Whenever I hear or think of the term linear, I think of something being one-way as the text mentioned. The linear model of communication as stated and showed in the text on page 17, discusses how the information source which is the message, is then the transmitter which consists of a signal which then becomes the received signal which then leads to the receiver(receiving the message) the outcome being the destination. However, then part of the revised model, noise is added to the model which is anything that can cause a disruption in a signal being received. Then there is the sender(send the message) to the receiver. Linear models portray communication "as flowing in only one direction-from a sender to a passive receiver"(Wood, 17). The problem in this model is that according to the text, it is implying that the listeners never send messages and they absorb "passively" what the speakers say which is not always true. An example of a linear model of communication could be when a friend and I were having coffee and she was talking about what was going on in my life, and I would to just sit there and listen and not move a muscle which is not always true. Usually as a listener we do make certain gestures such as nodding or saying "mhmm" to show we are hearing what the sender is saying.
An interactive model shows how the process of communication is how listeners provide feedback, which is the response to the message according to the text. Interactive models also imply that people communicating create and interpret messages within their personal field of experience(s) that they may have. The more individuals have commons fields of interest, the better they can understand each other. The less they do, then that could lead to conflict or misunderstandings. An example of an interactive model of communication is if a friend and I were on a walk and we were sharing what was going on in each of our lives, she shares her story and I share mine and within both of our conversations, we each exchange some form of communication to show we are receiving the message and that the sender of the message was being heard. The thing that both models do not mainly capture is that no matter who is involved in communication, both parties engage in sending and receiving messages because they are communicating amongst one another.
Dear little miss daisy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post about the linear model v. interactive models. I am not sure your example is exactly what the linear model is though. I perceive it to be something like an interaction between a barista at Starbucks and an individual ordering their morning coffee drink. It is very limited communication with just a speaker and a listener. That is a one-way mode of communication. The person orders their drink and the barista interprets the request and makes the drink. I think your example could be correct if your friend was explaining homework to you if you were absent from class and her explanation, but you listened, interpreted, and wrote down what she said to do.
Your example regarding the interactive model is spot on. Casual conversation where two people talk about their lives and what is currently going on, while providing feedback, is interacting. I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing!
-rompersb
Giants sweetheart,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I feel as though you summarized both the linear and interactive models of communication very well. I also enjoyed how you filled in what was missing with both models. I also mentioned in my post that in both models the receiver could act as the sender with his or her response.
Although I do respect your opinion, I do not agree with you entirely on how when people have less in common that it can lead to arguments and confrontation. Many times have I realized that opposites attract, both romantically and platonically. I find that when people know less about the other, there is more to learn. That’s just my two cents though. ☺
Anyways, good luck in the class and enjoy the rest of the semester!
-Jossshhuaa