OSGOOD-SCHRAMM’S MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

A Written Report
Presented to
Ma’am Lethesa Apurillo

As a Requirement in the Oral Communications G11 Subject

For the Second Quarter of the First Semester
S.Y 2023-2024

Presented by:
Adao, Merly Janelle L.
Banjawan, Brull I.
Jadloc, Kathleen Mea A.
Japag, Joehanz Ken A.
Lacaba, Eduard Joseph
Lanza, Vanessa
Legarte, Richann Drea M.
Lim, Justre Vanexel D.
Lugnasin, Alaiza Mea R.
Mendoza, Jeron
Moore, Darren
Grade 11, B16-Edison

January 2024
 Abstract

This report aims to study the characteristics, elements, limitations, and processes
that happen during Osgood-Schramm’s model of communication. This case will
thoroughly discuss the history and background of this model, and will provide
discussions and examples of how we utilize this type of communication in our day to
day lives. This model offers a comprehensive framework to understand
communication processes. This paper underscores the importance of understanding
the dynamic nature of language and verbal exchange through interactive
conversations founded on shared experiences in Osgood-Schramm’s model.
Interpreting a message can possess a variety of meaning for different individuals
with different backgrounds. Overall, pursuing this study enriches our comprehension
of the complexities inherent in human communication. The knowledge distributed in
this report will help people achieve awareness on the structure and influence that
communication models achieve in the success of effective communication, and how
they work in real life situations.

Introduction

The Osgood-Schramm model of communication was developed by psychologists

Charles Osgood and Percy Tannenbaum in 1954, and was later expanded by Wilbur
Schramm, one of the founding fathers of mass communication. Charles E. Osgood
explained that for communication to be effective, it has to occur in a circular manner,
not in a linear way. The listener can also be the sender and receiver.
This model emphasizes the engaging characteristic of communication,
incorporating three key components: source, message, and receiver. Additionally, it
introduces important factors such as encoding and decoding, highlighting the
intricate exchange of symbols and meanings between communicators. The Osgood-
Schramm model underscores the reciprocal nature of communication,
acknowledging the influence of feedback and context on the effectiveness of
message transmission (Smith 2023). Another major concept in this model is that
communication is equal, the receiver and sender are actively involved in continuing
process.
The benefit of this model is that feedback is cyclical, and will stop on the terms of
both communicators. It also illustrates the complexity of human communication
because a message may account a myriad of interpretations depending on which
person is decoding the matter, and that is because each individual is comprised
many experiences that is only unique to them.
 Body

Osgood-Schramm’s communication is categorized as an interactive

communication model, or also known as the convergence model. It focuses on the
process of decoding and encoding the messages in communication. This model
revolves around a cycle of continuous feedback between the sender and receiver.
The model’s emphasis on the importance of response and interaction in the
communication process is what differentiates itself from other communication
models, because it requires both parties to carefully understand the message and
formulate an effective reply. Rather than relaying ideas and information in a linear
way, it states that communication is a never-ending, circular process where the
sender and receiver exchange roles in giving thoughts and opinions.
Their interpretations of what they mean is relative to what this model calls, “field of
experience”. Wherein, each individual evaluates a message based on the influence
of past events that have accumulated in their lives, and have contributed to the
composition of their personality, beliefs, and values. These communication patterns
may come from factors such as culture, social status, upbringing, sexuality, or prior
knowledge. The overlap of differences or similarities in the field of experience can
heavily affect the flow of communication. Mutual experiences can serve as the bridge
that can connect the encoded message and decoded message to the main idea of
the discussion.

The elements involved are the following:

 Sender – also known as the transmitter, this is the person who sends the
message and initiates the conversation.
 Encoder – this is the person who translates the message into verbal or non-
verbal communication before the transmission.
 Decoder – receives the message, and creates a personal interpretation out of
it.
 Interpreter/Receiver – tries to understand and analyze the message being
sent based on the perspective of sender.
 Feedback – process where the receiver delivers a response to the message
sent.
 Medium – the channel or mode of communication used to send the message.
 Noise – an interference during the process of communication.
 Field of experience – personal patterns from learned past life experiences
which may affect the process of communication.
Process
When communication undergoes Osgood-Schramm’s model, messages can go in
two directions because of its circular process. The cycle starts when a sender
encodes an idea and transmits the message to the receiver. Once the interpreter
receives the message, they will begin to decode this into language that is
comprehensive to their own understanding but does not betray the original meaning
of the message, lest miscommunication may occur. From the message, they inspect
the purpose of the subject and in response, they encode their own interpretations
based off what they know and delivers this through feedback. Through this
interchange of roles, it will now create an open-ended and limitless rotation of
decoding, encoding, and sharing opinions within the vicinity of their field of
experience.
This field of experience is what helps the conversation to progress further. It has
the ability to alter the messages being exchanged because a person’s background
can contribute to how they will interpret the topic. Additionally, this model takes
noise into consideration as a barrier of communication that can ruin the success of
the conversation. Both external and internal noise have the ability to disrupt the
progression of communication.

Figure 1 shows the visual demonstration of Osgood-Schramm’s model

Application
Communication is a crucial part of our life. It is a form of self-expression that helps
us to develop our relationship with ourselves and with others. Osgood-Schramm’s
model of communication is an outlet for us to deepen social bonds through casual
trade in words and conversation. We see many instances in our lives when Osgood-
Schramm’s interactive model is being to action, for instance, when we declare our
arguments in debate, report information to other people, or when we ask questions
to learn more about a certain topic. Another example could be a teacher delivering a
lecture (source) to students (receiver) and then engaging in a discussion with the
students based on their understanding of the lecture (feedback).
This model can be used in both interpersonal and intrapersonal communication.
For instance, Ally invited Joey to her birthday party. Joey did not understand if the
birthday party will be held in the afternoon or morning, and he contemplated whether
to ask or not because Ally was busy with preparations. In the end, he asked Ally
about it. Ally told Joey that the party would be held in the afternoon. Joey’s
contemplation with himself was an example of intrapersonal communication and his
queries to Ally was an example of interpersonal communication.

Disadvantages
Free and personal interpretation is one of the central ideas found in Osgood’-
Schramm’s communication model. Although this profound approach of
communication is beneficial to both sender and receiver, it also serves as a
disadvantage due to the fact that misinterpretation is prone to happen in this
communication model. Because different individuals have different perspective of the
world, and unless they are open-minded to distinct opinions, this may fail to
understand and accept certain messages that contrast with their views. Such as
when conservative people cannot tolerate the free-spirited behavior liberals
Additionally, many verbal and non-verbal cues and signals has a diverse array of
meaning and it can be quite tricky to pinpoint the exact message of the sender.
There are many factors you have to carefully examine and consider in that setting,
such as the context, psychological state of the sender, social intimacy, and many
more. To give a scenario, when your friend suddenly ignores in public, it could mean
they no longer want to be friends with you, they didn’t see you, or they did something
bad behind your back and your response to their behavior would be to ask why they
are giving you with that treatment. In that kind of condition, what will matter now is
your feedback and how you will handle the situation at hand.
Internal and external noise can also play a part in initiating miscommunications as
it distracts your focus to the message and direct your attention elsewhere. For
example, when you’re in class, trying to listen to your teacher, but the constructions
sites outside your school are too loud, that may detract your concentration from the
lesson.
Conclusion

The Osgood-Schramm model offers a more dynamic and interactive perspective

on communication. This model prioritizes four main principles; first, communication is
circular. Second, it is usually equal and reciprocal. Third, many interpretations can be
perceived in one message. And lastly, communication is a continuous process of
encoding, decoding, interpreting. These components are the pillars that build the
foundation of Osgood-Schramm’s communication model (Drew 2023).
This model regulates informative and expressive communication by holding both
the sender and recipient responsible and accountable in keeping the interaction
alive. As a result, after someone decodes a message, they can encode it and send it
back again to the sender, forming an interactive feedback cycle. It highlights the
importance of mutually beneficial communication where both parties are participating
in the exchange, as well as the ways in which context and feedback impact the
effectiveness of communications.

Synthesis

The Osgood-Schramm’s model shows us the value of two-way communication

between sender and receiver. Feedback and participation play a vital role in fruitful
conversations. Not only does it deepen our socials bonds by presenting our keen
interest, it helps us to develop our listening skills and cognitive thinking abilities when
we bring our outmost concentration to understand the message being given to us.
This study tries to synthesize that applying the principle of Osgood-Schramm’s in
your interactions will become beneficial to you in skillfully analyzing social situations
that may come your way.
This model pushes you to go beyond your own interpretations and begin to see
angles in other people’s perspectives. Your communication with others must display
fairness and respect for their opinions. It also encourages us to just merely hear, but
listen carefully to feedback and deliver the same effort in our response.