Wilbur schramm model of communication

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wilbur schramm model of communication

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What is the Wilbur Schramm Model of Communication according to LectureNotes?

Answer:
The Wilbur Schramm Model of Communication is an influential theoretical framework that helps us understand how communication processes work. Wilbur Schramm, often recognized as one of the founding figures in the field of communication studies, developed this model in 1954. Schramm’s model builds on earlier communication models but adds several key elements that make it more comprehensive.

Key Components of Schramm’s Model

  1. Source, Encoder, Signal, Decoder, and Destination:

    • The model introduces the concepts of the source (origin of the message), encoder (the mechanism of transforming thoughts into communicable messages), signal (the transmitted message), decoder (the mechanism of transforming the signal into thoughts), and destination (the receiver of the message).

  2. Feedback Loop:

    • One of the significant advancements in Schramm’s model is the inclusion of feedback. This loop ensures that communication is interactive and ongoing rather than a one-way street. Feedback allows the source to know if the message was received and understood as intended.

  3. Field of Experience:

    • Schramm emphasized the ‘field of experience’ of both the sender and the receiver. This refers to their individual knowledge, cultural background, and personal experiences, which influence how messages are encoded, interpreted, and understood. Effective communication occurs when there is an overlap in the fields of experience.

  4. Noise:

    • The model acknowledges the presence of ‘noise’, which refers to any disturbance or interference that distorts the message during transmission. Noise can be physical (like a loud sound) or psychological (such as preconceived notions or misunderstandings).

Diagram of the Schramm Model

The Schramm Model is often represented as a circular diagram to emphasize the cyclical and iterative nature of communication. It features the following main steps:

[ \text{Source} ]
[ \downarrow ]
[ \text{Encoder} ]
[ \downarrow ]
[ \text{Signal} ]
[ \downarrow ]
[ \text{Decoder} ]
[ \downarrow ]
[ \text{Destination} ]

After the destination receives the message, the process returns to the origin, forming a loop through feedback mechanisms.

Strengths of Schramm’s Model

  • Interactivity: The inclusion of feedback highlights the interactive nature of communication.
  • Emphasis on Experience: Recognizing the fields of experience underscores the importance of the sender and receiver’s backgrounds.
  • Addresses Noise: By acknowledging noise, the model provides a more realistic look at potential communication barriers.

Conclusion

The Wilbur Schramm Model of Communication remains a seminal and widely used framework for understanding communication processes. Its consideration of feedback, field of experience, and noise sets it apart as a thorough and practical model for both academic study and real-world application.

If you need further detailed notes or a deeper dive into this topic, platforms like LectureNotes may offer comprehensive lecture notes and additional resources to study Schramm’s contributions to communication theory further.