What are the three interrelated elements involved in the communication process?

The correct answer is the combination of source, symbol, and receiver, which are the foundational elements of the communication process.

In the context of communication, the source is the originator of the message. This individual or entity encodes thoughts and ideas into symbols, which can be words, images, gestures, etc. The symbols serve as the medium through which the message is conveyed to others. The receiver is the individual or group who interprets or decodes the message that the source has communicated. Effective communication relies on all three elements working together; the source must clearly present the message using appropriate symbols, and the receiver must accurately interpret it to facilitate understanding.

Understanding these three elements highlights the dynamic nature of communication and the importance of clarity and feedback in the process. In contrast, categories such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic focus on learning styles rather than the mechanics of communication itself. Similarly, background, experience, and education pertain to individual differences in learning and comprehension, but they do not directly represent the components of the communication process.