Linear Communication Model

Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Examples & Explanation

This article explains Shannon and Weaver's Model of Communication Elements and Example of Situation

Shannon and Weaver's Model of Communication

American mathematician Claude Elwood Shannon and scientist Warren Weaver introduced a linear communication model in 1949 in the article THE MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF COMMUNICATION. Therefore, it is called Shannon and Weaver's communication model. Initially, they proposed this mathematical model to describe the signal-transmitting system and enhance telephone communication by minimizing noise. Now it is applied in every field of information and communication broadly. However, they did not present the "Feedback"; thus, the Shannon and Weaver model is an example of a linear communication model. Initially, the Shannon-Weaver model excluded feedback; hence, it is a linear communication model. Therefore, it was an incomplete communication model for not including Feedback and different types of nonverbal communication cues.

Later, Norbert Weiner included feedback on the model in countering the criticism of the one-way communication approach. Shannon and Weaver's communication model is called the "Mother of all Communication Models" for its extreme popularity. It is also called the mathematical theory of communication, Shannon theory, and information theory in the engineering disciplines.

Shannon Weaver Model Linear or Transactional

Shannon and Weaver introduced the linear communication model with six elements: information source, transmitter, channel, receiver, destination, and noise source. The authors did not add feedback to this model in 1949; therefore, it is a linear communication model. However, later the feedback was included by Norbert Wiener in 1950.

Feedback in Shannon Weaver Model

In 1950, Norbert Wiener added the "Feedback" in Shannon and Model. He presented the feedback system in the book (The Human Use of Human Beings) initially published in 1950. Norbert Wiener is also the founder of cybernetics theory, which explains the feedback system. Shannon and Weaver have not published the modified model, including feedback. Hence, the original model of Shannon and Weaver is linear, as they did not mention feedback.

Shannon-Weaver Communication Model Examples of Situation

The four Examples Situation of the Shannon-Weaver Model are:

Ordering Food Through Food Panda
Simple Job Application Email
Listening to News on Radio
Watching the United States Presidential Debates- 2024

Shannon-Weaver Communication Model Examples of Situation-1: "Ordering Food Through Foodpanda"

In this scenario, the customer is the sender of the information who orders a meal through the Foodpanda Mobile App (Information Source).
The customer encodes messages and transmits them through a signal via a mobile application using TCP/IP sockets (Transmitter).
The mobile application is the channel through which messages are transmitted from senders to receivers (Channel).
The communication might interfere with Electrical Noise generated by the random movement of electrons in the electronic device (Noise).
The device of food delivery is the receiver of the message. The delivery person and restaurant authority are the message's destination who will process the food (Destination).

Shannon-Weaver Model Examples of Situation-2: "Simple Job Application Email "

The applicants write a simple job application email with a CV attachment (Sender or Source of Information).
The Gmail email software converts ideas into text messages to transmit them (Transmitter).
The internet-based email conveys the message to HR professionals (Channel).
Noise like spam filters or internet issues might interfere (Noise).
The HR manager receives the email and takes further action (Receiver).
The manager retains the email cover letter with the attached resume or forwards it to the concerned professional (Destination).

Examples of Situation of Shannon-Weaver Model-3: "Listening News on Radio"

Jon is listening to the morning news via the radio. The news presenter broadcasts news regarding today's weather forecast. However, he cannot hear the report of the radio frequency interference (RFI). RFI is created from an internal wireless system. The news presenter is the information source, the radio is the channel, Jon is the receiver, and radio frequency interference is also known as electrical noise.

Shannon-Weaver Model Examples of Situation-4: "Watching the United States Presidential Debates- 2024"

The CNN television telecast the first general election debate for the United States Presidential Debates 2024. Donald Trump from Republican and Joe Biden from the Democratic attended the debates on June 27, 2024. Around 51.27 million people watched this presidential debate and most think that Trump performed better than Joe Biden.

These are the four example situations of the Shannon-Weaver model.

Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Explanation

The Shannon and Weaver communication model includes six elements: Information Source, Transmitter, Channel, Receiver, Destination, and Noise Source. However, Shannon and Weaver did not mention "Feedback" in 1949; hence, it is a linear communication model like the Aristotle model and Lasswell communication model. Many researchers and practitioners criticize this model for not adding "Feedback." Therefore, later, Norbert Weiner included "Feedback" to describe the transactional communication process.

Many communication models have been postulated based on this model- for example, Eugene White's model and Osgood-Schramm's transactional model.

Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Elements

The Six Elements of Shannon and Weaver's Model of Communication are:

Information Source.
Transmitter.
Channel.
Receiver.
Destination.
Noise Source.

Shannon and Weaver model of Communication explanation — Shannon and Weaver's Model of Communication

1. Information Source

Information source refers to the sender of the communication process that conveys the message to the receiver. It also indicates the person who generates the information and initiates the communication process.

For example, the lecturer gives a motivational speech to new students in the orientation program using a dynamic microphone. In the meantime, an airplane passes over the program. So students can not hear the lecturer's speech for a while.

2. Transmitter

The transmitter refers to the message converter that changes the message into a signal to transfer through the communication channel. It is also called the encoding process. The messages are spoken words, written messages, pictures, music, and nonverbal cues.

For example, the lecturer's speech is transmitted through the dynamic microphone. The microphone converts the spoken word into a signal to transfer via an electrical current on the wire.

3. Channel

Channel is the medium that conveys the message from senders to receivers. Communicators utilize distinguished channels based on communication, such as human senses, radio, television, newspapers, electronic tools, social media, and so on.

For example, the wire is the channel that conveys messages from the lecturer to students.

4. Receiver

Receivers are the people who convert the signal into a meaningful message. They are responsible for decoding the message. So, the receiver is the decoder of the communication process.

For example, students are the receivers who process the signal and sound into a meaningful message.

5. Destination

Destination indicates both senders and receivers of the communication process who encode and decode the message.

According to Shannon and Weaver's Model, "when I talk to you, my brain is the information source, yours the destination; my vocal system is the transmitter, and your ear and the associated eighth nerve is the receiver."

6. Noise

Noise is the unwanted sound of the communication process that disrupts effective communication. Communicators found noises in every communication process, including verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, face-to-face, mediated, and group communication. The most common types of noise in communication are physical, physiological, psychological, semantic, electrical, syntactical, cultural noise, and so on.

For example, airplane sound is considered the physical noise in communication that distracts the students from hearing the speech.

Communication Noise: 5 different types of noise in communication are physical noise, physiological noise, psychological noise, Semantic noise & cultural noise. Examples of 5 Types of Noises in the Communication Process. — Different Types of Noise in Communication

Shannon and Weaver Communication Model Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Shannon and Weaver's Model

1. Explain IT-Based Communication: Firstly, Shannon and Weaver's theory enhances telephone communication by representing six essential elements. It articulates the signal-transmitting system through the medium. The model provides a clear and straightforward framework for understanding the technology-based communication process. This simple model can be used in multiple contexts.

2. Representing Key Components (Noise): For the first time, this theory explains the communication noises that barrier effective message transmission. Noise is a significant communication component. This model includes key components of the communication process including noise. Many communication theories avoid noise as the unwanted key component in communication. Controversly, it is the first linear model that explains noise as a fundamental element.

3. Diverse Applicability: Shannon and Weaver's model can be used to explain diverse communication contexts including interpersonal, social, mass, digital, and organizational communication.

4. Technological Relevance: This model was established in 1948; however, it is still relevant to analyze digital communication. Finally, Shannon-Weaver's framework is the first communication model that explains the message-sending process through an instrument. It has contributed to the development of telecommunications systems, digital coding techniques, and data transmission technologies.

Shannon and Weaver Communication Model Disadvantages

1. Linear and One-Way: Firstly, It is a linear communication model due to not demonstrating Feedback. The model describes that communication is a one-way process. However, most communication processes are two-way in directional manners. Therefore, this model is inappropriate for analyzing transactional communication processes like face-to-face discussions.

2. No Feedback: The Shannon-Weaver model does not include feedback in communication. Avoiding feedback is the major weakness of this model because every transactional communication holds feedback.

3. Focus on Technological Context: Shannon and Weaver's model highlights technological communication context overlooking social, psychological, and cultural contexts. Shannon Weaver's model was designed to explain mediated communication.

Conclusion

In short, the Six Elements of the Shannon and Weaver Model o are Information Source, Transmitter, Channel, Receiver, Destination, and Noise Source. Eventually, Norbert Weiner included the seventh element(Feedback) to make it a transactional communication model. Shannon and Weaver's Model was introduced in 1949 and is undoubtedly a linear communication model like Aristotle, Lasswell, and David Berlo's SMCR Model.

Established Year of the Shannon-Weaver Model?

The Shannon and Weaver model was introduced in 1949. However, there is controversy regarding the establishment year of the Shannon and Weaver model. Claude Shannon published the article(A Mathematical Theory of Communication) in the Bell System Technical Journal in 1948 known as the Shannon theory. Warren Weaver republished the previous article in 1949, adding more information and discussing the model's implication for the effective communication process. They also renamed The Mathematical Theory of Communication while republishing it in a book. Therefore, it is known as the Shannon-Weaver model of communication.

Warren Weaver did not contribute to the article (A Mathematical Theory of Communication) published in 1948 by Claude Elwood Shannon. So, Weaver's name cannot be included in the model published in 1948. He co-authored the same article in 1949 and renamed it "The Mathematical Theory of Communication" while reprinting it in the book. The Mathematical Theory of Communication is called Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver's model of communication. So, it is rational to say that the Shannon and Weaver model was introduced in 1949, not 1948.

Shannon-Weaver’s Communication Theory Pdf Download-

A Mathematical Theory of Communication

Shannon, 1948 Reference

Shannon, C. E. (1948). A mathematical theory of communication. The Bell System Technical Journal, 27(3), 379-423.

Shannon and Weaver, 1949 Reference

Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The mathematical theory of communication. The University of Illinois Press

Citation For This Article - APA- 7th Edition:

Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2024). Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Explanation & Examples.Newsmoor- Best Online Learning Platform. https://newsmoor.com/shannon-and-weaver-model-of-communication-explanation-examples/

David Berlo's SMCR Model of Communication Examples & Explanation

David Berlo's SMCR Model of Communication Example Situation. Berlo's Model of Communication Advantages and Disadvantages

David Berlo's SMCR Model of Communication

SMCR communication model refers to the Source-Message-Channel-Receiver formed communication theory developed by David Berlo in 1960. In 1960, David Berlo designed the SMCR communication model with four elements: Sender, Message, Channel, and Receiver. SMCR refers to the Source-Message-Channel-Receiver, which are essential elements of any communication process. Therefore, the SMCR communication model is known as Berlo's Source-Message-Channel-Receiver model. Berlo invented this model based on the Shannon-Weaver communication model (1949). He described some factors that make the communication process more effective. SMRC represents the Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver that are also part of 9 essential communication elements of the primary communication process.

There are three types of communication models: linear, interactive, and transactional communication models. The SMCR communication model refers to the one-way communication system. So, the SMCR model is a linear model of communication where feedback is absent.

Berlo's Model of Communication Published Year: 1960

Who Developed the SMCR Communication Model?

Answer: David Berlo

SMCR Stands For

SMCR stands for Sender, Message, Channel, and Receiver

Models of Communication

Berlo's Model of Communication Example

Listening to a lecture in a classroom is a real-life example of David Barlo's SMCR communication model. Lecturer Delivering a Lesson Physically in a Classroom can be an example situation of Berlo's model of communication. The four essential elements of Barlo's model are the source, message, channel, and receiver. Firstly, the news lecturer is the source of knowledge who disseminates the information. The lessons are the message, and hearing and seeing are the channel. Finally, the students are receivers of messages who listen to the lecture. In this context, students can be a source of information when they provide feedback. David Berlo did not mention feedback in his model; therefore, it is designed to explain a one-way communication process.

Similarly, reading newspapers, books and magazines are example scenario of Barlo's communication model. Print and broadcast journalism primarily relate to one-way communication.

However, digital journalism generates two-way communication, including social media-based citizen journalism and blogging. The active audience can comment to express their opinion on social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Berlo's Model of Communication Diagram

smcr model of communication, berlo's SMCR model of communication. berlo's model of communication example situation. David Berlo's Model of Communication Example. berlo's model. example of berlo's model of communication. david berlo model. david berlo's communication model. — Figure 1: David Berlo's SMCR Model of Communication

David Berlo's Communication Model Elements

The Four Key Elements of Berlo's Model of Communication are:

Source
Message
Channel
Receiver

1. Source

The source means the message's sender who initiates the communication process by sending information to the Receiver. David Berlo describes five factors related to the source: Communication Skills, Attitude, Knowledge, Social Systems, and Culture.

Communication skills

Communication skills refer to the ability to speak, read, write, and listen effectively. It also indicates the ability to use verbal and nonverbal communication cues during the interaction. Communication will be more effective if the senders and receivers have excellent communication skills. The most common nonverbal communication examples are eye contact, facial expression, body language, gestures, posture, and so more. The communication skill of the source or sender increases the effectiveness of the communication process.

Attitude

Attitude is the psychological factor of the sender and Receiver that affects the message's meaning. It is also an established perception of a person in which they think or feel about something. Thus, the message's meaning depends on the source's attitude and the Receiver.

Knowledge

Knowledge indicates the level of actual information, familiarity, and experience on the discussion topic. The discussion topic is the message of the communication process. Therefore, the communicator feels comfortable discussing if the topic is familiar to them. However, knowledge does not imply the educational qualifications or degrees of the sender or receiver.

For example, a football player will be more interested in talking about football than cricket. On the other hand, a cricket player will surely feel comfortable discussing a cricket game. Here, knowledge indicates familiarity with the subject of the discussion topic or message.

Social Systems

Social systems refer to the values, beliefs, behaviors, rules and regulations, locations, and religions. These factors influence the method of the communication process as well as the meaning of the message.

For example, the speaker delivers an anti-America message in the American parliament election campaign. It is considerably sure that the audience will not receive and listen to his message attentively. It is an example of a location factor that is also part of the social system.

Culture

Culture refers to the social background of the Sender and Receiver. The meaning of the same message might be identical when people from different cultures interpret it. It is a significant factor from the perspective of nonverbal communication cues.

For example, exchanging "Salam" greetings with people is widespread in the Muslim community. Salam conveys a greeting message in the Muslim community; however, handshaking is another activity that also exchanges the same meaning. On the other hand, handshaking is a standard greeting among people in Western culture.

2. Message

The message is the primary substance conveyed by the source or sender of the communication to the Receiver. David Berlo proposed another five factors related to the message: Content, Elements, Treatment, Structure, and Code.

Content

Content refers to the entire body of the message from beginning to end. It is essential information for the discussion. Content is the whole script of the conversation.

For example, the lecturer is teaching students about noise in communication. So, the full speech about communication noise is the content of the message.

Elements

Elements refer to nonverbal communication cues such as facial expression, eye contact, gesture, posture, and body movement. It makes the conversation more effective and productive. So, communication might get boring without elements.

For example, the lecturer raises five fingers when mentioning the five basic noises in the communication process.

Treatment

Treatment refers to the communication way in which the message is conveyed to the audience. The communication way affects the communication system. It represents the message packaging. Examples of treatment in communication are delivering messages formally and casually.

For example, the teachers speak formally when delivering speeches in the classroom. However, the lecturer talks very casually when meeting students outside of class.

Structure

The structure of the message describes the arrangement of the information. The effectiveness of the message depends on the message structure.

For example, the lecturer talks about the definition, types, and examples of communication noise. The students perceive the message clearly for its good arrangement.

Code

Code in the message refers to the form of the message transmitted from sender to receiver. Examples of the code are text, audio, video, visual, and so more.

For example, the teacher is speaking in front of the students; hence, the code of the message is audio.

3. Channel

Channel refers to the medium that carries the message from sender to Receiver. There are many types of channels in communication, such as radio, newspapers, TV, phone calls, and social media. Berlo highlighted the five senses as the communication channel: hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting. These five channels are a crucial part of the human communication process.

For example, a face-to-face class is more effective than an online class. The students can see the lecturer physically and hear the lecture. Nowadays, many institutes conduct virtual classes through premium. The channels denote the physical and virtual communication way to convey messages.

David Berlo mentions only five human senses as the communication channel, such as Hearing, Seeing, Touching, Smelling, and Tasting.

Hearing

People receive messages through listening. It is the most effective channel in the communication process. For example, students hear lectures in the classroom.

Seeing

People accept messages through seeing. It is one of the crucial channels in nonverbal communication. People take less than one second to judge others by seeing their appearance. The audiences form a conception of the speaker based on body movement, facial expression, eye contact, and gesture. A proverb says that people can lie, but eyes never lie. It means people believe what they see more than what they hear.

For example, a lecturer asks students about their final exam. The student replied that it was an excellent exam; however, the student looked very worried while interacting with the lecturer. So, the lecturer does not believe the statement due to seeing the worried face. Watching television is another example of seeing channels in communication.

Touching

Touch refers to an effective nonverbal communication channel that conveys messages through touching. It is also known as Haptics in Nonverbal Communication. The most common examples of touching channels in communication are holding hands, hugging, tickling, and kissing. These touching styles represent different messages.

Smelling

Smelling is another channel of the intrapersonal communication process. The intrapersonal communication process means communicating with yourself. It is also known as olfactics nonverbal communication. People judge others based on the Fragrance they have used. A good smell creates a positive attitude toward the person. The perspiration odors form a negative perception of the person. A good fragrance represents a good personality.

For example, people smell flowers and fragrances to identify whether the flavor is good or bad.

Tasting

Tasting refers to nonverbal communication channels through tasting something. For example, people test food to identify its deliciousness.

4. Receiver

Finally, R-Receiver is the person who receives the message or information in the communication process. David Berlo adds the same factors of the sources to the Receiver, such as Communication skills, Attitudes, Knowledge, Social Systems, and Culture, to the Receiver. Communication gets more effective when senders and receivers have similar skills, attitudes, and knowledge. Communication among people from the same culture and social system reduces communication noise during the interaction.

Berlo's Model of Communication Example Situation

(Berlo's Model of Communication Example Scenarios: A Marketing Officer Selling a New Television)

1. Source (S)

In this scenario, the marketing manager is the source of information who initiates the communication.

Communication Skills: The marketing manager should be a verbal and non-verbal communicator to convey the message effectively.
Attitude: The marketing manager needs to have a positive attitude and details information about the new television.
Knowledge: The sales manager should study the new product and the customer's demographic and psychographic background.
Social System: The manager works within the organizational structure and culture.
Culture: The manager’s approach and style might be influenced by the organizational culture and background of the audience.

2. Message (M)

The promotional information about the new television is the message.

Content: it is information about the new television, including components, usefulness, pricing, and launch date.
Elements: Verbal and non-verbal communication cues including artifacts, presentation slides, statistic report charts, and television images.
Treatment: The way of conveying information including formal presentation with a Q&A session.
Structure: The whole session includes an executive summary, product features, market analysis, and conclusion.
Code: The marketing manager uses language in promotional presentations, including technical terms, and possibly visual and audio elements.

3. Channel (C)

In this scenario, hearing and seeing are the channels in which a message is transmitted.

Hearing: The customers and sales team listen to the manager’s speech about the new television.
Seeing: The customers see visual aids and observe non-verbal cues.
Touching: Some audiences touch the new television to know more about it.
Smelling and Tasting: It does not apply to this product. However, it might be applicable for food items.

4. Receiver (R)

In this scenario, the clients are receivers of the information.

Communication Skills: The customers and sales team must have good listening and little knowledge about the product.
Attitude: It indicates the customer's willingness to buy the new products. It might be positive or negative towards the new television. It is also relevant to psychological noise in communication.
Knowledge: Similar to the marketing manager, the customers and sales team should have knowledge and positive attitudes toward the new television.
Social System: The marketing session is designed and operated according to the company’s hierarchical structure and social norms.
Culture: The customer's cultural background and corporate culture may influence their perception of the message.

Berlo's Model of Communication Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Berlo's SMCR Communication Model

Berlo's communication model explains the communication system with four primary and 15 sub-components. It shows a giant diagram to describe the communication process thoroughly. The SMCR model explains the communication process elaborately.

The source or sender and receiver contain similar components. This model articulates that the sender and receiver convey and receive messages simultaneously. It indicates interactive communication even though it is a linear communication model.

It focuses on human communication emphasizing the skills, attitudes, knowledge, and social systems of both the sender and receiver.

Disadvantages of the Berlo's SMCR Communication Model

David Berlo's SMCR Model of Communication is the linear communication model; therefore, feedback is absent. Hence, the SMCR model can't explain the transactional communication processes like speaking over a smartphone.

Additionally, it illustrates a complex communication model that is difficult to understand. This model troubles students in perceiving the process.

Moreover, Berlo's SMCR communication model avoids noise, a significant communication element. It excludes another communication element- context. It is impossible to describe the communication process without noise and context.

Conclusion

SMCR is one of the significant linear communication models that describe the communication process through multiple elements, including Sender, Message, Channel, and Receiver. Although this model mentioned various components, it is a one-way directed. Berlo's SMCR model is known as the one-step communication model; whereas, the two-step flow of communication is the interactive model. In sum, the SMCR model is also a linear model of communication since feedback is excluded.