Information Theory Application

Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver developed a model of communication in 1949. The model has been the driving force in the understanding and interpretation of human communication. The model was developed by two engineers working for Bell Telephone. Although their study related to technology it made a vast impact on the study analaysis of human communication.

Communication is an integral part of life. It is critical for human existence. Communication can be accomplished in a verbal or non verbal fashion. I will be analyzing how drivers communicate with each other. Road rage has become a serious problem on the highways. Driving speed, passing and gesturing are some of the forms of communication used by drivers.

Shannon and Weaver describe noise as "anything added to the signal that's not intended by the source" (Griffin p. 52). When you are at a red light and the driver to your left is listening to music with a heavy base, immediately your attention is directed to the other car. Your concentration is removed from the road and is focusing on the distraction. This form of noise violation is applied to your hearing; however, some distractions stray from listening. An individuals unstable condition can also be an example of a noise violation. Emotions can distract the driver and influence them to become attentive to the emotional state.

There are different ways drivers communicate with each other. They are vehicular communication, verbal communication, and gesture communication. Most of the forms are rude and inconsiderate. In most cases these signals are misread and therefore could possible lead to an unwanted confrontation.

Vehicular communication is when one driver of an automobile acts as the information source and signals a message to another driver. This communication symbolizes a bond between other drivers. A driver on the other side of the road views a cop and flashes the lights in their car. The receiver instantly reacts by slowing down. There was not any verbal communication involved in the transaction, however, the indication informed the driver there was a problem. The driver responds by slowing down or checking the lights of the automobile in motion.

Verbal communication is also an important aspect of operating an automobile. When an unfavorable driving condition occurs there can be an exchange of distasteful words. This condition occurs when an occupant provokes a fellow motorist. This can apply to people driving slow in the express lane or tailing another driver. Since the information distribution is between cars seldom do the other drivers know the direct phrase. However, the circumstance indicates it is not a positive reaction.

The most threatening type of communication is gesture communication. These include the wave, horn honking and of course the finger. Each gesture implies a different message. When you pass an eightteen wheeler it is common to move your arm rapidly up and down. This action signals the driver to blow the horn. This exchange of non-verbal communication signifies the receiver to cooperate. The form of noise encourages the driver to respond to the attention. I drove around to record different situations. My observations show that there were a lot of verbal and non verbal communication in the driving environment. These interactions could lead to hazardous confrontations involving innocent parties.

To view an additional web page on a related theory, Interactional view click here. This page proposes five axioms and discusses that everything a person does, whether verbal or nonverbal is a form of communication.

To check out addional web pages by other Inco 234 students click here

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This page was last revised by Angela Andrus on March 12,2000