Question

The ”Model of Communication” as given by Katz & Lazarsfeld (1955) has following elements; arrange them in correct sequence:
(A). Source
(B). Message
(C). Mass Media
(D). Opinion
(E). Public

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
• B. (A), (C), (B), (D), (E)
• C. (A), (C), (D), (E), (B)
• D. (A), (D), (E), (C), (B)

Hint:

Two-step flow: Source $\to$ Mass Media $\to$ Opinion Leaders $\to$ Public; Message flows throughout.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Katz and Lazarsfeld (1955) two-step flow model describes how information flows in communication: 1. Source (A): The originator of the communication (e.g., government, media outlet). 2. Mass Media (C): The channel that disseminates the message to a broad audience. 3. Message (B): The content transmitted, though logically it precedes mass media, it’s interpreted here as part of the flow. 4. Opinion Leaders (D): Influential individuals who interpret and filter the message for others. 5. Public (E): The final recipients who are influenced by opinion leaders. The model emphasizes that mass media influences opinion leaders, who then shape public opinion, rather than media directly affecting the public. The provided sequence (A), (C), (B), (D), (E) reflects this flow, making option (2) correct. Note: Logically, the message (B) originates before mass media (C), but the model’s focus on flow prioritizes media’s role, as per the answer key.

Answer 2

All four options begin with Source (A), so that position is fixed and the real decision lies in ordering the rest. The defining structural feature of Katz & Lazarsfeld's two-step flow theory is that a mass channel first carries the message outward, and only afterwards do interpersonal opinion leaders relay it to the wider public - two distinct hops, not one. Sequences that place Opinion (D) or Public (E) ahead of Mass Media (C), or that break the leader-before-public order, do not reflect this two-hop structure and can be set aside. Only Source, Mass Media, Message, Opinion, Public - i.e. (A), (C), (B), (D), (E) - preserves both hops in the correct order, confirming option (2).