CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY

UIMS
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication
Subject Name: Introduction to Mass Communication
(20JMT-101)

Faculty Name: Mandeep Choursia (E 6331)

Video Lecture No. 16

DISCOVER . LEARN . EMPOWER

Shannon and Weaver Model 1
 OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES
Lecture objectives
Title Level
CO1 To develop understanding of the Understand
Shannon and Weaver Model.
CO2 The focus will be on the concepts of Understand
Shannon and Weaver Model.  

Lecture outcomes
CO Number Title Level
CO1 Students will be able to learn about
Shannon and Weaver Model.
Understand
Shannon and Weaver
CO2 Students will be able to understand Understand
advantages of Shannon and Weaver
Model.
Model
CO3 Students will learn about criticism of Remember
Shannon and Weaver Model.

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• Shannon Weaver model of communication was created in 1948 when
Claude Elwood Shannon wrote an article “A Mathematical Theory of
Communication” in Bell System Technical Journal with Warren
Weaver.
• Shannon was an American mathematician whereas Weaver was a
scientist. The Mathematical theory later came to be known as Shannon
Weaver model of communication or “mother of all models.”
• This model is more technological than other linear models.
• Sender (Information source) – Sender is the person who makes the message,
chooses the channel and sends the message.
• Encoder (Transmitter) –Encoder is the sender who uses machine, which
converts message into signals or binary data. It might also directly refer to the
machine.
• Channel –Channel is the medium used to send message.
• Decoder (Receiver) – Decoder is the machine used to convert signals or binary
data into message or the receiver who translates the message from signals.
• Receiver (Destination) –Receiver is the person who gets the message or the
place where the message must reach. The receiver provides feedback according
to the message.
• Noise –Noise is the physical disturbances like environment, people, etc. which
does not let the message get to the receiver as what is sent
Levels of Communication Problems

• There are three levels of problems of communication according to

Shannon Weaver. They are:
• Technical problem –How a channel causes a problem
•  Semantic problem–Is the meaning of message sent and received very
different
• Effectiveness problem –How effectively does the message cause
reaction
Advantages of Shannon Weaver Model

• Concept of noise helps in making the communication effective by

removing the noise or problem causing noise.
• This model takes communication as a two way process. It makes the
model applicable in general communication.
• Communication is taken as quantifiable in Shannon Weaver model.
Criticisms of Shannon Weaver Model

• It can be applied more for interpersonal communication than group

communication and mass communication. 
• Receiver plays the passive part in the communication process as
sender plays the primary role that sends messages.
• Feedback is taken as less important in comparison to the messages
sent by the sender.
• The model is taken by some critics as a “misleading misrepresentation
of the nature of human communication” as human communication is
not mathematical in nature.
 REFERENCES
Reference:
Text Books: Theories and Models of Communication Paul Cobley and Peter J. Schulz
Other References:
• https://helpfulprofessor.com/shannon-weaver-model/
• https://www.communicationtheory.org/shannon-and-weaver-model-of-communication/
• https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/shannon-and-weaver-model-communication
• https://helpfulprofessor.com/shannon-weaver-model/
• https://communicationinlibraries.wordpress.com/2013/12/07/shannon-weaver-model-of-commu
nication/

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 SUMMARY
Criticisms :
It can be applied more for
interpersonal communication than
group communication and mass
communication. 
Receiver plays the passive part in the
communication process as sender
plays the primary role that sends
messages.
Feedback is taken as less important in
comparison to the messages sent by
Advantages: the sender.
Concept of noise helps in making the communication effective The model is taken by some critics as
by removing the noise or problem causing noise. a “misleading misrepresentation of
This model takes communication as a two way process. It the nature of human communication”
makes the model applicable in general communication. as human communication is not
Communication is taken as quantifiable in Shannon Weaver mathematical in nature.
model.
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