Communication Models Although adapted and updated, much of the information in this lecture is derived from C. David Mortensen, Communication: The Study of Human Communication (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1972), Chapter 2, “Communication Models.” A. What is a Model? 1. Mortensen: “In the broadest sense, a model is a systematic representation of an object or event in idealized and abstract form. Models are somewhat arbitrary by their nature. The act of abstracting eliminates certain details to focus on essential factors. The key to the usefulness of a model is the degree to which it conforms--in point-by-point correspondence--to the underlying determinants of communicative behavior.” 2. “Communication models are merely pictures; they’re even distorting pictures, because they stop or freeze an essentially dynamic interactive or transactive process into a static picture.” 3. Models are metaphors. They allow us to see one thing in terms of another. B. The Advantages of Models 1. They should allow us to ask questions. Mortensen: “A good model is useful, then, in providing both general perspective and particular vantage points from which to ask questions and to interpret the raw stuff of observation. The more complex the subject matter—the more amorphous and elusive the natural boundaries—the greater are the potential rewards of model building.” 2. They should clarify complexity. Models also clarify the structure of complex events. They do this, as Chapanis (1961) noted, by reducing complexity to simpler, more familiar terms. Thus, the aim of a model is not to ignore complexity or to explain it away, but rather to give it order and coherence. 3. They should lead us to new discoveries-most important, according to Mortensen. At another level models have heuristic value; that is, they provide new ways to conceive of hypothetical ideas and relationships. This may well be their most important function. With the aid of a good model, suddenly we are jarred from conventional modes of thought. Ideally, any model, even when studied casually, should offer new insights and culminate in what can only be described as an “Aha!” experience. C. Limitations of Models 1. Can lead to oversimplifications. “There is no denying that much of the work in designing communication models illustrates the oft-repeated charge that anything in human affairs which can be modeled is by definition too superficial to be given serious consideration.” Some, like Duhem’s (1954), believe there is no value in models at all: We can guard against the risks of oversimplification by recognizing the fundamental distinction between simplification and oversimplification. By definition, and of necessity, models simplify. So do all comparisons. As Kaplan (1964) noted, “Science always simplifies; its aim is not to reproduce the reality in all its complexity, but only to formulate what is essential for understanding, prediction, or control. That a model is simpler than the subject-matter being inquired into is as much a virtue as a fault, and is, in any case, inevitable *p. 280+.” So the real question is what gets simplified. Insofar as a model ignores crucial variables and recurrent relationships, it is open to the charge of oversimplification. If the essential attributes or particulars of the event are included, the model is to be credited with the virtue of parsimony, which insists-where everything is equal-that the simplest of two interpretations is superior. Simplification, after all, is inherent in the act of abstracting. For example, an ordinary orange has a vast number of potential attributes; it is necessary to consider only a few when one decides to eat an orange, but many more must be taken into account when one wants to capture the essence of an orange in a prize-winning photograph. abstracting. For example, an ordinary orange has a vast number of potential attributes; it is necessary to consider only a few when one decides to eat an orange, but many more must be taken into account when one wants to capture the essence of an orange in a prize-winning photograph. Models can miss important points of comparison. Chapanis (1961), “A model can tolerate a considerable amount of slop *p. 118+.” 2. Can lead of a confusion of the model between the behavior it portrays Mortensen: “Critics also charge that models are readily confused with reality. The problem typically begins with an initial exploration of some unknown territory. .Then the model begins to function as a substitute for the event: in short, the map is taken literally. And what is worse, another form of ambiguity is substituted for the uncertainty the map was designed to minimize. What has happened is a sophisticated version of the general semanticist’s admonition that “the map is not the territory.” Spain is not pink because it appears that way on the map, and Minnesota is not up because it is located near the top of a United States map. “The proper antidote lies in acquiring skill in the art of map reading.” 3. Premature Closure The model designer may escape the risks of oversimplification and map reading and still fall prey to dangers inherent in abstraction. To press for closure is to strive for a sense of completion in a system. Kaplan (1964): The danger is that the model limits our awareness of unexplored possibilities of conceptualization. We tinker with the model when we might be better occupied with the subject-matter itself. In many areas of human behavior, our knowledge is on the level of folk wisdom ... incorporating it in a model does not automatically give such knowledge scientific status. The majority of our ideas is usually a matter of slow growth, which cannot be forced.... Closure is premature if it lays down the lines for our thinking to follow when we do not know enough to say even whether one direction or another is the more promising. Building a model, in short, may crystallize our thoughts at a stage when they are better left in solution, to allow new compounds to precipitate [p. 279]. One can reduce the hazards only by recognizing that physical reality can be represented in any number of ways. What is communication model? | Functions of communication model Posted By businesscom Leave a Comment 7 A model can be defined as a visual presentation that identifies, classifies and describes various parts of a process. In the communication process, sender, message, media and receiver are associated. Communication process starts with the transmission of message by communicator and end with receiver’s feedback. When this communication process is represented through a line or picture, it is calledcommunication model. In other words, pictorial presentation of communication process is known as communication model. The simple model of communication consists of a sender, message and receiver. However, this simple model ignores many other parts of communication process. So by incorporating all parts of communication process, a comprehensive communication model is presented below: In communication model, various parts of communication process are depicted in a sequential and rational way. In fine, it can be summed up that communication model is a diagrammatical presentation of communication process. It is the logical settings of the elements of communication process. Functions of communication model Communication model refers to the visual representation of communication process. Communication model performs certain function in developing communication skills and efficiency. Some important functions of communications model are mentioned below: 1. Teaching the elements of communication process: Communication model represents various elements involved in sending and receiving message. So from communication model, one can learn various aspects of communication process. For this reason, it is said that communication model teaches communication process. 2. Conducting research: The second important function of communication model is to help inconducting research in the field of communication. Communication model presents various aspects of communication logically that help the researchers are in understanding the pattern of communication. So with the help of communication models, the researchers can undertake communication research programmers and perform those efficiently. 3. Predicting the success or failure of communication process: Another function of communication model is to predict or forecast the success or failure of a particular communication process. Through this model, one can ascertain the causes of success or failure of communication. Importance or objectives of communication model: Communication model has evolved to understand the communication process. It helps to understand the important aspects of communication. Some points highlighting the importance or objectives of communication model are given below: 1. Easy understanding of communication process: Communication model helps to understand the communication process easily and logically. 2. Showing information flow: Communication model shows how information flows form one person to another in the organization. 3. Introducing the parts of communication process: Communication model is also helpful to orient the various parts of communication process to its readers. 4. Easy presentation of communication process: Communication process is a complex issue. Through a model, this complex issue can be presented easily. 5. Understanding the communication complexities: Complex issues of commutation process cannot be show in the communication model. Comparing