Intro to Communications Theory

Written by: Chandler Stevenson, Brown University 

3/10/23

Communication is a fundamental part of our daily lives. We engage in conversations and exchange information, ideas, and emotions with each other. But have you ever had a conversation or played a game of telephone where parts of the message were lost? This is where communication theory comes in.

Communication theory is a field of study that examines how information is transmitted and received between individuals or groups. It looks at the various factors and elements involved in the communication process, including the encoding and decoding of messages, the channels or mediums used to convey information, and the social and psychological aspects of communication.

When we communicate, there are often barriers or obstacles that can interfere with the message being accurately received and understood. For example, in a game of telephone, where a message is whispered from one person to the next, it is common for the original message to become distorted or lost entirely as it passes through each person. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as mishearing or misunderstanding the message, a noisy environment, or a language barrier.

Another example is in a face-to-face conversation where noise can disrupt the transmission of the message. This could be a literal noise, such as a loud environment, or a psychological noise, such as distractions, preconceived ideas, or cultural differences. In these situations, it's essential to recognize the barriers that are causing the noise and work to reduce or eliminate them to ensure effective communication.

Communication theory also emphasizes the importance of feedback in the communication process. Feedback refers to the response or reaction of the receiver to the message sent by the sender. In a conversation, this could be verbal or nonverbal cues, such as nods or facial expressions. Feedback helps ensure that the message is accurately received and understood.

In conclusion, communication theory is an important field of study that helps us understand the complexities of communication. By examining the factors and elements involved in communication, we can better identify and address obstacles that interfere with the message being accurately received and understood. Understanding the principles of communication theory can help us improve our ability to transmit information over networks without fear of it being disrupted due to noise.