Westley and Mclean
________________________
Model of
communication
11 - STEM
What is
Westley and
Mclean Model?
11 - STEM
Proponents The model that is designed by
Bruce H. Westley and Malcolm S.
MacLean is an extension of the
Newcomb’s model.
BRUCE WESTLEY It has been specifically adapted
(1915-1990) for mass media. It is based on the
MALCOLM assumption that the messages in
mass communication, pass
MACLEAN (1913-
through different points, which
2001) are known as gatekeepers, before
they reach the audience.
The Westley and MacLean Model
of communication is a framework
that emphasizes the role of
feedback and the active
participation of both the sender
and the receiver in the
communication process.
WESTLEY AND MCLEAN MODEL
Interpersonal Communication Mass Communication
* Feedback is direct * Feedback is
and fast indirect and slow
Example:
Imagine that on your way to the school, you
witness a road accident.
This is the type of stimulus that would
nudge you to call your friends and tell
them about what you had seen, or call your
teacher to say you are going to be a bit
late.
Components
1. SOURCE (A)
Source is the message creator
and sender.
2. Environment (X)
Environment Is the physical and
psychological situation where
the message is being and sent.
Components
1.Sensory experience (X1)
Sensory experience is the first thing
that the source sees by which the source
gets the idea for the formation of the
message.
2. Objects of Orientation (X1, X2,...)
Objects of orientation is the person's
social and cultural reality that has
formed from his/her past experiences
and teachings.
Components
3. Message Interpretation
or Coding (X')
Message is interpreted
with the objects of
orientation of the
receiver of the message.
Components
Receiver (B) –
The person who gets the
message sent by the
source and the person
who interprets according
to his/her objects of
orientation.
Components
Object of Orientation of
Receiver (X, b) -
The views and ideas of the
receiver or his/her social
reality is his/her object of
orientation. That is how the
receiver interprets the
message.
Components
Feedback (f) – -
The receiver forms
another message after
interpreting the message
and sends it back to the
sender. It is known as
feedback.
Components
Gatekeeper (C) -
Gatekeepers are found in
mass communication. The
gatekeeper is the editor who
filters the message as per
the needs of the audience
and media institution.
Components
Opinion Leader -
Opinion leaders are well
known and recognized
people who can influence
public opinions.
WESTLEY AND MCLEAN
Gatekeeper and opinion leader are the parts of
communication process in mass communication.
Gatekeeping is done in these levels:
1.Individual level
2. Routine practice level
3.Communication organizations
4.Social institutions
5.Societies
Advantages of Westley and Mclean Model
*There is the concept of feedback.
*As the message comes from the environment, sensory field
improves the message formation.
*Social and other factors are included in objects of orientation.
*The model can be applied to interpersonal, group communication
as well as mass communication.
*The model is very descriptive.
Thank
you!
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