Real Communication An Introduction

20 Part 1  Basic Communication Processes

Modeling Communication

As we’ve stated, the communication process is infinitely complex. For this rea-

son, scholars have generated different models, or visual representations, of the

process to help deepen our understanding of communication. Let’s look at three

such models: linear, interaction, and competent communication.

The Linear Model

In the linear model of communication (see Figure 1.1), scholars proposed

that a sender originates communication with words or actions constituting the

message. The message is then carried through a channel (air and sound waves,

written or visual, over telephone lines, cables, or electronic transmissions). Along

the way, some interference, called noise, occurs. Because of the noise, the mes-

sage arrives at the receiver changed in some way from the original (Shannon &

Weaver, 1949).

The linear model depicts communication as occurring in only one direction:

from sender to receiver. So, although this model may be useful for showing how

electronic signals (such as television and radio) are transmitted to the public, it

does not show the receiver’s role in interpreting meaning or in sending simulta-

neous feedback to the sender in a conversation. For this reason, scholars have dis-

missed the linear model as not particularly useful for understanding most kinds

of communication, particularly interactive forms.

The Interaction Model

The interaction model shows communication as a two-directional process that

incorporates feedback into communication between sender and receiver (see

Figure 1.2). Feedback is a message from the receiver to the sender that illustrates

how the receiver is responding. As with the linear model, noise may occur along

the way.

Sender Receiver(s)

Channel for the message

FIGURE 1.1 NOISE
LINEAR MODEL