MODELS OF COMMUNICATION

A. LINEAR MODEL- a simple one-way communication model. The message flows in a straight pattern- from sender to
receiver.
1. Shannon-Weaver Model- known as the mother of all communication models (1949). It depicts communication as a
linear or one-way process consisting of five elements: a source (producer of message); a transmitter (encoder of
message into signals); a channel (signals adapted for transmission); a receiver (decoder of message from the signal);
and a destination. This model, however, has been criticized for missing one essential element in the communication
process: feedback. Without feedback, the speaker will not know whether the receiver understands the message or
not.

2. Lasswell’s Model- describes an act of communication by defining who said it, what was said, in what channel it was
said, to whom it was said, and with what effect it was said.

3. Aristotle’s Model-divided into five elements (source, transmitter, channel, receiver, destination). The speaker is the
most important element, making this model a speaker-oriented model.
 4. Berlo’s S-M-C-R Model-represents the process of communication in its simplest form. The acronym stands for
Sender, Message, Channel and Receiver.

B. TRANSACTION MODEL- a two- way process with the inclusion of feedback as one element.
Key Points:
*The sender and the receiver take turns in sending or receiving messages.
*Both sender and receiver are known as communicators.
* Mostly used for interpersonal communication.
*Also called circular model of communication.
1. Barlund’s Transactional Model- proposed that giving and receiving messages is reciprocal which means that both
communicators (the sender and the receiver) are responsible of the effect and effectiveness of the communication.

2. Helical Model- Communication is supposed to be continuous and non-repetitive. It is always growing and
accumulative. It was proposed by Frank Dance in 1967 and was inspired by a helix. See

3. Becker’s Mosaic Model-proposed by Sam Becker in 1968. also explains the complexity of human communication as a
dynamic process. It is believed to reduce the limitations of the linear models. It stresses the meaning of messages and
was inspired by Marshall McLuhan’s views and metaphors of television as a collection of light and dark spots.
C. INTERACTIVE MODEL-similar to transactional model as they are both two-way communication model but it is mostly used for a
new media like internet. People can respond to any mass communications like videos, news, etc. People can exchange views and
ideas.