Which stage of perception is involved when you wonder if the Olive Garden waiter who tells you how much he enjoyed chatting with you is being sincere or hoping for a better tip?

interpretation

Explanation:

one of stage in process of perception is interpretation, in this process we make perception due to result of different messages, i-e verbal non-verbal. human brain functions on variety of messages and context, in human interactions human relate already similar situations and circumstances. Human interpreter on basis of different intentions and cues.