Schramm Model of Communication

Communication is the backbone of human interaction, and over the years, various models have been proposed to explain the flow of communication. One such influential model is the Schramm model of communication, introduced in 1954 by Wilbur Schramm.

Origins and Overview

In 1954, Wilbur Schramm, a communication expert, proposed a model that describes communication as a two-way process. Unlike the linear communication models of the past, the Schramm model emphasized the cyclical nature of communication. This model was published during a time when the study of communication was evolving, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the field of mass communication.

Key Components of the Schramm Model of Communication

Two-Way Communication

The Schramm model of communication is based on the principle of two-way communication. It highlights the importance of feedback in the communication process. In this model, the receiver sends a message back to the sender, making communication a continuous loop.

Sender and Receiver

The model emphasizes the roles of both the sender and the recipient. The sender encodes and sends the message, while the receiver decodes and interprets it. This dynamic showcases that the message is the communication content, and its meaning can be altered by various factors, including semantic barriers.

Encoder and Decoder

These are the essential elements in the communication process. The encoder translates thoughts into messages, while the decoder interprets the meaning of the message. The psychological process involved can sometimes alter the meaning, leading to miscommunication.

Feedback Loop

Unlike linear communication models, the Schramm model introduces a circular communication model. After receiving a message, the receiver sends a message back, ensuring that the information flow is continuous and interpreted during each cycle.

Comparison with Other Models

Osgood-Schramm Communication Model

Charles Egerton Osgood further refined the Schramm model, leading to the Osgood-Schramm communication model. This model retained the circular nature but added more components to explain the flow of communication in more detail.

Berlo’s Communication Model

Berlo’s model, another significant model in the field of communication, focuses on the sender and receiver's skills, attitudes, knowledge, and social system. While it shares similarities with the Schramm model, Berlo’s emphasizes the factors affecting the sender and receiver.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The Schramm model of communication has its strengths and weaknesses:

Advantages

• Two-Way Process: The model describes communication as a continuous loop, emphasizing feedback.

• Flexibility: It can be applied to one-on-one communication, communication between two people, or even mass communication.

• Addresses Barriers: The model acknowledges communication and how semantic barriers can affect the message's meaning.

Disadvantages of Schramm's model of communication

Here are some of the disadvantages associated with Schramm's model:

Over-Simplification

 One of the primary criticisms of Schramm's model is that it oversimplifies the communication process. Real-world communication is often more complex, influenced by various external and internal factors that the model doesn't account for.

Assumes Equal Skill Level

 The model assumes that both the sender and the receiver have the same communication skills and understanding. In reality, there can be significant disparities in the communication abilities of the participants, leading to misunderstandings.

Lack of External Noise Consideration

 Schramm's model doesn't explicitly account for external noise or disturbances that can hinder the communication process. Factors like cultural differences, environmental distractions, or technological barriers can significantly impact communication but aren't addressed in the model.

Circular Nature Not Always Applicable

 While the model emphasizes a continuous feedback loop, not all communication is circular. Some communications are one-off or don't require feedback, making the model less applicable in such scenarios.

Overemphasis on Sender and Receiver

 The model heavily focuses on the roles of the sender and receiver but doesn't give due importance to the message's content or the medium used for communication. The choice of medium can significantly influence how a message is perceived.

Doesn't Address Power Dynamics

 In many communication scenarios, especially in organizational settings, there are power dynamics at play. The model doesn't consider how these dynamics can influence the communication process.

Lack of Contextual Consideration

 The model doesn't take into account the context in which communication occurs. Factors like societal norms, historical background, or situational contexts can greatly influence communication, but these aren't addressed in Schramm's model.

Ambiguity in Feedback

 The model emphasizes the importance of feedback but doesn't clarify what constitutes effective feedback. Feedback can be implicit or explicit, verbal or non-verbal, and the model doesn't differentiate between these types.

Applications in Modern Times

The Schramm model of communication is not just a graphic organizer that lists components. It has practical applications. For instance, while on your way home from work, you might send a message and await a response, exemplifying the model's continuous loop. Moreover, institutions like the Navy and air force use this model to ensure good communication, minimizing misunderstandings.

Conclusion

The Schramm model of communication has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the communication process. By emphasizing the cyclical nature and the importance of feedback, it has provided a foundation for many subsequent models. As we continue to study communication, revisiting such foundational models helps us appreciate the complexities and nuances of human interaction.