1 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

2 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

Lesson 3: Communication Models

SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this lesson, you are expected to:

1. identify the three standard communication models;
2. differentiate the various models of communication; and
3. distinguish the unique feature(s) of one communication process from the other.
3 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

PRE-ASSESSMENT

Direction: Read the statement carefully and answer the question that follows.

1. Which proponent of the communication model says that Communication is

linear?
a) Schramm Model c) Shannon-Weaver
b) b) Charles Osgood's Model d) Dance
2. This theorist refers transmission model of Communication as that
involves signal.
a) Shannon-Weaver c) Schramm
b) Charles Osgood's d) Dance
3. It is the medium that transmits the signal from the transmitter to the
receiver.
a) The channel c) receiver
b) messenger d) television
4. The is to whom the message is intended to be sent.
a) the channel c) sender
b) The receiver d) barrier
5. He showed Communication as a dynamic or two-way process in which there is
interactive relationship between the source and the receiver of
the message.
a) Osgood c) Shannon
b) Schramm d) Weaver

6. The following elements are added to the Transactional Model, EXCEPT:

a) nonverbal communication c) context
b) feedback d) meaning
7. Transactional Model says people can be both sender and receiver, is
proposed by:
c) Osgood c) Shannon
d) Schramm d) Weaver
8. Communication is
a) verbal only
b) from ONLY one to many only
c) transmission of information with passive recipients
d) a process
9. Which of the following is NOT true of the Shannon Weaver Model of
Communication?
a) message does not consist of written and spoken words
b) the model does not introduce the concept of noise.
c) It is a two-way process
d) all of the above
10. The following are the main elements of Wilbur Schramm's simplified
communication model (1954), except;
a) barrier c) channel
b) speaker / Source d) receiver
4 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

LESSON MAP

The illustration above shows the four (4) communication models

CORE CONTENTS

ENGAGE: Recalling Previous Experiences 1:

Activity 1: Let’s have a throwback!

Direction: Recall the first time you engaged in a public oral presentation. What were the factors that you
considered at that time? Relate how challenging it was for you especially when viewed by different kinds of
audiences. Share your experience.

EXPLORE: Acquainting Myself to the Different Communication Models

Activity 2: Textual Reading

INSTRUCTIONS: Read each concept closely. Spaces are provided for note-taking and reflection
5 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

So far we have discussed the nature, processes and elements of communication. Now let us
examine some popular models of communication which help us in understanding the process of
communication. Like the nature and concept of communication, models of communication have also
been the subject of a vast amount of research. No single theory or model has found a general
acceptance. Before discussing the models of communication, let us first understand what the term
'model' means.
A model is a graphic representation designed to explain the way a variable works. It is a
pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object,
system, or concept. A model of communication offers a convenient way to think about it by providing
a graphical checklist of its various elements. Some of the important models discussed in this section
highlight the complexities of the process of communication.

In the earlier discussion, you learned about communication processes. In this lesson you will
review some important communication models. Why is it important that you know the
communication models? You will realize their importance because they will help you understand
how a communication process works. It is only by knowing the flow of communication that you will
be able to make the communication process effective.

A model is often abstract. It is a representation of real word phenomenon applied to different

forms. The interplay of variables in the model is represented graphically. Try to assess later what
comprises the communication models and what variables are common to each of them. There are
many conceptual models for human communication but in this lesson, we will only tackle 3 standard
models of communication.

Communication models describe the process of communication, visually show the

relationship among variables and help find and correct communication problems.

What are the Three Standard Models of Communication?

1. Linear Model of Communication (Transmission Model)

The linear model was the first kind of model that experts have made to understand the process of
communication. It has improved and has been updated over the years. The following are the remarkable
characteristics of the linear model:

1)Unidirectional - Linear model is one-way communication where the speaker sends messages to the
receiver with or without effect. Senders can only transmit messages while receivers can only receive the
messages. This model of communication applies to mass communication.

2) Simple - This model presents a simple communication acts because the transmission of message
shows only the beginning and the end and that there is no interchanging of roles between the sender and
receiver.
3) Persuasion not Mutual understanding. This model shows the one-way direction of communication
which promotes advice and influence rather than mutual understanding betwe en receiver and sender.

The first three characteristics emphasize the lack of feedback in this model which has been criticized
as a missing element in the communication process

4)Values psychological over social effects: This model focuses more on the psychological effects
(such as understanding the messages) rather than the social effects (like building the relationship among
communicators).
6 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

The Shannon-Weaver model (1949), also known as the transmission model and the mother of
all communication models is one best example of a one-way or linear process of
communication consisting of five elements (see diagram below) which have been criticized for
missing one element in the communication process, feedback.

In the previous lesson, all the elements were discussed and will be elaborated further in the next
module. But the Shannon-Weaver Model acknowledges only 5 elements in the linear process and
noise is a kind of disturbance coming from people, the environment, internal knowledge, beliefs, etc.
which hinders the receiver from getting and understanding the message.

The Shannon-Weaver Model illustration above shows the characteristics of the Linear Model of
Communication. First, as shown in the direction of the arrow, it is a unidirectional or one-way direction
where the speaker sends messages to the receiver with or without effect. Second, it is simple as it only
shows beginning and end of communication, but there is no interchanging of communication roles
between communicators. The first two characteristics emphasize persuasion and understanding the
message rather than mutual understanding and social relationship.

Example of the elements of the Shannon-Weaver Model

Elements Example:
Sender You
Receiver Your friend
channel Your mobile network
encoder Your mobile’s network company
Decoder The receiver’s Smartphone
Noise your friend receives only parts of the SMS message you tried to
send due to disruption of mobile signal

2. Transactional Communication Model

The Transactional Model of Communication illustrates how the sender and receiver take turns in
conveying and receiving messages and are called as “communicators.”

The sender and receiver’s roles are reversed each time sending and receiving messages occur at the
same time. Since both sender and receiver are necessary to keep the communication alive in Transactional
Model, the communicators are also interdependent to each other. Thus, if the receiver is not listening to the
sender, Transactional Communication is not possible.

Frank Dance (1967) introduced the Helix model that best illustrates the Transactional Model by
showing how the development of communication is based on previous experiences or behaviors as well as
7 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

how the knowledge-base of a person deepens and expands throughout life. He emphasized, “that
communication while moving forward is at the same time coming back to itself and being affected by its past
behavior…” Dance’s model also shows how the external and internal factors that are learned throughout life
influence the person’s understanding of a message.

The Characteristics of Transactional Model

1. Communication evolves from the very first day (origin) until the existing moment.
2. Communication is largely dependent on its past.
3. Concept of time.
4. Communication process is the product of what we learned.
.
So to put it in simple terms, Transactional Model of Communication involves three principles:

1. people send messages continuously and simultaneously

8 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

2. communication events that have a past, present, and future, and;

3. participants play certain roles in the conversation.

How does the second model of communication look to you? Do you think the second model is better
than the first model? Why or why not?

3. Interactive Communication Model

This model, also known as the convergence model or the Schramm Model of Communication
emphasizes the coding and decoding elements of the process which also focuses on the message
exchanges between the sender and receiver and vice versa. Rather than linear or a one-way
process, communication is a two-way street, with a sender and a receiver.
Wilbur Schramm introduced the interactive communication model where he emphasized
the need for the source to encode the message as well as for the receiver to decode the
message. These messages will always be affected by the “field of experience” from various
factors namely; social, cultural, psychological, situational experiences or gained knowledge.

In this model, noise is considered as a form of barrier in communication. The following

elements are included in this model of Communication:

Elements Functions
1. Sender sends the message
(transmitter)
2. Encoder converts the message into codes before sending
3. Decoder gets the encoded message then converts it into the
language understandable by the receiver
4. Interpreter tries to understand and analyze the message. The
message is considered received after the interpretation is done
and message is understood. Interpreter and receiver are the
same.
5. Receiver gets the message. Decoding and interpreting is also
part of his/her role.
6. Message data sent by the sender and information that the
receiver gets.
7. Feedback process where in receiver responds to the
received message

8. Medium or channel used to send the message.

media
9. Noise interference disruptions during the process. This is
(interference / also created when the intended meaning sent by the sender is
disruptions) different from what was interpreted by the receiver.

10. Field of patterns which affect the communication process. This can be
Experience from society, culture, situations, psychological or
sociological events or experiences of the sender and receiver.

Let us study the illustration below.

9 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

Figure 2: Schramm Model of Communication

Features of Interactive Communication Model

1. It has a never-ending process of communication and feedback where there is role- switching
between the sender and the receiver as they continue the exchange of messages. It means that
in the next flow of communication, the sender may become the receiver while the receiver in the
first communication process becomes the sender in the next communication flow when gives his
feedback or response.

2. Feedback is seen as an important part of this model to ensure that communication takes place.
With feedback, it gives the sender the chance to know whether his / her receiver got the
message the way he / she intended it to be understood. Feedback in short, helps communicator
to seek for clarification.

3. The field of experience affects the messages being exchanged. It means that the background of
the persons involved in the communication process plays a role in how they interpret the
messages received or how they encode the messages they will be sending.

4. It encourages interaction. This means that the Interactive model triggers the communicators to
give their responses because they share common experiences and thus share a common
understanding.

“If there is no commonality in the sender and

receiver field of experience. Then, communication
does not take place
10 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

NOTES:

EXPLAIN: Deepening My Thought

Activity 3: Key Ideas

Direction: This is to check your grasp of the topics discussed earlier. Write down the essential ideas
needed.

The 3 basic characteristics of Transactional Model

1.
2.
3.
The 4 characteristics of linear model
4.
5.
6.
7.
The two other names of linear model
8.
9.
The other name of transactional model
10.

Activity 4: How well do you know the models?

Direction: Fill out with the necessary information indicated in the first column.

Communication Models of Communication

Features Linear Transactional Interactive
Proponent/s
11 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

Common
Features

Striking Feature

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best Time to Use

TOPIC SUMMARY

In this lesson, you have learned that …

• The communication models explain how the communication process works.
• Communication models describe the process of communication, show the relationship among
variables, and help find and correct communication problems.
• There are three standard models of communication namely: Linear, Transaction and
Interactive models.
• The linear model is a one way process of communication that is unidirectional, uses simple
communication act, emphasis persuasion rather than mutual understanding and values psychological
over social effects.
• In Transactional Model, the sender and receiver take turns in exchanging information and are called
communicators.
• Frank Dance developed the Helical Model that emphasizes communication as evolving from the start
until the existing moment; it is dependent of the past and is concerned on the concept of time.
• The Transactional communication model suggests communication as a product of what we learned.
• Man’s field of experience affect the communication process according to Wilbur Schramm because
the commonality of experience taking place between sender and receiver allows them to interact.
• Conflicts arise within the structure since there are no standards to be observed.

• REFERENCES

Madrunio, M. R., & Martin, I. P. (2018). Purposive Communication: Using English in

Multilingual Contexts. 839 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City. C & E Publishing,
Inc

Magan, R., Nano, MC., & Turano C., (2018). Purposive Communication. Recoletos
St., Manila. Mindshapers Co. Inc.
Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral Communication in Context
(First Edition). Quezon City: Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi, Bethany Marie C.
(2016). Oral Communication in Focus. Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing,
12 Module 1 | Lesson 3 Communication Models

Inc. Quezon City, Metro Manila. ; P38-54.

Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College
Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore.

Flores, C.and Lopez E. (2008). Effective Speech Communication 5th Edition.

National Bookstore: Philippines.

Galero-Tejero, E. (2008) Doorways to English Language Proficiency: A self

Improvement program, National Bookstore: Philippines.

Sipacio, P.J.F. & Balgos, A.R.G. Oral Communication in Context for Senior High
School. Types of Speech Styles. p35. 2016. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon City,
Philippines.

Internet Link:

https://oralcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/functions-of-communication/ Retrieved on
December 28, 2018

https://study.com/academy/lesson/osgood-schramm-model-of-communication-definition-
application.html Retrieved May 16, 2020