What is the person who transmits a message called?

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

In communication theory, the person who initiates the communication process is called the sender or the source.
This person performs the act of 'encoding,' which means converting their thoughts, ideas, or feelings into a message (e.g., words, gestures, symbols).
Therefore, the sender is also referred to as the encoder, as they create the coded message to be transmitted.

Option B: The Receiver is the person who receives the message, not the one who transmits it.
Option C: The Decoder is the person who interprets or makes sense of the message. This role is performed by the receiver.
Option D: While the sender certainly thinks before communicating, 'Thinker' is not a standard term in the formal model of communication.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Components of the Communication Process as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the roles of encoder and decoder is vital for effective nurse-patient communication. A nurse must encode messages (like health instructions) clearly and simply, considering the patient's health literacy and emotional state.
Nurses must also be skilled decoders, accurately interpreting a patient's verbal and non-verbal cues to understand their needs, pain, and concerns.
What if? If a patient speaks a different language, the nurse (encoder) must use a professional interpreter (a channel) to ensure the message is accurately encoded into the patient's language and that the patient (receiver) can decode it correctly. Without this, critical information can be lost.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the process of communication.
Recall the standard model of communication, which includes a sender, message, channel, and receiver.
Associate the action 'transmits' with the role of the sender.
Remember that the sender's function is to 'encode' their thoughts into a message. Therefore, the sender is the encoder.
Evaluate the other options: 'Receiver' and 'Decoder' are related to the recipient of the message, and 'Thinker' is too general.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 111-113

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 75-77

Practise the full BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.