A Black Box Model of Communications

Abstract

Previous models of communications are discussed, and a new model of communications is presented. The new model views the communications process as composed of separate steps or functions performed by the participants in the process. The dynamic nature of the communication process and the need to view the process as transcending space and time are discussed. The implications of this model are addressed and the model evaluated using criteria established by prior writers.MODELS WIIICII AHE WIDELY USED in all phases of scientific investigation are generally seen as simplifying devices meant to reduce the real world to manageable proportions (Level and Galle, 1980). A model is anything that is used to represent anything else (Buzzell,1964). The various representations used by the modeler may be selected to fit specific intentions and will include anything that the modeler considers to be significant. Insignificant factors and variables are excluded in order to permit concentration on the measurement and control of the significant ones.Because the modeler is selective as to what should be included in the model, any model is a partial representation of a small piece of reality (Level and Gaile, 1980; Bungle, 1973).Modeling is a creative activity; while constructing the model, the modeler is free to draw from any number of theories and is free to speculate on the processes that could produce the observed facts (Lave and Niarch, 1975;Bunge, 1973).Models are considered to perform one or more of four functions. These may be described as organizing, heuristic, predictive, and measurement functions (Deutsch, 1952). Behnke, however, maintains that the main purpose of any model is to seek the optimization of the process of inquiry (1970).Models have been classified into four categories based on the method of representation. These categories are iconic, verbal-pictorial, analogues, and symbolic (Smith, 1962). McBride (1980) also uses four categories, but his are based on the paradigms which gave rise to each particular i-nodel. I~icBride's categories are: discrete communication system, psychosociological, cultural or anthropological, and institutional as inspired by political sciences. The present paper accepts Srnitlr's taxonomy and is concerned with the verbalpictorial model.-The authors wish to express their thanks to Jyoti N. Prasad. Western Illinois University. for his assistance and critical review of an early version of this article.

The Layer-Based, Pragmatic Model of the Communication Process

“…In a previous paper, we examined a number of influential communication models, including the &dquo;transmission&dquo; model, essentially developed by Shannon and Weaver (1949); communication reaction models, essentially developed by Schramm (1954); the sender-6 receiver model postulated by Berlo (1960); and the contextual net models developed by Figgins (1984), Campbell and Level (1985), Lewis (1987), and others. The purpose of that paper was to show the ways in which those models contributed to our understanding of the communication process and the ways in which those models distorted our perception of that process.…”

“…We will discuss the operation of the Cognitive Management Apparatus more fully in subsequent papers, and simply recognize at this point that the source and the destination of information is that portion of the human mind that manages an individual's relationship with the external environment. Campbell and Level (1985) cite the case of a perceived message of &dquo;You're long&dquo; communicated in a noisy gymnasium being correctly interpreted as &dquo;You're strong&dquo; in that particular context (p. 42). In this case, the Cognitive Management Apparatus evaluated all the information available and made a decision about the meaning of the message.…”

“…Earlier models have made no pretense of enabling researchers to test all components of the communication process, and although Campbell and Level (1985) state that their model is testable, it is not clear how they envision testing what is transpiring in the &dquo;black boxes&dquo; of symbolic interpretation. The Targowski/Bowman model, on the other hand, isolates the varieties of symbolic interpretation for separate study and evaluation.…”

The Dynamics and Architecture of an Informing System

“…This model is useful in telecommunications when engineering a transmission channel. The following communication models began to recognize communication reaction: the model developed by Berlo (1960) and the contextual net models developed by Figgins & Golen (1984), Campbell and Level (1985), Lewis (1987), and others. A model developed by Korzybski (1958) noticed semantic reaction.…”

The Theoretical Foundation for Intercultural Business Communication: A Conceptual Model

“…Others might argue that any communication requires specific knowledge about the topic-intercultural medical communication requires knowledge of medicine; intercultural religious work requires knowledge about religion; intercultural business requires knowledge about business-but one model suffices for all. Typically this view is represented in models by drawing a circle around the process and calling it culture (Munter, 1997), cultural context (Targowski & Bowman, 1988), or exogenous factors (Campbell & Level, 1985). The problem is that this approach oversimplifies the process; it becomes a generic model that does not provide details of what actually happens in a particular communication environment.…”