Which term describes the process by which the receiver interprets the sender's message?

Which term describes the process by which the receiver interprets the sender's message?

• A. Encoding
• B. Transmission
• C. Decoding
• D. Noise

Answer: (C)

Decoding is the process by which the receiver interprets the sender's message by translating the symbols (words, gestures, signs) back into meaning. After someone encodes an idea into a message and it’s transmitted, the receiver uses their own language, experiences, and context to interpret what was meant. This step explains how a message becomes understood, and it’s where misinterpretations can arise if the receiver’s frame of reference differs from the sender’s. The other terms describe different parts of the communication flow. Encoding is what the sender does to turn thoughts into communicable symbols. Transmission is the act of sending that encoded message. Noise refers to any interference that can distort the message during sending or reception.

Decoding is the process by which the receiver interprets the sender's message by translating the symbols (words, gestures, signs) back into meaning. After someone encodes an idea into a message and it’s transmitted, the receiver uses their own language, experiences, and context to interpret what was meant. This step explains how a message becomes understood, and it’s where misinterpretations can arise if the receiver’s frame of reference differs from the sender’s.

The other terms describe different parts of the communication flow. Encoding is what the sender does to turn thoughts into communicable symbols. Transmission is the act of sending that encoded message. Noise refers to any interference that can distort the message during sending or reception.