Who proposed 'General System Theory of Communication"?
Ludwig Von Bertalanffy
Understanding the General System Theory of Communication
The question asks about the originator of the 'General System Theory of Communication'. This theory views communication as a complex system involving multiple interconnected parts rather than just a simple linear process.
Exploring the Originator of General System Theory
The concept of General System Theory itself, which can be applied to various fields including communication, was primarily developed by a renowned biologist.
- General System Theory (GST): This is an interdisciplinary field that studies the nature of systems in a wide variety of fields. It looks for general laws and principles that apply to systems, regardless of their specific domain.
- Application to Communication: When applied to communication, GST helps understand how different elements (sender, receiver, message, channel, context, feedback, etc.) interact and influence each other as a whole system, rather than analyzing them in isolation.
Analyzing the Options Provided
Let's look at the options and their contributions:
| Option | Contribution | Relevance to General System Theory of Communication |
|---|---|---|
| Robert T. Craig | Known for his "Seven Traditions in the Field of Communication Theory". | Provides a framework for organizing communication theories but is not the originator of General System Theory. |
| W.R. Ashby | A pioneer in cybernetics and systems theory, known for concepts like the law of requisite variety. | Contributed significantly to systems thinking, but Ludwig Von Bertalanffy is credited as the primary founder of General System Theory. |
| Shannon and Weaver | Proposed a linear model of communication, focusing on the technical aspects of signal transmission. | Developed an influential model of communication, but it is not based on General System Theory; it is often seen as a precursor or a different perspective. |
| Ludwig Von Bertalanffy | A biologist who founded General System Theory (GST). | Credited with proposing the General System Theory, which provides the foundational principles for understanding communication as a system. |
Based on the contributions of these figures, the individual most directly associated with proposing the foundational 'General System Theory' that can be applied to communication is Ludwig Von Bertalanffy.
Conclusion on the Originator
The General System Theory, applied to understanding communication processes as complex systems, was first proposed by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. His work laid the groundwork for viewing various phenomena, including communication, through a systems perspective.
Revision Table: Key Theorists in Communication and Systems
| Theorist | Major Contribution | Field |
|---|---|---|
| Ludwig Von Bertalanffy | General System Theory (GST) | Biology, Systems Science |
| Claude Shannon & Warren Weaver | Mathematical Theory of Communication (Information Theory) | Engineering, Information Theory |
| W. Ross Ashby | Cybernetics, Homeostasis, Law of Requisite Variety | Cybernetics, Systems Theory |
| Robert T. Craig | Seven Traditions of Communication Theory | Communication Studies |
Additional Information: General System Theory Concepts
When General System Theory is applied to communication, several key concepts become relevant:
- Holism: The idea that the whole system is greater than the sum of its parts. In communication, this means the overall meaning and effect are more than just the individual words or actions.
- Interconnectedness: All parts of the communication system (sender, receiver, message, context) are linked and influence each other.
- Boundaries: Systems have boundaries, though they may be open or closed. Communication systems are typically open, interacting with their environment.
- Input, Throughput, Output: Systems take in inputs (information), process them (throughput - interaction), and produce outputs (responses, new information).
- Feedback: Information returned to the system about its output, allowing for adjustment. This is crucial in communication.
- Equifinality: The idea that a system can reach the same final state from different initial conditions and different paths. In communication, effective understanding might be achieved through various interaction sequences.
Understanding these concepts helps in analyzing communication not just as a message flow, but as a dynamic, complex system.
Important Questions from Communication
What does PPP stands for with respect to Data Communication?
Match the following communication channels with their distinguishing type:
Set I (Communication Channel) Set II (Distinguishing Type) A) Blogging i) Electronic Media B) Television ii) Print Media C) Periodicals iii) Social Media D) Collection sites iv) World wide web Choose the correct option from those given below:
In which one of the following types of communication, the data is pushed from a server to a client without client request?
Immediacy of cues in communication is dependent upon one's own
Match List-I with List-II
List I List II A) 50 in decimal i) 0110010 in binary B) 102 in decimal ii) 1100110 in binary C) Real - Time video conferencing iii) Synchronous communication D) SMS texting iv) Asynchronous communication Choose the correct option from those given below:
