Is Shannon and Weaver’s (1954) model of communication complete?
What is Shannon and Weaver’s (1954) model
The Shannon and Weaver model is a linear model of communication that provides a framework for analysing how messages are sent and received. It is best known for its ability to explain how messages can be mixed up and misinterpreted in the process between sending and receiving the message.
Image Source : https://helpfulprofessor.com/shannon-weaver-model/What does it consist
The model consist of 7 steps in a linear fashion. The 7 steps are : Sender, Encoder, Channel, Noise, Decoder, Receiver, and lastly Feedback.
First, the Sender decides a message to be sent, who is he/she going to send the message to, and what channel through which to send the message (can be through orally, writing, body language, music, etc). Next, the Encoder then converts the message into binary or radio waves (signals), which then can be sent from the sender to the receiver. The message is then passes through a channel and to the Decoder, which then decodes the message from binary and signals back to the original format which then can be understood by the receiver. Lastly, Feedback occurs when the receiver of the message responds to the sender to let the sender know they got the message, which then closes the communication loop.
Through this process, Noise could occur, which interrupts the message while on the way from the sender to the receiver, which can be internal or external.
Internal : When a sender makes a mistake encoding a message or a receiver makes a mistake decoding the message.
External : When something external (not in the control of sender or receiver) impedes the message.
Examples of Shannon Weaver Model of Communication
Telephone
Sender: Caller
Encoder: Telephone
Channel: The wire
Noise: Speaker mumbles / wires interrupted in a storm / telephone is malfunctioning
Radio
Sender: Radio Host
Encoder: Microphone and Computer
Channel: Radio waves
Noise: Radio Frequency not tuned correctly, causing static.
So, Is the model complete?
The model isn’t complete, as Feedback was then later added into the model. Before feedback was added, using the model as reference to communication, the lack of importance of feedback causes the communication to not account to the receiver’s emotions, which then lead to many miscommunication and misunderstandings.
Dwyer’s model
Compared to Shannon and Weaver’s (1954) model, Dwyer’s model has feedback, which allows the communication between the sender and receiver to be a two-way communication, which takes into context of both side’s emotions and perceptions, thus reducing the miscommunication and misunderstanding. Plus, Shannon and Weaver’s (1954) model is a linear model, while Dwyer’s model is a loop, which shows that the communication is between parties of 2 or more.
CONCLUSION
Shannon and Weaver’s (1954) model is a incomplete model due to the lack of feedback and also did not address to the receiver’s emotion or perspective.
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Jerry Jelly 
Hello Shi Jian, impressive post! Nothing too fancy, simple model provided and clear explanation with information that is easy for us readers to digest. I love how you provided us with examples of how the Shannon and Weaver model is used in different scenario. I do agree with you that the model is incomplete and can lead to many misunderstanding and miscommunication among the sender and receiver. As we human are complex and have many different emotions, we need take into these factors in order to make sure not to misinterpret each other messages during communication. Keep up the good work there buddy! Cheers!
LikeLike
Hey Shi Jian! I love how your post is very informative and clear where you provide model and give us a great explanation. I also agree that the model is incomplete as the model fails to take consideration many of the important factors in communication like non-verbal communication, which can lead to miscommunication between sender and receiver. I also like the fact that you included a alternative model that is more complete to show the reader the difference between the two models in order to further explain why the Shannon model is not complete. Only thing I think would improve your post would be a further explanation why emotion can lead to miscommunication as you have pointed out in your post. Explaining how emotion can influence communication with examples could help the reader understand more. Other than that, I think your post is very well written and allows the readers to learn more about the model.
LikeLike
Greetings Shi Jian, thanks for the information filled post. Good job explaining the model I had an easy time understanding it. I like how you explain each of the components that make up the model. I agree that the model is incomplete as it fails to include many factors that make up our day to day communication. An example of such factor is the non-verbal communication. As people communicate with one another, non-verbal communication can change the meaning of certain conversation. Overall, I feel that this is a great post. However, it would be better if you could elaborate more on the conclusion as I feel that it is a little bit too short. Peace 🙂
LikeLike