Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

In Claude Shannon's information theory, what does the channel refer to in the sender-receiver feedback loop?

1. sender

2. receiver

3. method of delivery

4. form that the message takes

The correct answer is: method of delivery

In Claude Shannon's information theory, the channel refers to the method of delivery for information between the sender and receiver. The channel serves as the medium through which the encoded message travels, allowing the sender to transmit information to the receiver. This can include physical mediums such as sound waves, electrical signals, or even digital formats, depending on the context of the communication. Understanding the concept of the channel is crucial as it impacts the effectiveness of communication, including factors such as noise, distortion, and the clarity of the message being sent. An effective channel ensures that the message is delivered accurately and efficiently to the receiver, which is a fundamental aspect of the sender-receiver feedback loop in communication processes.