Interactive model

Definition

The interactive model of communication is a framework that describes the process of communication as a two-way exchange where both parties act as senders and receivers. This model emphasizes feedback and context, recognizing that communication is dynamic and involves the influence of both participants' interpretations and responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The interactive model highlights that communication is not just a one-way process; instead, it involves mutual influence between participants.
2. This model incorporates feedback loops, allowing participants to adjust their messages based on the responses received.
3. Context plays a significant role in the interactive model, as it can shape how messages are interpreted and how feedback is given.
4. Nonverbal cues and body language are important elements in the interactive model, as they contribute to the meaning conveyed during communication.
5. This model is often contrasted with linear models of communication, which do not account for the dynamic nature of exchanges between senders and receivers.

Review Questions

• How does the interactive model differ from linear models of communication?
  • The interactive model differs from linear models by emphasizing that communication is a two-way process where both parties are involved as senders and receivers. In contrast, linear models depict communication as a straightforward transmission of messages from sender to receiver without considering feedback or the roles of both participants. The interactive model acknowledges the importance of context and feedback in shaping understanding and response during exchanges.
• Discuss the role of feedback in the interactive model of communication and why it is essential.
  • Feedback plays a crucial role in the interactive model because it allows for real-time responses that enhance understanding between communicators. It helps clarify misunderstandings and adjust messages accordingly, fostering a more effective dialogue. By providing feedback, receivers can influence subsequent messages from the sender, creating a collaborative interaction rather than a mere one-way exchange.
• Evaluate how context influences the effectiveness of communication in the interactive model.
  • Context significantly influences communication effectiveness in the interactive model by shaping how messages are sent, received, and interpreted. Factors such as cultural background, social environment, and situational elements can all affect how communicators understand each other's intentions and meanings. By recognizing these contextual influences, communicators can tailor their messages and feedback mechanisms to better suit their interaction, leading to clearer understanding and improved relational dynamics.

Related terms

Sender-Receiver: In communication, the sender is the person who initiates the message, while the receiver is the individual who interprets and responds to that message.

Feedback:

Feedback refers to the responses or reactions from the receiver back to the sender, which help clarify understanding and improve the communication process.

Noise:

Noise encompasses any interference or distraction that can distort or disrupt the transmission of messages in communication, impacting clarity and understanding.