CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY

UIMS
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication
Subject Name: Introduction to Mass Communication
(20JMT-101)

Faculty Name: Mandeep Choursia (E 6331)

Video Lecture No. 15
Lasswell’s Communication Model DISCOVER . LEARN . EMPOWER
1
 OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES
Lecture objectives
CO Title Level
Number
CO1 To develop understanding of Understand
Lasswell’s communication model
CO2 The focus will be on the concepts of Understand
Lasswell’s communication model.  

Lecture outcomes
CO Number Title Level
CO1 Students will be able to learn about Understand
Lasswell’s communication model
Students will be able to understand about
Lasswell’s
CO2 Understand
components of Lasswell’s communication
model . Communication Model
CO3 Students will learn about the advantages Remember
of Lasswell’s communication model .
CO4 Students will gain knowledge about the Apply
disadvantages of Lasswell’s  
communication model . 2
• Lasswell’s communication model was developed by communication
theorist Harold D. Lasswell (1902-1978) in 1948.
• Lasswell’s model of communication (also known as action model or
linear model or one way model of communication) is regarded as one
the most influential communication models. 
COMPONENTS MEANING

the communicator or sender or

Who source of message

Says What the content of the message

In Which Channel the medium or media

the receiver of the message or
To Whom an audience
the feedback of the receiver to
With What Effect the sender
• Lasswell also brought the concept of Effective Communication
Process. He talked about the relation between presentation of facts
and how it generates different effects. The use of the concept of effect
makes Lasswell’s model non-linear unlike it’s name. It’s because
effect can also be taken as feedback.
• Though, generally, the component of effect was made to be more
about outcome of the message, the model is applied in different
medias and fields despite being developed specifically for mass
communication.
 Functions for communication:
• This model is about process of communication and its function to
society, According to Lasswell there are three functions for
communication:
• Surveillance of the environment
• Correlation of components of society
• Cultural transmission between generation
• Lasswell model suggests the message flow in a multicultural society
with multiple audiences. The flow of message is through various
channels. And also this communication model is similar to Aristotle’s
communication model.
 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantage of lasswell model:
• It is Easy and Simple
• It suits for almost all types of communication
• The concept of effect
Disadvantage of lasswell model:
• Feedback not mentioned
• Noise not mentioned
• Linear Model

8
 REFERENCES
Text Books:
• Theories and Models of Communication Paul Cobley and Peter J. Schulz

Other References:
•https://www.communicationtheory.org/lasswells-model/
•https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/lasswell-communication-model/
•https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/lasswell-communication-model

9
SUMMARY

Advantage of lasswell model:

It is Easy and Simple
It suits for almost all types of
communication
The concept of effect
Disadvantage of lasswell model:
Feedback not mentioned
Noise not mentioned
Linear Model

10