Communication Theory
ISD 651
Fall 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 Theory
W. Scramm – Added concept of field of
experience to Shannon-Weaver model
David Berlo – Developed SMCR model,
stressing relationship between source and
receiver
Howard 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 styles
Provide pre-assessment of learner cognitive styles
Allow learner control, e.g. sequence
Select media, colors, graphics appropriate to the
learner’s specifics
Select language level appropriate to learner
Consider multiple versions of assessments taking into
account learner characteristics
Pictures are more memorable than words
Websites
http://www.exploratorium.edu/complexity/Co
mpLexicon/Shannon.html
http://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome/c
shtml/index.html
http://collaboratory.nunet.net/dsimpson/comt
heory.html
http://art3idea.ce.psu.edu/art3/lessons/lesso
n_4.html - Aretha Franklin - Communications
Theory relationship
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/sho
rt/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.