Communication Theory

ISD 651Fall 2002

Communications Theory

The theory of how messages are communicated between two entities, including how messages are sent and received, and factors that can influence or affect changes in the meaning of message throughout the process.

Main Points – Shannon Weaver Model

A linear view of communication: messages are encoded by a source and sent through a channel. Messages are then decoded by a receiver, who then sends the source feedback. Messages may be disrupted by noise.

Schramm adds the factor of fields of experience of the sender and receiver, life experiences which can enhance communication when they overlap.

Theoretical and Practical Applications

Communications theory identifies the means, methods, and elements of communication and feedback.

Main People

Claude Shannon – Developed the initial theory of communication. With Warren Weaver developed the Shannon-Weaver model of Communication TheoryW. Scramm – Added concept of field of experience to Shannon-Weaver modelDavid Berlo – Developed SMCR model, stressing relationship between source and receiverHoward Lasswell – Introduced content analysis

Relationship to Instructional Design

Communication theory is a driving force behind instructional design. Instruction is designed so that its objectives can be properly communicated and received by the learner. Both the learner and the designer receive feedback about the instructional process.

Incorporation Into Dick & Carey

Incorporate more learner analysis to include culture, physical disabilities, learning stylesProvide pre-assessment of learner cognitive stylesAllow learner control, e.g. sequenceSelect media, colors, graphics appropriate to the learner’s specificsSelect language level appropriate to learnerConsider multiple versions of assessments taking into account learner characteristicsPictures are more memorable than words

Websites

http://www.exploratorium.edu/complexity/CompLexicon/Shannon.htmlhttp://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome/cshtml/index.htmlhttp://collaboratory.nunet.net/dsimpson/comtheory.htmlhttp://art3idea.ce.psu.edu/art3/lessons/lesson_4.html - Aretha Franklin - Communications Theory relationshiphttp://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/short/trans.html

Innovative Applications

Use innovative technology to allow the learner to select the type of media, use interactive design, etc.Example of new technology – 3D word maps in the visual thesaurus

References

Message production : advances in communication theory / edited by John O. Greene., Mahwah, N.J. : Erlbaum, 1997.Watershed research traditions in human communication theory / edited by Donald P. Cushman and Branislav Kovaci´c. Albany, N.Y. : State University of New York Press, c1995.Modern digital and analog communication systems / B.P. Lathi. Philadelphia : Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, c1989.Human communication theory / Sarah Trenholm. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall, c1986.Communication theory and interpersonal interaction / selected proceedings from the Fourth International Conference on Culture and Communication, Temple University, 1981 ; edited by Sari Thomas. Norwood, N.J. : Ablex Pub. Corp., c1985.