Uncertainty Reduction Theory

This research of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory refers to the book titled Interpersonal Processes: New Directions in Communication Research edited by Michael Roloff and Gerald Miller. The title "Communicating under Uncertainty" clearly represents that when people meet for the first couple times, they are overwhelmed with high levels of uncertainties. They don't know what each other thinks, likes, feels, how each other responds to certain things, and how they are seen by each other. They know nothing about one another and can't predict their actions. Berger focuses on reducing these akward uncertainties. He suggests that in order for the relationship to grow, the intial encounter must include an exchange of information from each person. Such information would be personal preferences, opinions, and values. Through this process, future interactions will have less uncertainty, and more self-disclosure. The more one shares, the more one grows in a relationship.

Berger argues that uncertainty is reduced by increased verbal and nonverbal interaction over time. When two people meet for the first time, there is an abundancy of unknown factors. In order to gain knowledge from one another, each must disclose general information. If general information is not exchanged, the interaction is dull and uncomfortable. One must establish a common ground and build from there. Once the ice is broken, further interactions will flow easier. In addition, the longer people interact and see each other, the less uncertainty they will have. With each interaction, understanding each other increases. On the other hand, people might want to create uncertainty. Further interactions might not be what one wants. In order for people to stay unknown, they generally do not disclose any information in any encounter. By doing this, the uncertainty level is so high that it makes the conversation uneasy, uncomfortable, and rough. This leads to the termination of conversation and further contact.

Berger states that there are conditions to reduce the amount of uncertainty in a relationship. If people anticipate interaction with each other and gather information from an outside source, the person is more likely to recall the information about the target person than remember the interaction with whom they gathered the information. Also, the person might observe their target and create understanding based on how that person communicates. By anticipating interaction, the levels of uncertainty reduce because some knowledge has been obtained which can help guide the first encounter. Each person will know something about one another and create their common ground. Another way to reduce uncertainty in first encounters is to ensure future encounters will occur. Knowing that further contact will take place, each person wants to make a good impression and create a positive connection. If the intial encounter goes well, the future ones will develop from there and self-disclosure will unfold as time passes.

There are three strategies that Berger presents for reducing uncertainty, the passive strategy, the active stategy, and the interactive stategy. The passive strategy states that we unobtrusively observe others and gain knowledge from watching as they are in their natural state. This approach protects the observer's identity from the target person, which won't put them on guard. The active strategy is where we ask an outside source for valuable information about our target. As for the interactive strategy, it is the fastest approach to the reduction of uncertainty. We ask the target person to talk about themselves. One may use questions or disclosure to create understanding from the other person. With each strategy, Berger tries to help reduce the uncertainty and produce a human connection with creation of understanding.

Created by Kathleen O'Boyle

To go back to the Uncertainty title page, Mike. To read an application on Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Shannon. To read a critique on Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Mike. To read more about uncertainty in communication view this reseach report onAnxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory.