What aspect contributes to the subjective component of a source's believability?

Trustworthiness is a key aspect that contributes to the subjective component of a source's believability because it encompasses the perception of the source's integrity, reliability, and honesty. When evaluating a source, individuals tend to assess whether they can believe or have faith in the information being presented, which is inherently subjective. A source deemed trustworthy is more likely to be taken seriously by the audience, influencing their judgment about the information provided.

In contrast, expertise relates to the qualifications and knowledge of the source. While expertise can enhance credibility, it does not directly pertain to the personal feelings or biases that influence an individual's perception of trustworthiness. Clarity of communication is important for understanding, but it does not inherently affect whether a source is considered trustworthy. Peer reviews, while they add a layer of validation to a source's information, also do not directly impact personal biases that inform subjective beliefs about trustworthiness. Therefore, trustworthiness distinctly stands out as the subjective element that impacts how credible a source is perceived to be.