Models and Modelling in Communication

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Presentation Description

A sequence of slides that introduce students to the processes of modelling communication; the pitfalls and positives.

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Presentation Transcript

Models and Modelling : 

Models and Modelling Preparing for a Unit Six, Section A Question – what do you need to know and understand? Using models in your Synoptic Evaluation – why and how?

Points of focus : 

Points of focus What is modelling? What is a model? Why model? The function of models? Advantages of modelling – why bother? Dangers and limitations of modelling – what are the risks? Evaluating models – how can we judge them? How can we use them? Eg in our projects

What is modelling? What is a model? : 

What is modelling? What is a model? Modelling - the formulation of an overview or general sense of a situation or process A model - a “version” or “theory” of how something is, could or should be Specifically – a simplified representation of a situation or process – Jakobson’s model or Shannon and Weaver’s model

Why model? The value of modelling? : 

Why model? The value of modelling? A means to: Identify the key elements of a communication situation or process Explore the relationship or interactions between elements – “I wonder what would happen if I…” Understand the situation or process – e.g. “How is communication working here?”

Why model? The function of modelling? : 

Why model? The function of modelling? A means to: Predict or anticipate how communication may work in a situation or process Problem-solve why communication may not be working effectively in a situation or process Present ideas about communication to others e.g. as accompaniment to a written or spoken explanation

The Pitfalls of Modelling : 

The Pitfalls of Modelling Can oversimplify a communication situation or process Can lead to reality being misperceived or misread to fit the model Can cause behaviour and actions to change to fit the modelled situation or process – a kind of vicious self-fulfilling prophecy Can lend a permanency to what may well be a hunch or incorrect– “if it’s in a model it must be right”

Evaluating a Model : 

Evaluating a Model Accuracy/validity – Does it present the communication situation or process in a way you believe to be true or valid? E.g. are relationships between elements modelled as you believe them to be? Inclusivity – Does it include those elements we would want to find? Miss any out? Balance – Has the model struck an effective balance between over-simplicity and real-world complexity? Clarity – Is the model presented in such a way that it can actually be used? Read? Processed?

Models and My Project : 

Models and My Project Include models because of: “Beard factor” – looks good, and you get marks! Might help you to understand and clarify a situation or process (to yourself) Might help you present your ideas about communication to others (me/moderator) ……So which models and how?