Study Questions and Comments on Reading 1.1 & 1.2

Study Questions:

1. Reading 1.1 discusses the linear or process model of communication, sometimes known as the Sender/Message/Receiver. What are the limitations of this model?

2. How does Thompson (Reading 1.2) distinguish the term 'mass communication' from face-to-face communication?

3. What are the three objects domains of analysis proposed by Thompson (Reading 1.2) in the analysis of mass communication?

Comments:

1. The limitation of the process model of communication is that it only works if the differences between the sender and receiver are ruled out. It concludes an analogy that compares communication with the system of postal service. It is an over-simplifying statement because in reality the process of communication is much more complicated than that. There are a number of factors to be considered that influence the process of communication, such as cultural literacy and the relationship between communication and culture.

2. Thompson distinguishes mass communication from face-to-face communication by highlighting these following four differences:

- Mass communication offers no direct and immediate audience response, whereas direct and immediate response or feedback occurs in face-to-face communication.
- In mass communication, messages are encoded in a certain medium that persists. On the other hand, the exchange of messages in daily interaction is impermanent.
- The encoded messages in mass communication are commodified and reproducible. They can be treated as objects which are exchanged in a market.
- Because the messages in mass communication are encoded in a permanent medium, they can be circulated and further spread among an extended audience.

3. The three objects domains of analysis proposed by Thompson in the analysis of mass communication are the process of production and diffusion, construction, and the reception and appropriation of media messages.