The message perceived in communication primarily depends on which factor?

The message perceived in communication fundamentally hinges on the receiver's interpretation. This is because communication is ultimately a subjective experience; each individual brings their own background, experiences, emotions, and biases into the process of understanding a message. The sender may have a particular intention behind the communication, but the receiver filters that information through their personal lens, which can alter its meaning significantly.

For instance, two individuals might receive the same message but interpret it differently based on their past experiences. This means that even a clearly articulated message can be understood in various ways by different receivers due to their unique perspectives. The effectiveness of communication, therefore, is highly contingent on how the receiver interprets and makes sense of the information presented.

The other factors, while they certainly play important roles in the overall communication process, do not define the perceived message as directly as the receiver's interpretation does. The sender's intention serves as a guide for the message, the medium influences how the message is conveyed, and the historical context provides background, but it is the receiver's interpretation that ultimately shapes what the message is understood to be.