

Shannon-Weaver Model Components

Key Elements

  • Information source: The originator of the message (person, group, or machine)
  • Encoder: Converts the message into a form that can be transmitted through a channel (spoken words, written text, or digital signals)
  • Channel: The medium through which the encoded message is transmitted (air, paper, or electronic devices)
  • Decoder: Converts the received signal back into a meaningful message that can be understood by the destination
  • Destination: The intended recipient of the message (person, group, or machine)

Noise in the Shannon-Weaver Model

  • Noise refers to any interference or distortion that can occur during the transmission of the message
    • Physical noise: Background sounds or visual distractions that can interfere with the reception of the message
    • Psychological noise: Biases, preconceptions, or emotional states that can influence the interpretation of the message
    • Semantic noise: Ambiguous or unfamiliar words or phrases that can lead to misunderstandings
  • Noise can disrupt the communication process and lead to miscommunication or misinterpretation of the intended message
    • Example: A noisy room can make it difficult for the destination to hear the message clearly

Communication Models: Strengths vs Limitations

Strengths

  • Linear models (Shannon-Weaver) are simple and easy to understand
    • Useful for explaining basic communication processes
  • Interactional models (Osgood-Schramm) acknowledge the two-way nature of communication and the importance of feedback
    • Provide a more accurate representation of real-world communication than linear models
  • Transactional models offer the most comprehensive and realistic representation of communication
    • Account for the dynamic, simultaneous, and context-dependent nature of the process

Limitations

  • Linear models do not account for the complexity of real-world communication
    • Do not consider the role of feedback or the influence of personal fields of experience
  • Interactional models still view communication as a sequence of actions rather than a simultaneous process
    • May not fully capture the dynamic nature of communication
  • Transactional models can be more challenging to understand and apply in practice due to their complexity
    • May be less suitable for explaining simple, one-way communication processes

Choosing the Appropriate Model

  • The choice of communication model depends on the specific context and purpose of the analysis
    • Linear models may be sufficient for explaining simple, one-way communication processes
    • Interactional and transactional models are better suited for analyzing more complex, two-way communication scenarios
  • No single model can perfectly capture all aspects of communication
    • Each model focuses on different elements and has its own strengths and limitations
  • A thorough understanding of communication often requires considering multiple models and their respective insights
    • Example: Analyzing a political debate may benefit from using both interactional and transactional models to capture the complexity of the communication process

Key Terms to Review (19)

Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said in a conversation. This skill not only enhances interpersonal communication but also builds rapport and trust, making it vital in various contexts such as conflict resolution and leadership.
Assertive communication: Assertive communication is a style of expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct, honest, and respectful manner. This approach not only enhances personal relationships but also improves the effectiveness of communication in various settings, allowing individuals to stand up for their rights while acknowledging the rights of others.
Berlo’s SMCR Model: Berlo’s SMCR Model is a communication model that outlines the process of communication through four key components: Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver. This model emphasizes how these elements interact and affect the overall effectiveness of communication, showcasing the importance of understanding each part to enhance communication skills across different contexts.
Cultural Context: Cultural context refers to the social, historical, and environmental conditions that shape communication within a specific culture. It influences how messages are created, interpreted, and responded to, providing a framework through which individuals understand each other's beliefs, values, and behaviors. Recognizing cultural context is crucial for effective communication as it helps to navigate differences in cultural norms and practices that can affect interactions.
David Berlo: David Berlo was a prominent communication theorist known for his work in the field of communication models, particularly his Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver (SMCR) model. His model emphasizes the importance of the sender, the message being communicated, the channel used for communication, and the receiver's understanding, which plays a crucial role in effective communication. Berlo's insights into communication behavior have influenced various areas, including interpersonal communication and organizational communication.
Feedback: Feedback is the information provided by a receiver back to a sender regarding the effectiveness of their message. It plays a crucial role in communication by allowing senders to adjust their messages based on how they are received, enhancing understanding and fostering clearer interactions.
Interpersonal context: Interpersonal context refers to the unique setting in which communication takes place between individuals, influenced by their relationship, personal histories, and social dynamics. This context shapes how messages are interpreted and responded to, impacting the effectiveness of communication. Understanding interpersonal context is essential for recognizing how relational dynamics can facilitate or hinder communication.
Language barriers: Language barriers refer to the challenges that arise when individuals or groups do not share a common language, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications. These barriers can hinder effective communication, create obstacles in social interactions, and affect relationships both personally and professionally.
Linear model: A linear model in communication is a straightforward representation of the communication process, illustrating how a message is sent from a sender to a receiver in a direct and one-way flow. This model highlights the simplicity of communication by focusing on the roles of the sender, message, and receiver, often omitting feedback and other contextual elements that influence understanding. By understanding this model, one can appreciate its role in communication theory and its relevance in practical scenarios like managing speech anxiety.
Message: A message is the information or content that is transmitted from a sender to a receiver in the communication process. It can take various forms, including spoken words, written text, images, or gestures, and is essential for conveying thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Understanding the structure and clarity of a message is crucial as it influences how effectively the intended meaning is received and interpreted by others.
Noise: Noise refers to any external or internal interference that disrupts the clarity and effectiveness of communication. It can occur at various stages in the communication process and may arise from physical sounds, psychological distractions, or semantic misunderstandings. This disruption can affect how messages are sent, received, and interpreted, influencing the overall communication experience.
Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages or information without the use of words, utilizing gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other visual cues. It plays a crucial role in enhancing or contradicting verbal messages and is essential for understanding emotions and intentions in various communication contexts.
Perceptual Barriers: Perceptual barriers are obstacles that arise from individual perceptions and interpretations of messages, which can distort or hinder effective communication. These barriers can stem from personal biases, stereotypes, emotions, and experiences that influence how we perceive others and the information being conveyed. Understanding these barriers is crucial as they affect the clarity and accuracy of messages exchanged between individuals.
Receiver: A receiver is an individual or group who interprets and responds to a message sent by a sender in the communication process. This role is crucial because the effectiveness of communication largely depends on how well the receiver understands and processes the information being conveyed. The receiver's background, perceptions, and context can significantly influence their interpretation of messages.
Sender: A sender is the individual or entity that initiates the communication process by encoding and transmitting a message to a receiver. The sender plays a crucial role in determining how effectively the intended message is conveyed, as their choices regarding language, tone, and medium influence the overall clarity and impact of the communication. Understanding the sender's role is essential for analyzing both the process of communication and its various functions and types.
Shannon-Weaver Model: The Shannon-Weaver Model is a foundational framework in communication theory that illustrates the process of transmitting information from a sender to a receiver through a channel, incorporating potential noise that may interfere with the message. This model emphasizes the importance of encoding, decoding, and feedback, allowing us to understand how effective communication can occur despite barriers.
Transactional Model: The transactional model of communication describes the process of communication as a dynamic and ongoing exchange between participants, where both send and receive messages simultaneously. This model highlights the importance of context, feedback, and the interdependence of communicators in shaping meaning, emphasizing that communication is not a linear process but rather a collaborative interaction.
Verbal communication: Verbal communication is the use of spoken or written words to convey messages and share information between individuals. It plays a critical role in the way people connect and interact, influencing clarity, understanding, and relationship building in various contexts. This form of communication can be intentional or unintentional and often varies based on factors like culture, context, and the dynamics of the relationship between the communicators.
Wilbur Schramm: Wilbur Schramm was a pioneering figure in the field of communication studies, known for his contributions to communication theory and the development of models that explain the communication process. He emphasized the importance of understanding how messages are constructed, transmitted, and interpreted in various contexts. His work laid the foundation for future scholars to analyze communication dynamics and has influenced various fields such as media studies, psychology, and sociology.
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