Final answer:
It is false that people generally believe the spoken words when there is ambiguity in a message's meaning. Interpretation of a message is influenced by a variety of factors, such as non-verbal communication, credibility of the source, and pre-existing beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When in doubt about a message's meaning, it is false that people tend to believe the words spoken. In communication, non-verbal cues, prior knowledge, and situational context significantly influence how a message is interpreted. Individuals often rely on much more than just the spoken words when making judgments about a message's meaning, especially when there is doubt involved.
For example, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language provide crucial information that can override the literal words spoken. As we navigate complex social interactions, verbal messages are interpreted within a broader context that includes these non-verbal elements. Moreover, pre-existing beliefs and the credibility of the source greatly affect whether the spoken words are accepted as true.
On the other hand, when people are presented with information that is ambiguous or conflicts with their existing beliefs, they may experience cognitive dissonance and resist changing those beliefs, even in the face of new evidence. This shows that the believability of a message often extends beyond the literal words and involves a complex web of factors.