Uncertainty Reduction Research
Uncertainty Reduction in Developing Relationships: Research Report
This information comes from research done by Charles Berger which was recorded in his "Handbook of Personal Relationships" (Berger 1988). Berger states that uncertainty plays a key role in many spheres of public and private life. Governments and corporations both spend large amounts of money each year in attempt to reduce uncertainties which they posses. While reducing uncertainty both sectors can begin to make decisions that will help to enhance the productivity of their organization.
Uncertainty Reduction Theories
According to Berger, uncertainty can be viewed as the product of the number of alternatives in a given situation and the relative likelihood of their occurrence. To put his words into an easier comprehension, Berger feels that uncertainty comes from not knowing what will or what could possibly happen at a given time, given the number of situations that could possibly occur. In his discussion, Charles Berger named four theories, which helped to identify uncertainty a little better.
A theory defined by Leon Festinger, which stated that "individuals have a drive to reduce their uncertainties about their abilities and opinions. Persons will employ physical standards against which to compare themselves; however, if such standards are not available, they will compare themselves with other persons" (Berger 1988). Festinger's theory went on to explain that when people are placed into social situations they will choose to be with people who are similar to themselves rather than different.
This theory argues that inconsistencies give rise to tensions that must be reduced in order to reduce uncertainty. "Inconsistencies create uncertainty by subverting predictions and explanations" (Berger 1988).
This theory as defined by Harold Kelley states that, "persons gain an understanding of themselves and others by filtering raw experience through personal constructs or bipolar dichotomies on which judgements about self and others are made" (Berger 1988). To summarize: People who find it easy to read other people are better apt to make predictions about how other people will behave.
A theory which described by Heider who argued that "perceivers could attribute other's actions to such internal factors as ability or motivation or to external factors like chance or task difficulty" (Berger 1988). Attribution theory has often been used to explain judgements or accusations that people make during times of conflict.
Uncertainty and Relationship Development
Research has shown that the beginning of personal relationships are often complicated with uncertainties. Findings of Berger's have shown that "initial interaction rituals involving exchanges of information are a way of providing predictable communication sequences which individuals will follow." This is why the act of disclosure is so important to relationship development. He went on to say, "that background information exchanged early in initial encounters was used to predict attitudes not yet disclosed by interactants. This information was also used by observers to explain later expressed differences and similarities in opinions". In laymans terms the easiest way to get to know someone is to exchange information about yourself to the other individual. (Berger 1988)
*Assessing Relationships: Especially in the early stages of developing relationships people may want to know how their partners view the relationship. Baxter and Wilmont have studied strategies, which people can use to reduce their uncertainties. These strategies by Baxter and Wilmont are called "secret tests". The seven strategies are "(1) asking third parties (ask a friend if they have any knowledge as to whether or not the person you are getting to kow is interested in you), (2) triangles (try to have a friend in common with the person you are getting to know), (3) directness tests (specifically ask the other person how they feel aboutyou), (4) separation tests (spend some time apart to see if your feelings about the individual change), (5) endurance tests (look at your relationship now and then reflect on how it was in the begining), (6) public presentation (see if the other individual will be seen with you around their group of friends), (7) and indirect suggestion (ask hypothetical questions to see if your relationship has a future)" (Berger 1988). Baxter and Wilmont felt that these seven tests could be placed into a passive, active, or interactive strategy category.
Uncertainty Reduction Strategies
Given the importance of uncertainty reduction it becomes necessary to understand how people can go about achieving their goal. The three categories of strategies mentioned above can be used to reduce one's level of uncertainty. Using passive strategies people can gather information by observing the person, which they are developing a relationship with. In this method there can be no interaction between the observer and the target. Second, active strategies also involves no interaction between the observer and the target. Using this strategy the observer asks a third party for information about the target person. A third strategy to use is referred to as an interactive strategy. Unlike the previous two strategies this particular one involves direct contact between the observer and the target.
Conclusion
In order to survive, relationships must go through stages in order to reduce the levels of uncertainty that exist. Passive, active, and interactive strategies are the three mentioned above that are the best to use to ensure the highest level of satisfaction. It becomes important to understand as with any type of change time and patience are the two most important things to have in order to achieve the desired outcome.
Personal Thoughts
After reading more about Uncertainty Reduction, I am better able to understand why it is so crucial for people to be comfortable around one another. Whether it is in the classroom, the office, or just around the house, reducing uncertainty is something that can be done as easily as just sitting down and carrying on a conversation with the person whom you feel uncomfortable. My recommendation is that after reading about and learning about the theory one try to put into practice what they have learned. Applying one of the seven reduction strategies to uncomfortable situations can make the situation tollerable quickly. I know that from personal experiences, which I have had in the past, knowledge of this theory would have really helped me to reduce my anxieties about interacting with strangers.
To see some cool links that deal with uncertainty reduction click here
Alexa's Page
To read a critique on the theory click here
Kevin's Page
To read about how the theory can be applied in your life click here
Katie's Page
To return to the home page click here
Brad's Page
Check out this cool link that I found which relates to Charles Berger's theory
Click Here For Cool Link
To read more about communication theory check out this theory on Anxiety Reduction which relates to Uncertainty Reduction.
Berger, Charles. Uncertainity and Information Exchange in Developing Relationships. New York: S.W. Duck, 1988
This page was designed and revised by Elizabeth Daughters on January 25, 2000