With which of the following would the author of the passage most likely DISAGREE?

The passage highlights that emotions are contagious, humans are dependent on each other for emotions, and the human body conveys emotions through both subtle and obvious non-verbal cues. It emphasizes that these subtle non-verbal cues (like flushing, minute facial expressions, and posture) are "very difficult to control" and are "important, signs of the emotions that drive a person's behavior."

• Option 1: People gauge their emotional response on the feelings they notice in others around them. The passage states, "humans are dependent on one another for emotions" and "emotions are contagious," which supports this statement.
• Option 2: Non-verbal behaviors are strong signals to others about a person's true emotions. The passage mentions "facial expressions and tone of voice are fleeting, but important, signs of the emotions" and "subtle clues... are very difficult to control," indicating that non-verbal cues are strong signals. This statement is supported.
• Option 3: Humans are better able to interpret emotions when communication is verbal instead of non-verbal. The passage heavily emphasizes the importance and involuntary nature of non-verbal cues in conveying emotions, stating they are "very difficult to control" and are "important, signs of the emotions." It does not suggest that verbal communication is better for interpreting emotions; in fact, it implies non-verbal cues often reveal true emotions more reliably because they are hard to control. Therefore, the author would likely disagree with this statement.
• Option 4: The human body tells the truth, even when people do not intend to convey that information. This is directly supported by the statement that "subtle clues... are very difficult to control," implying they reveal emotions unintentionally.
• Option 5: People are not always conscious of the messages they are sending or receiving about emotions. The mention of "subtle clues" and "minute facial expressions" that are "very difficult to control" suggests unconscious sending of messages. The "open loop" system implies unconscious receiving. This statement is supported.

The author's emphasis on the power and involuntary nature of non-verbal cues suggests that non-verbal communication is crucial, and often more revealing, for interpreting emotions. Therefore, the author would most likely disagree with the idea that verbal communication is better for interpreting emotions.

The author would most likely disagree with:

• Humans are better able to interpret emotions when communication is verbal instead of non-verbal.