Compare and contrast the three models of communication presented in the textbook:

Question

communication as action, communication as interaction, communication as transaction. Explain the basic components of each model and identify how each model is different and/or more realistic than the other models.
What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

The communication as action model is composed of a source or the originator of a thought or emotion who encodes a message and sends it to the receiver via a channel. This message may encounter noise or interference that may prevent clear understanding. The receiver decodes the message by trying to make sense out of it. Interpretation of the message may be affected by literal or psychological noise. The communication as action model is flawed because it views communication as a linear input/output process. It does not take into account that the receiver may or may not understand the message the way the source intended. Essentially, the source transfers the message into the receiver without regard for the receiver's level of understanding. The model does not account for the complexity of the communication process.

The communication as interaction model is similar to the communication as action model, but it adds the concepts of feedback and context. Feedback is the response to a message. Context is the physical and psychological environment in which the communication occurs. Unlike the communication as action model, this model allows the receiver to respond to the message to ensure that mutual understanding has occurred. While this model appears to take into account all the factors in communication, it fails to acknowledge the fact that communication is a simultaneous process with both senders and receivers simultaneously encoding and decoding messages rather than in a step-by-step linear process.

The communication as a transaction model again not only takes into account all the concepts of the previous two models, but also acknowledges that we are constantly reacting to what our communication partner is saying. In other words, we send and receive messages simultaneously. Both communication partners work together to clarify and co-create meaning. This is the most accurate description of human communication.