Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Channels are physical bridges between the sender and receiver of the message.
Reason (R): Dimensions of channel are: a. The mode of encoding and decoding messages; b. Message-Vehicles, and c. Vehicle carriers. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are incorrect.
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

Channels are the pathways that connect sender and receiver in communication, such as face-to-face talks, emails, or phone calls. Focus on their role as conduits, not the message content or structure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Assertion (A) is correct: Communication channels serve as the medium through which a message travels from sender to receiver, encompassing both physical mediums (e.g., written letters, in-person conversations) and non-physical mediums (e.g., emails, phone calls). However, Reason (R) is incorrect because the stated dimensions of a channel—mode of encoding and decoding messages, message-vehicles, and vehicle carriers—are not a standard or accurate framework for describing communication channels. Typically, channels are categorized by their nature (e.g., verbal, non-verbal, written, digital) or characteristics like speed, reach, and feedback capability, not the terms provided in (R). Thus, while (A) accurately describes the role of channels, (R) does not provide a correct or relevant explanation.

Answer 2

Alternate approach - checking the Reason against standard communication theory:
Assertion (A) holds up on its own: in communication theory, a channel is indeed the physical or technical medium (voice, print, digital signal, etc.) that physically links sender and receiver, so (A) is correct. The Reason, however, invents a set of dimensions - mode of encoding/decoding, message-vehicles, and vehicle carriers - that does not correspond to how channels are actually described in standard models (which instead talk about channel types such as verbal/non-verbal or mass/interpersonal, and channel properties such as reach, speed, richness and feedback capacity). Encoding and decoding are properties of the communication process (sender/receiver activity), not properties of the channel itself. Because the Reason mixes up process elements with channel dimensions, it is not a valid or correct statement, even though the Assertion is true, giving option (3).