Uncertainty Reduction Theory

1. Uncertainty Reduction Theory Introduction to Communication Theory Turner and West

2. Origin • Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) is also known as Initial Interaction Theory. • Uncertainty Reduction Theory was originated by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975. • Their goal was to explain how communication is used to reduce uncertainties between strangers engaging in their first conversation together.

3. Sub Processes • Predictions • Explanation

4. Two types of uncertainty in initial encounters Cognitive uncertainty Beliefs and attitudes Behavioral uncertainty Behavior based upon situation Self-Disclosure

5. Two Processes • Proactive uncertainty reduction • Retroactive uncertainty reduction

6. Uncertainty is related to 7 concepts • Verbal output • Non Verbal warmth • Information seeking • Self-Disclosure • Reciprocity of disclosure • Similarity • Liking

7. 7 assumptions • People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings. • Uncertainty is an aversive state, generating cognitive stress. • When strangers meet, their primary concern is to reduce uncertainty or to increase predictability. • Interpersonal communication is a developmental process that occurs through stages. • Interpersonal communication is the primary means of uncertainty reduction. • The quantity of info shared changes through time. • It is possible to predict behavior in a law like way.

8. 4th Assumption • Interpersonal communication is a developmental process that occurs through stages. Entry phase Personal phase Exit phase

9. Axioms of URT • Getting to know a person will cause more conversation • Decreases in uncertainty causes an increase in non verbal expressions. • High levels of uncertainty causes an increase in information-seeking behavior. • High levels of uncertainty causes a decrease in intimacy within a relationship • Similarities reduce uncertainties • Higher uncertainties produces a lower liking level

10. Additional Axioms of URT • Uncertainty is negatively related to interaction with social networks. • There is an inverse, or negative, relationship between uncertainty and communication satisfaction.

11. Antecedent Conditions • The first condition occurs when the other person has the potential to reward or punish. • The second condition occurs when the other person behaves contrary to expectations. • The last condition occurs when a person expects future interactions with another.

12. Strategies • Passive • Active • Interactive

13. Relationships • Uncertainty in developed relationships may be different than it is in initial encounters. • There may be a tension between reducing and increasing uncertainty in developed relationships. • The excitement of uncertainty becomes desirable as people begin to feel certain about their relationships and their partners. • Relational uncertainty

14. Conclusion • URT places communication in a central position because it has provoked a large amount of commentary and research. • It has made a very important contribution to the field of communication even though it has generated controversy and theoretical disputes.