Pioneering Works and Thinkers in Communication Studies

Match List-I with List-II:

Correct Ans: (D)

Explanation:

The foundational writings in communication research laid the groundwork for how we study media today. These landmark articles and their authors not only defined key concepts but also influenced decades of academic inquiry.

To begin with, Westley and MacLean proposed “A Conceptual Model of Communication Research.” This model emphasized feedback and gatekeeping, expanding beyond the linear models of the time. Their work offered a more realistic picture of mass communication, especially in journalism and media systems.

Next, Tichenor, Donohue, and Olien contributed the theory of “Mass Media Flow and Differential Growth in Knowledge.” This became the basis of the Knowledge Gap Hypothesis, which argues that as media information increases, people with higher socioeconomic status acquire knowledge faster than others. Consequently, it highlights inequalities in media effects.

In another foundational piece, Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver authored “The Mathematical Theory of Communication.” Initially developed for engineering, this theory introduced terms like “noise,” “information source,” and “channel.” Over time, it influenced broader communication models due to its precision and systematic approach.

Lastly, Harold Lasswell’s article, “The Structure and Function of Communication in Society,” introduced his classic formula: Who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect? This framework remains central to analyzing communication content and purpose.

In summary, these articles serve as pillars in media studies, shaping both theoretical and practical approaches to communication.