Public Section Preview
Glossary Terms
| Term (EN) | Definition | Exam Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Process of establishing shared meaning between sender and receiver | Core concept |
| Shannon-Weaver Model | 1949 linear model: Source→Transmitter→Channel→Receiver→Destination + Noise | Expected theory Q |
| Noise | Any interference that distorts a message at any stage of communication | Shannon-Weaver |
| Entropy | Shannon's concept: measure of uncertainty or randomness in a message | Information theory |
| Berlo's SMCR | 1960 model: Source-Message-Channel-Receiver; each with 5 sub-factors | Berlo model |
| Field of Experience | Schramm: Each person's unique knowledge/culture filter through which messages are interpreted | Schramm model |
| Feedback | Receiver's response that completes the communication loop; added by Schramm | Two-way communication |
| Ethos | Aristotle: credibility and character of the communicator | Rhetorical model |
| Pathos | Aristotle: emotional appeal in communication | Rhetorical model |
| Logos | Aristotle: logical argument and evidence | Rhetorical model |
| Wheel Network | Communication network where all messages flow through a central hub; fastest | Network structures |
| All-Channel Network | Everyone communicates with everyone; highest satisfaction; slowest | Network structures |
| Grapevine | Informal organisational communication; 75–95% accurate (Keith Davis, 1953) | Informal communication |
| Cluster Chain | Most common grapevine pattern: key people selectively share with chosen others | Grapevine type |
| Semantic Barrier | Communication breakdown due to language differences, jargon, or ambiguity | Barriers classification |
| Psychological Barrier | Internal mental obstacles: selective perception, prejudice, emotional state | Barriers classification |
| Filtering | Deliberate manipulation of information before forwarding up hierarchy | Organisational barrier |
| Kinesics | Study of body movement, postures, and gestures in communication | Non-verbal types |
| Proxemics | Edward Hall (1966): study of personal space in communication; 4 zones | Non-verbal / cultural |
| Paralanguage | Vocal cues beyond words: tone, pitch, speed, pauses | Non-verbal communication |
| Mehrabian's Rule | 7% verbal, 38% vocal, 55% non-verbal in emotional communication (1971) | Non-verbal importance |
| Four Horsemen | Gottman (1994): Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling | Destructive communication |
| Stonewalling | Gottman: withdrawing from communication; silent treatment; emotional shutdown | Destructive pattern |
| Active Listening | Full attention, non-judgment, reflection, clarification — Rogers & Farson (1957) | Overcoming barriers |
| Non-Violent Communication | Rosenberg (2003): Observations-Feelings-Needs-Requests framework | Constructive alternative |
Sources: Shannon & Weaver (1949) A Mathematical Theory of Communication; Berlo (1960) The Process of Communication; Schramm (1954) The Process and Effects of Mass Communication; Aristotle Rhetoric (c. 350 BCE); Bavelas (1950) MIT Communication Studies; Keith Davis (1953) HBR "Management Communication"; Mehrabian (1971) Silent Messages; Edward Hall (1966) The Hidden Dimension; Gottman (1994) Why Marriages Succeed or Fail; Rogers & Farson (1957) Active Listening; Rosenberg (2003) Nonviolent Communication; RPSC 2026 Official Syllabus.