Final answer:
The statement is true; the sender encodes the message, and the receiver decodes it, which is fundamental in human communication, cell signaling, and even in theoretical interstellar messages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in the question is true. In the basic model of communication, the sender transmits or encodes the message through a chosen communication channel, and the receiver must then decode or interpret the meaning of the message. This process is critical for ensuring that communication is successful, whether it is between humans, within biological systems such as the nervous and endocrine systems, or even in the hypothetical context of receiving messages from extraterrestrial civilizations.
Effective communication relies on the ability to encode a message in a signal correctly and for the receiver to decode it accurately. In biological systems, cells communicate using specific signals and receptors to convey clear messages and coordinate actions. In technology, such as cell phone networks, various methods of encoding are used to ensure signals reach their intended recipients without interference. The complexity of communication is further highlighted by the challenges in detecting and interpreting signals from alien species, which may be encoded in ways we do not expect or recognize.