Fundamentals of Communication Studies
Wk 1: Overview of Communication
Communication
Communication is a systemic process in which people interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings.
Features/Aspects of Communication 1. Process * Ongoing and dynamic (always in motion) * Cannot freeze communication 2. Systems * Interrelated parts (family, team) (part of the system) * Embedded in larger systems (groups, industries, cultures) * Varying openness * Extent to which a system affects and is affected by outside factors and processes * Seek equilibrium, or homeostasis * BUT: Change – Internal, External 3. Symbols * Abstract, arbitrary and ambiguous * Representation of other things 4. Meanings * Significance we bestow on phenomena, or what they signify to us * Content level (literal aspect) * Relationship level (tone of message, what it signifies thereafter) * Command request, nature of relationship
Models of Communication * Description of a system, theory or phenomenon * An approximation of reality * Explains the workings of a process * In essence, to simplify a situation for us to understand better
May be a graphic, diagram or even mathematical equation.
3 primary models of Communication: 1. Linear 2. Interactive 3. Transactional
1. LINEAR (Transmission, Bullet, Hypodermic Needle)
Noise source: anything that interferes with the intended meaning of communication
* One way direct transmission * Usage of transmitter and receiver * May have noise source that causes interference and disruption to transmission of message
2. INTERACTIVE MODEL (Change roles; feedback; fields of experience)
* Take turns, does not portray changing over time * Sender and receiver do change roles * Feedback occurs from receiver to sender * Fields of experience are present (clarifies why misunderstanding occurs)
3.
Communication
Communication is a systemic process in which people interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings.
Features/Aspects of Communication 1. Process * Ongoing and dynamic (always in motion) * Cannot freeze communication 2. Systems * Interrelated parts (family, team) (part of the system) * Embedded in larger systems (groups, industries, cultures) * Varying openness * Extent to which a system affects and is affected by outside factors and processes * Seek equilibrium, or homeostasis * BUT: Change – Internal, External 3. Symbols * Abstract, arbitrary and ambiguous * Representation of other things 4. Meanings * Significance we bestow on phenomena, or what they signify to us * Content level (literal aspect) * Relationship level (tone of message, what it signifies thereafter) * Command request, nature of relationship
Models of Communication * Description of a system, theory or phenomenon * An approximation of reality * Explains the workings of a process * In essence, to simplify a situation for us to understand better
May be a graphic, diagram or even mathematical equation.
3 primary models of Communication: 1. Linear 2. Interactive 3. Transactional
1. LINEAR (Transmission, Bullet, Hypodermic Needle)
Noise source: anything that interferes with the intended meaning of communication
* One way direct transmission * Usage of transmitter and receiver * May have noise source that causes interference and disruption to transmission of message
2. INTERACTIVE MODEL (Change roles; feedback; fields of experience)
* Take turns, does not portray changing over time * Sender and receiver do change roles * Feedback occurs from receiver to sender * Fields of experience are present (clarifies why misunderstanding occurs)
3.