The Transactional Model of Communication: An Equation
Ryan Ferguson
Deliverable #1
Metaphor on Transactional Model
8-24-2010
The Transactional Model of Communication: An Equation The transactional model of communication is an infinitely long, incredibly complex ‘web’ of perceptions, actions, predictions, and reactions that perpetuate/transfer among people. The transactional model of communication can be compared to a simple but extensive equation.
To avoid the subjectivity about numbers and their representation of quantities and physical properties in math, I’ll be using (#) to represent people.
Ex.
# + # Represents two people in communication
The (+) represents that they are in communication. This communication can be mutually positive (+), mutually negative (-), or a mixed communication (+-).
# + # = &
The ( = &) represents the outcome of their positive, negative, or mixed communication. This outcome could be intended by the individuals when engaging in communication; it could oppose the desired outcome, or could leave the individuals mutually content.
For example:
Person A and Person B meet for the first time.
A# B#
They’re both positively welcoming the communication, they’re both consenting participants in the communication, and making predictions on the appearance of the approaching communication, they’ve both got positive expectations of the outcome.
A# + B#
The conversation begins with Person A saying, “Hello, I’m Aaron”.
Person B replies, “Hi, I’m Bethany”.
They both smile to each other, but Aaron loses eye contact and looks up and down quickly at Bethany’s figure. Bethany predicts that Aaron is judging her outer appearance which could convey that Aaron may be judgmental in general or a misogynist that doesn’t respect her. These are variables. These, along with other variables, determine the outcome of the session of communication. The personality variables will be put into brackets [ ], suggesting the most likely possibilities of the
Deliverable #1
Metaphor on Transactional Model
8-24-2010
The Transactional Model of Communication: An Equation The transactional model of communication is an infinitely long, incredibly complex ‘web’ of perceptions, actions, predictions, and reactions that perpetuate/transfer among people. The transactional model of communication can be compared to a simple but extensive equation.
To avoid the subjectivity about numbers and their representation of quantities and physical properties in math, I’ll be using (#) to represent people.
Ex.
# + # Represents two people in communication
The (+) represents that they are in communication. This communication can be mutually positive (+), mutually negative (-), or a mixed communication (+-).
# + # = &
The ( = &) represents the outcome of their positive, negative, or mixed communication. This outcome could be intended by the individuals when engaging in communication; it could oppose the desired outcome, or could leave the individuals mutually content.
For example:
Person A and Person B meet for the first time.
A# B#
They’re both positively welcoming the communication, they’re both consenting participants in the communication, and making predictions on the appearance of the approaching communication, they’ve both got positive expectations of the outcome.
A# + B#
The conversation begins with Person A saying, “Hello, I’m Aaron”.
Person B replies, “Hi, I’m Bethany”.
They both smile to each other, but Aaron loses eye contact and looks up and down quickly at Bethany’s figure. Bethany predicts that Aaron is judging her outer appearance which could convey that Aaron may be judgmental in general or a misogynist that doesn’t respect her. These are variables. These, along with other variables, determine the outcome of the session of communication. The personality variables will be put into brackets [ ], suggesting the most likely possibilities of the