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Models and Theories

This document discusses important concepts in mass communication theories, including communication, models, and theories. It defines communication as the exchange of meanings between entities through shared symbols and signs. Models are simplified representations of reality that show the main elements and relationships of a structure or process. Communication models visually capture the basics of the communication process. Theories provide abstract explanations of real-life phenomena and draw order from chaos. Communication theories aim to understand how communication occurs, its impact, and how to improve information flow.

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37 views18 pages

Models and Theories

This document discusses important concepts in mass communication theories, including communication, models, and theories. It defines communication as the exchange of meanings between entities through shared symbols and signs. Models are simplified representations of reality that show the main elements and relationships of a structure or process. Communication models visually capture the basics of the communication process. Theories provide abstract explanations of real-life phenomena and draw order from chaos. Communication theories aim to understand how communication occurs, its impact, and how to improve information flow.

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Lecture

COMMUNICATION THEORY & PRACTICE


IMPORTANT CONCEPTS IN MASS
COMMUNICATION THEORIES

1. Communication 2. Models 3. Concepts 4. Theories


WHAT IS COMMUNICATION
 In simple words Communication means : Communication (in Latin word
communicare, meaning to share) is the act of conveying meanings from one
entity or group to another through use of mutually understood signs and
symbols.

• Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between


individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior.

• Communication is the process by which an individual (the communicator)


transmits stimuli (usually verbal) to modify the behavior of other individuals
(the audience). (Hovland Janis and Kelly in 1953).

• Communication is the process by which we understand others and in turn


endeavor to be understood by them. It is dynamic, constantly changing and
shifting in response to the total situation (Anderson, 1959).
• Communication is all of the procedures by which one mind can affect
another (W. Weaver, 1949)

• Communication means that information is passed from one place to


another (Miller, 1951)
WHAT ARE MODELS
• Models are theoretical and simplified representation of
the real world.
Various Definitions on Models :
• “A model is a consciously simplified description in graphic form
of a piece of reality. A model seeks to show the main elements of
any structure or process and the relationships between these
elements”(McQuail).

Deutsch in 1952 pointed out that:


1. “Models are indispensable for understanding the more
complex processes”.
• A model is a systematic representation of an object or event in
idealized and abstract form.
• Communication models are merely pictures; they’re even
distorting pictures, because they stop or freeze an essentially
dynamic interactive or transitive process into a static picture.
• Models are metaphors (images). They allow us to see one thing
in terms of another.
• C. David Mortensen says “A model is a systematic
representation of an object or event in idealized form. The key to
the usefulness of a model is the degree to which it confirms in
point by point correspondence- to the underlying determinants
of communicative behavior.
• Models are theoretical and simplified representation of real
world.
• In simplistic terms, communication models are diagrammatic
representation of the process of communication. They are
pictorial representations which visually capture the basics of
the communication process.
• MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF MODELS :

1. They organize concepts.

2. They explain processes and

3. They predict outcomes.

4.They predict outcomes or the course of events.


Some other advantages of models are –
1. Models enable us to ask questions: When the process of
communication is represented via models, it is easy for us to
pose questions.
2. Models clarify complexity.: A model makes it possible to
understand the different variables in the process of
communication in simplistic form.
3. Models also help us in making further discoveries regarding
the process of communication. This means further research is
made possible by the models, preventing stagnation.
TYPES OF MODELS
Two types of models:
1. Structural model
2. Functional models

1. Structural model:
These models describe only the structure of a phenomenon

2. Functional models:
Functional models, describe the direction, the relations between
parts and the influence of one part on another.
The communication models fall into this category.
Difference between Models and Theory

• Models do not tell you in detail. Theories explain everything


in detail.

• Theories are detailed description of something whereas


models are highlighting important things/points from the
theory and putting them in graphic form which help you to
see the relationship between the two things.

• Models helps to formulate theory.


THEORY
• Theory is more then a cataloging of the social world: it is an
attempt to provide an abstract understanding or explanation
of the social world.

• WHAT IS THEORY?
Theory refers to a scientific explanation of real life phenomena
in an abstract way. For example Marshall MacLuhan after
systematically studying mass media came out with a theory that
‘Medium is the message’.
• According to Sir Karl Popper, a philosopher instrumental
says "Theories are nets cast to catch what we call the world.”
• According to John Emory Griffin “Theory is an idea that
explains an event or behavior. It brings clarity to an otherwise
jumbled situation; it draws order out of chaos, synthesizes the
data, focuses our attention on what's crucial and important”.

Communication theories are a way of understanding how


communication occurs, what its impact is and how to improve
the flow of communication.
WHY THEORIES ARE IMPORTANT

1. Theory functions as a vehicle toward enhancing


our understanding of the social world. Theories
help us to understand or explain a phenomena that
we are observing in the social world.

2. It help us to identify that to what extent the


notion/ patterns/ predictions made by the
theorists are applicable in the today's world or
matched with today's situation.
Two approaches to theory building:
1. Deductive approach:
From the general to particular; the process by which
theory is tested Deductive approach to theory building
tends to give primacy to theory.

General

Specific/particular
Initial observation

Theory construction

In the light of the theory hypothesis is made

Empirical data is collected

In the light of the empirical data we reject or


accept the theory
• 2. Inductive approach: FROM THE PARTICULAR TO THE
GENERAL; THE PROCESS BY WHICH THEORY IS
GENERATED. Here research beings with empirical observation
not with any speculation.

Specific/Particular

General
First try to understand the situation

Begin the research with simple questions/


hypothesis

Collect the data

Develop a theory based upon findings

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