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Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Uncertainty Reduction Theory proposes that in initial interactions between strangers, there are two primary goals: to reduce uncertainty and increase predictability. The theory was developed by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975 and outlines how communication is used to reduce uncertainty between people. It identifies seven key variables related to relationship development and uncertainty reduction. Berger later added an eighth axiom that shared communication networks between interactants can reduce uncertainty while a lack of shared networks increases uncertainty. The theory uses axioms and theorems to discuss how uncertainty is reduced in initial interactions.

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776 views23 pages

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Uncertainty Reduction Theory proposes that in initial interactions between strangers, there are two primary goals: to reduce uncertainty and increase predictability. The theory was developed by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975 and outlines how communication is used to reduce uncertainty between people. It identifies seven key variables related to relationship development and uncertainty reduction. Berger later added an eighth axiom that shared communication networks between interactants can reduce uncertainty while a lack of shared networks increases uncertainty. The theory uses axioms and theorems to discuss how uncertainty is reduced in initial interactions.

Uploaded by

Aysegul Acar
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese

Presented by: Gkenur PINARER

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.

Two Kinds of Uncertainty Faced in Initial Interactions


Cognitive Uncertainty
- Uncertainty associated with beliefs and attitudes that we and others hold.

Behavioral Uncertainty
- The extent to which behavior is predictable in a given situtation.

Assumptions of Uncertainty Reduction Theory:


A. People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings. B. Uncertainty generates cognitive stress. C. When strangers meet there are two primary goals. - To reduce uncertainty. - To increase predictability.

Stages of Interpersonal Communication Process:

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.

The Axioms in URT


Berger and Calabrese identified 7 key variables of relationship development related to uncertainty: Verbal output Nonverbal warmth Information seeking Self- disclosure Reciprocity Similarity Liking

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.

Bergers 7 Truths (Axioms) About Initial Uncertainty:


Axiom 1: As the amount of verbal communication increases the level of uncertainty decreases.
Axiom 2: As nonverbal affiliative expressiveness increases, uncertainty level will decrease. Axiom 3: As uncertainty level decline information seeking behavior decreases.

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.

Axiom 3: As uncertainty level declines information seeking behavior decreases.


Berger later put forward that any of the 3 prior conditions mentioned below raises our will to seek information. 1. Anticipation of Future Interaction 2. Incentive Value 3. Deviance

Strategies for Removing Doubt


Berger suggests that peple use three

forms of tactics in order to reduce uncertainty.


Passive Strategy: Unobtrusively observing others while they live their lives. 2. Active Strategy: Indirect efforts to gain information about the other person. 3. Interactive Strategy: Direct contact between the observer and the other
1.

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:

Axiom 8: Shared communciation networks


reduce uncertainty, while lack of shared networks increases uncertainty.

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.

Original Theorems of Uncertainty Reduction Theory

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15 6 11 18 20 21

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Criticism of the Theory

Charles Berger admits that his original statement contained some propositions of dubious validity.

1. Critics point to theorem 17 as being flawed.

- 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.

Critical Strengths of URT

The theory is expressed in a very clear and logical fashion. (axioms and theorems)
Bergers ideas have triggered extensive research by other communication scholars.

Thank you for listening.

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