Which one of the following is not an element of communication process ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4: Measurement

The communication process is fundamentally a system involving a series of sequential, constitutive steps necessary for the transmission and understanding of a message. The universally accepted elements of this process are the Sender, Encoding, Message, Channel, Decoding, Receiver, and Feedback. Measurement, in this context, is an activity associated with research, evaluation, or control, used to assess the effectiveness, reach, or impact of the communication *after* the process has occurred. It is not an active, structural component required for the actual flow or exchange of information to happen, unlike the components that directly contribute to sending and receiving the message. Therefore, 'Measurement' stands apart as the element that is not a core part of the process itself.

The incorrect option is 1: Encoding

Encoding is a foundational element and the first functional step in the communication cycle. This process involves the sender translating their thought or idea into a systematic set of symbols, such as language, gestures, or written words. The message can only move from the sender's mind into the shared world once it has been successfully encoded. This step ensures the idea is prepared in a format that the channel can carry and the receiver can ultimately decode.

The incorrect option is 2: Channel

The Channel is an indispensable element, as it serves as the medium or pipeline through which the encoded message physically travels from the sender to the receiver. Without a channel—be it a face-to-face conversation, a telephone line, a printed report, or email—the transmission of the message is impossible. The effectiveness of communication is often highly dependent on the choice of the correct channel.

The incorrect option is 3: Receiver

The Receiver is a critical and obligatory element, representing the target audience or individual for whom the message is intended. The entire purpose of communication is to elicit understanding or a response from the receiver. Once the message is received, the receiver initiates the process of decoding to interpret the meaning. Without a specific receiver, the communication is not completed and becomes merely a broadcast without a defined endpoint.