Dimension of Communication system
- Number of objects in population: This is important because as the number of units grows the number of potential links between units grows much more rapidly than just linearly with several units.
- Differences in message capacity of object: This is the subject of the mathematical theory of information which addresses itself to calculating the number of bits of information that can be transmitted through a channel i.e. bandwidth of the links.
- Difference in volume of massage: The communication system may differ in the volume of messages through these links channel capacity is only a top limit. Empirical observation may measure how much information is transmitted through a channel.
4. Difference in volume network structure:
a) Directionality: The links portrayed in the figure are single, two, or multiple-directional, in many instances the flows go only one way, two-way, or many ways. For example: in a mass media system in one-directional communication message goes from a source to many persons.
b) Permitted / Possible link: In many systems, links are not only empirically zero frequency but are prohibited by law or physical possibilities. For example: studies what messages are grammatically allowable within a language, not which ones occur.
5. Probability: A network structure can be characterized by defining the probability that any particular channel will be used. Thus, a leadership study may take note of the individual to whom another individual is most likely to turn for advice.
6. Types of messages: They may differ in type of message carried; when flows through the links are not uniform. The massage may be differentiated and characterized by either form or content.
- Triggering of massage: They may differ in triggering mechanism. At any given moment, a communication system may be in one state along the 5 dimensions just listed but at the next moment, it may change.
