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 learners 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
/CompLexicon/Shannon.html
http://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome
/cshtml/index.html
http://collaboratory.nunet.net/dsimpson/co
mtheory.html
http://art3idea.ce.psu.edu/art3/lessons/les
son_4.html - Aretha Franklin Communications Theory relationship
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/s
hort/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 Kovacic.
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.