Here is a detailed study of the major Theories of Communication, which explain how communication works, how messages are created, transmitted, received, and interpreted.
These theories are categorized into different schools of thought, each focusing on a specific aspect of the communication process—psychological, social, cultural, or technological.
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? 1. Shannon and Weaver’s Model (Mathematical Theory of Communication)
Developed by: Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver (1949)
Key Concept:
This is one of the earliest and most influential theories, originally developed to improve technical communication (telephones, radios). It presents communication as a linear process.
Elements:
Sender – The person who sends the message
Encoder – Converts the message into signals
Channel – Medium of transmission (radio, telephone, etc.)
Decoder – Converts signals back to a message
Receiver – The person who receives the message
Noise – Any interference that disrupts the message
Importance:
Basis of many modern communication models
Introduced the concept of noise in communication
Limitations:
One-way communication
No feedback or context considered
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? 2. Berlo’s SMCR Model (1960)
SMCR: Source, Message, Channel, Receiver
Key Concept:
David K. Berlo expanded the Shannon-Weaver model by focusing more on human communication, especially in personal and psychological contexts.
Components:
Source – Communication skills, knowledge, social system, attitude
Focuses on the emotional and social factors affecting communication
Recognizes the role of receiver’s understanding and background
Limitations:
Still linear, assumes no feedback
Not suitable for mass media communication
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? 3. Schramm’s Model of Communication (1954)
Key Concept:
Schramm introduced the idea of feedback, making communication a two-way interactive process.
Important Features:
Shared field of experience between sender and receiver is crucial
Emphasizes feedback and encoding-decoding loop
Strengths:
More realistic and dynamic than previous models
Suitable for interpersonal and mass communication
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? 4. Lasswell’s Model of Communication (1948)
Formula:
Who says What in Which channel to Whom with What effect?
Use:
Very popular in mass media and political communication studies.
Components:
Who – Communicator
Says What – Message
In Which Channel – Medium
To Whom – Audience
With What Effect – Outcome or impact
Strengths:
Simple, practical, and used for propaganda and mass campaigns
Introduces concept of effect/result in communication
Limitations:
No feedback or noise considered
Too focused on persuasion
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? 5. Westley and MacLean’s Model (1957)
Key Concept:
This model explains communication as a dynamic, interactive, and feedback-based process, especially in journalism and media.
Features:
Recognizes external events (stimuli) that trigger communication
Includes gatekeepers who influence the message (editors, media managers)
Strengths:
Applies well to mass communication and media channels
Shows how messages are shaped and filtered
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? 6. Aristotle’s Model of Communication
Origin: Ancient Greece (Rhetorical Model)
Components:
Speaker (ethos)
Speech (logos)
Audience (pathos)
Focus:
Public speaking and persuasion using logic, ethics, and emotion
Relevance:
Still used in advertising, politics, leadership, and law
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? 7. Dance’s Helix Model (1967)
Key Concept:
Communication is a continuous and evolving process, like a helix that expands as people gain more experience and understanding.
Features:
Reflects learning and adaptation
Each communication builds on the previous one
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? 8. Barnlund’s Transactional Model (1970)
Key Concept:
Communication is continuous, simultaneous, and transactional. Both parties are senders and receivers at the same time.
Key Elements:
Context (physical, social, psychological)
Feedback is essential
Meaning is created mutually
Strengths:
Most accurate for real-life communication
Includes non-verbal, environmental, and cultural factors
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Conclusion:
These communication theories help us understand how communication works in various contexts—personal, professional, mass media, or digital. While older models focused on linear transmission, modern theories emphasize interaction, feedback, environment, and perception.
