Models of Communication

The development of communication models highlights the efforts of scholars to better understand and represent the essence of communication through visual or linguistic frameworks. Models have been crucial in shaping the field of media and communication studies. According to (Deutsch, 1966), models in social sciences are useful in many ways; models systematically organize the elements and relating systems to provide comprehensive understanding of a scenario. The model provides simplest explanation to complicated and ambiguous information. It also supports in anticipating probable outcomes of a scenario, hence, helps in formulating hypotheses in research. Few models aid in providing the structural presentation of incident or situation. The models presented in this chapter are structural as well as functional as communication is dynamic. The components of the model and process involved are critically presented to understand the concept and relate it to various circumstances. One of the purposes of this chapter is to introduce the models in a simplified manner to beginners/students and the detailed incidental descriptions of various traditions of models to use, test, and develop them in the communication research domain. The chapter begins with significance of communication models in understanding communication. The linear, interactive, and transaction models, mid-twentieth century advances are delineated. The chapter exhibits the uses and advancements in contemporary models with ample empirical support. The models are presented in chronological sequence with their elements, meaning, assumptions, and utilities.