Which of the following does NOT affect the meaning in communication?

The extent to which sources can encode a message does not directly affect the meaning in communication because encoding primarily involves how the sender crafts and delivers a message using language or symbols. While effective encoding is critical for clarity and ensuring that the message is transmitted without distortion, it is the interpretation by the receiver that ultimately determines the message's meaning.

In contrast, the ability of receivers to interpret a message, the presence of feedback, and the influence of the receivers' own group membership all play significant roles in shaping how a message is understood. Interpretation involves the receiver's cognitive and emotional responses to the encoded message, which means they actively engage with the content rather than passively accepting it. Feedback allows both parties in the communication process to clarify and refine the meaning of the message. Lastly, group membership can color the interpretation of messages, as individuals often view information through the lens of their social or cultural identities. Thus, while the sender’s encoding is important, it is less about affecting meaning and more about delivering a message that can be interpreted meaningfully by the receiver.