Models of communication: Difference between revisions

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== Definition and function ==

Models of communication are representations of the process of [[communication]]. They try to provide a simple explanation of the process by highlighting its most basic characteristics and components. As simplified pictures, they only present the aspects that, according to the model's designer, are most central to communication.{{sfn|Ruben|2001|loc=[https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/models-communication Models Of Communication]}}{{sfn|West|2010}} Communication can be defined as the transmission of ideas. General models of communication try to describe all of its forms, including [[Verbal communication|verbal]] and [[non-verbal communication]] as well as [[visual]], [[Hearing|auditory]], and [[olfactory]] forms.{{sfn|Narula|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AuRyXwyAJ78C 1–8]|loc=Introduction}} In the widest sense, communication is not restricted to humans but happens also [[Animal communication|among animals]] and between species. However, models of communication normally focus on [[human communication]] as the [[paradigm|paradigmatic form]].{{sfn|UMN staff|2013|loc=[https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/1-1-communication-history-and-forms/ 1.1 Communication: History and Forms]}} They usually involve some type of interaction between two or more parties in which messages are exchanged.{{sfn|Chandler|Munday|2011|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLuJz-ZB828C 60]|loc=communication models}}{{sfn|Craig|1999}} The process as a whole is very complex, which is why models of communication only present the most salient features by showing how the main components operate and interact.{{sfn|Narula|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AuRyXwyAJ78C 10–12, 23–25]|loc=1. Basic Communication Models}} They usually do so in the form of a simplified visualization and ignore some aspects for the sake of simplicity.{{sfn|UMN staff|2013|loc=[https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/1-2-the-communication-process/ 1.2 The Communication Process]}}{{sfn|McQuail|2008|p=[https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+International+Encyclopedia+of+Communication%2C+12+Volume+Set-p-9781405131995 3143–9]|loc=Models of communication}}{{sfn|Cobley|Schulz|2013|p=[https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110240450/html 7–10]|loc=Introduction}}

Some theorists, like Paul Cobley and Peter J. Schulz, distinguish models of communication from [[Communication theory|theories of communication]]. This is based on the idea that theories of communication try to provide a more abstract [[conceptual framework]] that is strong enough to accurately represent the underlying [[reality]] despite its complexity.{{sfn|Cobley|Schulz|2013|p=[https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110240450/html 7–10]|loc=Introduction}} Communication theorist Robert Craig sees the difference in the fact that models primarily represent communication while theories additionally explain it.{{sfn|Craig|2013|pp=46–47}} According to Frank Dance, there is no one fully comprehensive model of communication since each one highlights only certain aspects and distorts others. For this reason, he suggests that a family of different models should be adopted.{{sfn|Narula|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AuRyXwyAJ78C 23]|loc=1. Basic Communication Models}}

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=== Newcomb ===

[[File:Newcomb's model of communication.svg|thumb|upright=1|alt=Diagram of Newcomb's model of communication|The basic components of Newcomb's model are two communicators (A and B) and a topic (X). The arrows symbolize the orientations the communicators have toward each other and toward the topic.{{sfn|Newcomb|1953|p=[https://philpapers.org/rec/NEWAAT-4 394]}}]]

Newcomb's model was first published by [[Theodore_Newcomb|Theodore HM. Newcomb]] in his 1953 paper "An approach to the study of communicative acts".{{sfn|Newcomb|1953|p=[https://philpapers.org/rec/NEWAAT-4 393–404]}}{{sfn|Watson|Hill|2012|p=195–6|loc=Newcomb's ABX model of communication}} It is called the ABX model of communication since it understands communication in terms of three components: two parties (A and B) interacting with each other about a topic or object (X). A and B can be persons or groups, such as trade unions or nations. X can be any part of their shared environment like a specific thing or another person.{{sfn|Narula|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AuRyXwyAJ78C 22, 33]|loc=1. Basic Communication Models}}{{sfn|Fiske|2011|p=[https://www.routledge.com/Introduction-to-Communication-Studies/Fiske/p/book/9780415596497 31–32]|loc=2. Other models}}{{sfn|Feather|1967|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=H4ardmrt5rkC&pg=PA135 135–7]}} The ABX model differs from earlier models by focusing on the [[social relation]] between the communicators in the form of the orientations or attitudes they have toward each other and toward the topic.{{sfn|Watson|Hill|2012|p=195–6|loc=Newcomb's ABX model of communication}}{{sfn|Gałajda|2017|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FXkoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5 5]}}{{sfn|Fiske|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=kfEtCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA29 29–32]}} The orientations can be favorable or unfavorable and include beliefs. They have a big impact on how communication unfolds. It is relevant, for example, whether A and B like each other and whether they have the same attitude towards X.{{sfn|Narula|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AuRyXwyAJ78C 22, 33]|loc=1. Basic Communication Models}}{{sfn|Fiske|2011|p=[https://www.routledge.com/Introduction-to-Communication-Studies/Fiske/p/book/9780415596497 31–32]|loc=2. Other models}}

Newcomb understands communication as a "learned response to strain" caused by discrepancies between orientations.{{sfn|Mcquail|Windahl|2015|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=hLpACwAAQBAJ&pg=PA27 27–8]}} The social function of communication is to maintain equilibrium in the [[social system]] by keeping the different orientations in balance.{{sfn|Fiske|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=kfEtCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA29 29–32]}} In Newcomb's words, communication enables "two or more individuals to maintain simultaneous orientation to each other and towards objects of the external environment".{{sfn|Watson|Hill|2012|p=195–6|loc=Newcomb's ABX model of communication}} The orientations of A and B are subject to change and influence each other. Significant discrepancies between them, such as divergent opinions on X, cause a strain in the relation. In such cases, communication aims to reduce the strain and restore balance through the exchange of information about the object.{{sfn|Feather|1967|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=H4ardmrt5rkC&pg=PA135 135–7]}}{{sfn|Gałajda|2017|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FXkoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5 5]}} For example, if A and B are friends and X is someone both know, then equilibrium means that they have the same attitude towards X. However, there is a disequilibrium or strain if A likes X but B does not. This creates a tendency for A and B to exchange information about X until they arrive at a shared attitude. The more important X is to A and B, the more urgent this tendency is.{{sfn|Fiske|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=kfEtCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA29 29–32]}}

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* {{cite book |last1=Morel |first1=Gwendolyn M. |last2=Spector |first2=J. Michael |title=Foundations of Educational Technology: Integrative Approaches and Interdisciplinary Perspectives |date=18 October 2022 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781000688252 |page=127 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=112CEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT127 |language=en }}{{cbignore}}

* {{cite book |last1=Narula |first1=Uma |title=Handbook of Communication Models, Perspectives, Strategies |date=2006 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist |isbn=9788126905133 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AuRyXwyAJ78C |language=en }}{{cbignore}}

* {{cite journal |last1=Newcomb |first1=Theodore M. |title=An Approach to the Study of Communicative Acts |journal=Psychological Review |date=1953 |volume=60 |issue=6 |pages=393–404 |doi=10.1037/h0063098 |pmid=13112341 |url=https://philpapers.org/rec/NEWAAT-4 |url-access=subscription }}

* {{cite book |last1=Orbe |first1=Mark P. |last2=Harris |first2=Tina M. |title=Interracial Communication: Theory into Practice, Fourth Edition |date=11 November 2022 |publisher=Waveland Press |isbn=9781478650584 |page=143 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G7-ZEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA143 |language=en }}{{cbignore}}

* {{cite book |last1=Pande |first1=Navodita |title=The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Mass Media and Society |date=2020 |publisher=SAGE Publications, Inc. |pages=1588–1589 |url=https://sk.sagepub.com/reference/the-sage-encyclopedia-of-mass-media-and-society/i15120.xml |chapter=SMCR Model |isbn=9781483375533 }}

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* {{cite book |last1=Weaver |first1=Warren |title=The Mathematical Theory of Communication |date=1 September 1998 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |isbn=9780252725463 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fRrvAAAAMAAJ |language=en |chapter=Recent Contributions to the Mathematical Theory of Communication |pages=1–28 }}{{cbignore}}

* {{cite journal |last1=Wenxiu |first1=Peng |title=Analysis of New Media Communication Based on Lasswell's "5W" Model |journal=Journal of Educational and Social Research |date=1 September 2015 |doi=10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n3p245 |pages=245–9 |doi-access=free }}

* {{cite book |last=West |first=Richard L. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/226356706 |title=Introducing communication theory : analysis and application |date=2010 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |others=Lynn H. Turner |isbn=978-0-07-338507-5 |edition=4th |___location=Boston |oclc=226356706 }}

* {{cite book |last1=Wodak |first1=Ruth |last2=Koller |first2=Veronika |title=Handbook of Communication in the Public Sphere |date=27 August 2008 |publisher=Walter de Gruyter |isbn=978-3-11-019898-0 |page=26 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IFVas4Lwqz0C&pg=PA26 |language=en }}{{cbignore}}

* {{cite book |last1=Wood |first1=Julia T. |title=Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters |date=1 January 2012 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1-133-71157-5 |pages=15–7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9d4JAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT34 |language=en }}{{cbignore}}