Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Introduction:
URT - Originally called Initial Interaction Theory. -Developed by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975. The theory was developed in order to explain how communication is used to reduce the level of uncertainty between people engaging in initial interactions.
Uncertainty Reduction: To Predict and Explain As the ability of persons to predict which alternative or alternatives are likely to occur next decreases, uncertainty increases. (Berger) The primary goal of people in initial interactions is to increase their ability to make PREDICTIONS about one another in order to EXPLAIN the outcomes of the interactions.
Behavioral Uncertainty
- The extent to which behavior is predictable in a given situtation.
Entry phase
The first stage in an interaction between strangers. The interaction is guided by implicit and explicit norms.
Personal Phase
Communication becomes more spontaneous. More personal information is disclosed.
Exit Phase
The decision if a future interaction will be with this person is made.
Axioms are traditionally regarded as self- evident truths that need no additional proof. e.g: All people are created equal. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
This theory uses axioms and theorems in order to discuss the movement that takes place in the process of reducing uncertainty in initial interactions.
Axiom 4: High levels of uncertainty produce low levels of intimacy. Low levels of uncertainty produce high levels of intimacy. Axiom 5: High levels of uncertainty produce high rates of reciprocity. Axiom 6: Similarities between persons reduce uncertainty, while dissimilarities increase uncertainty. Axiom 7: Increases in uncertainty produce decreases in liking.
Developed Relationships
Uncertainty may exist in ongoing and established relationships. - Predictability in a relationship may be viewed by some as being boring after a while.
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In dating and married relationships when levels of uncertainty increase so does the motivation for reducing uncertainty.
Malcolm Parks and Mara Adelman discovered in 1983 that men and women who communicated with their romantic partners family and friends have less uncertainty about the person they love than those whose relationship exist in isolation. On the basis of this finding Berger offered a new axiom:
The Intercultural Context William Gudykunst adopted and adapted Bergers theory to communication between Americans and the people of Japan and Korea. He claims that reducing uncertainty and the anxiety that often accompanies, it is the key to bridging the culture gap.
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Charles Berger admits that his original statement contained some propositions of dubious validity.
- Theorem 17 is dictated by axioms 3 and 7. - If the theorem is wrong the suspects are the axioms. -Kathy Kellerman (University of California) and Rodney Reynolds target the motivational assumption of axiom 3 as the problem.
2. Michael Sunnafrank suggested that uncertainty reduction about the self and the other is not necessarily an individuals primary concern in an initial interaction. - He suggested that the early course of a relationship is guided by its predicted outcome value. - He argued that the central goal is maximizing relational outcomes. - As a result he formulated URT to take into account predicted outcome values (POV) in initial interactions.
The theory is expressed in a very clear and logical fashion. (axioms and theorems)
Bergers ideas have triggered extensive research by other communication scholars.