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 simplifications, they only present the aspects that, according to the model's designer, are most central to communcation.{{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 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}}

Models of communication are representations of the process of [[communication]]. A model consists of features that the model's designer believes are relevant to the reality underlying communication. Thus, by examining models, one learns not only about the communication process, but also about the perspective of the designer.{{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 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}} 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}}