What is the Linear Model?

The Linear Model views communication as a process where a message is sent from a sender to a receiver in a straight line. In this model, the receiver is passive; they listen or watch but do not provide immediate feedback.

Key Characteristics:

• One-Way: Information flows in only one direction.

• No Feedback: There is no concept of a “reply” or “response” within the model itself.

• Focus: It prioritizes how the message is transmitted and the effects it has on the receiver.

2. The Core Elements

To remember this for the exam, visualize this sequence:

1. Sender (Encoder): The person who starts the message.

2. Message: The information or content being shared.

3. Channel: The medium used (radio, book, television, speech).

4. Receiver (Decoder): The person who gets the message.

5. Noise: Any interference (physical, psychological, or semantic) that distorts the message.

3. Key Linear Models (Short Summary)

• Aristotle’s Model: The oldest model. It is all about Public Speaking. The speaker crafts a speech for a specific audience to achieve a certain effect.

• Lasswell’s Model (1948): Often used in Mass Media. It asks five simple questions:

  1. Who? (Sender)

  2. Says what? (Message)

  3. In which channel? (Medium)

  4. To whom? (Receiver)

  5. With what effect? (Impact).

• Shannon-Weaver Model: The most famous one. It introduced Noise (disturbances). It was originally designed for radio and telephone communication, explaining how a signal travels from a transmitter to a receiver.

• Berlo’s SMCR Model: Breaks communication down into four parts: Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver. It highlights that the communication is only successful if the Sender and Receiver have similar skills, attitudes, and knowledge.