Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Uncertainty ReductionTheory (URT)

Authors: Originator, Charles BergerLater Collaborator, Richard Calabrese

Initial Premise

URT was first proposed to predict and explain initial interactions and relational development (or lack thereof) between acquaintances or strangers, based on self-disclosure

Today

URT is now used in research on various relationship types to explore methods to:

Reduce uncertainty and increase predictability about behavior for ourselves/others in an interaction

Uncertainty is perceived to be uncomfortable and dissonant,

prompting individuals to do what is necessary in order to return to

consonance

How do we cope with uncertainty with strangers or acquaintances,

vs. relationships at deeper levels?

What are axioms?

Tenets which reflect the connection between uncertainty and key variables (in the context

of this theory)

Axiom 1

Axiom 1: Verbal CommunicationAs the amount of verbal comm. increases…The level of uncertainty decreases, and…As a result, verbal communication again increases.

Axiom 2

Axiom 2: Nonverbal WarmthAs nonverbal affiliative expressiveness increases…Uncertainty levels will decrease.Decreases in uncertainty level will cause increases in nonverbal affiliative expressiveness.

Axiom 3

Axiom 3: Information-SeekingHigh levels of uncertainty cause increases in information-seeking behavior.As uncertainty levels decline…Information-seeking behavior decreases.

Axiom 4

Axiom 4: Self-DisclosureHigh levels of uncertainty cause decreases in the intimacy level of communication content.Low levels of uncertainty produce higher levels of intimacy in the content of our communication.

Axiom 5

Axiom 5: ReciprocityHigh levels of uncertainty produce high rates of reciprocity.

Low levels of uncertainty produce low levels of reciprocity.

Axiom 6

Axiom 6: SimilarityImportant similarities between persons reduce uncertainty…

While key dissimilarities produce increases in uncertainty.

Axiom 7

Axiom 7: LikingIncreases in uncertainty level prompt decreases in liking…

Whereas decreases in uncertainty level produce increases in liking.

Axiom 8

Axiom 8: Shared NetworksShared communication networks reduce uncertainty…

But a LACK of shared communication networks increases uncertainty.

Uncertainty is inevitable… so what can I do??

Coping Strategies

Passive – The uncertain individual observes the object of their uncertainty, watching for clues in the other’s reactions to stimuli (other people, events, etc.)Avoidance is a type of passive strategy

Active – The uncertain individual talks to others about the object of their uncertainty

Interactive – The uncertain individual poses direct questions to, and/or otherwise directly addresses, the object of their uncertainty

Uncertainty Avoidance

“The degree to which members of a [co-culture] feel threatened by ambiguous situations and how much they try to avoid [uncertain situations or people]”

Adler, Rosenfeld, & Proctor, 2010, p. 48

How does uncertainty avoidance manifest in our verbal and

nonverbal behaviors?

Let’s conclude with a discussion of some of the more common

arguments against URT.

Critique: Exceptions to the Rule

Axioms are FlawedFor example, there times when increased knowledge and proximity do NOT lead to increased liking, more communication, and deeper disclosures. Why?

Critique: Information-Seeking Never Stops

We seek information constantly!Therefore, according to the axiom, we should ALWAYS be in a state of both certainty and uncertainty; this would be a state of persistent dissonance

Critique: Other Motivators

In addition to uncertainty, what other factors drive/influence us?Anticipated future interactionIncentive value/motivationLiking/dislikeOthers?

Critique: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Too Much vs. Too LittleIs there such a thing as “too much” predictability (or “too little” uncertainty)?

Keeping Things Interesting… “[Introducing too much new] uncertainty in long-

term relationships usually impacts negatively on the relationship” (Planalp & Honeycutt, 1985)

Critique: We Allow Uncertainty

Are there times when (un)consciously allow ambiguity in our relationships?“Sometimes, there are high levels of uncertainty in interactions that no one wants to reduce” (Kellerman & Reynolds, 1990)Examples

“I don’t want to know” “Is your room clean?”

When might uncertainty be POSITIVE?