Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Charles Berger's Uncertainty Reduction Theory says that when strangers meet, their primary concern to reduce uncertainty and increase the predictability of the behavior of the other person involved in the interaction. This is done by gaining information. Every single one of us puts this theory into action daily. The confidence of Berger's theory lies in the predictability of conversation. The focus on predictability of conversation is straight from Shannon and Weaver's Information theory. Berger's theory holds true in many real world applications that most of us have and will experience. To solidify his theory, Berger created eight self-evident truths, these are called axioms.

The first axiom says that as the amount of verbal communication increases between strangers, the levels of uncertainty naturally begin to diminish.

In my experience I have found this theory to be true. For example, when I came to Ohio University as a freshman, I did not know my roommate at all. When we first arrived, I had extreme feelings of nervousness. Our conversation felt slow and almost agonizing. As we spent more time with each other, that nervous feeling was soon gone and conversation felt natural. We both became comfortable with each other. I am sure that many can relate to my experience.

The second axiom states that as nonverbal expressiveness increases, uncertainty will decrease in an initial interaction.

Everyone remembers the first day of kindergarten, right? Well I do, it was my first day of school ever, meeting new people new friends, and my teacher, Mrs. Fitzimmons. I can remember being so scared when I walked into the classroom for the first time. My teacher Mrs. F began to talk to the class and while doing that go around to each child and personally introduce herself. When it was my turn to talk to Mrs. F, I was so nervous, I just basically kept quiet the whole time. But, I can remember feeling more confident and willing to open up when my teacher would smile, make eye contact, or give me a pat on the back. It was those nonverbal actions that allowed me to open up, and her actions created a feeling of warmth as well.

The third axiom discusses how high levels of uncertainty cause an increase in information seeking behavior.

When I was in high school my good friends set me up on a date with a guy from a different school. So naturally I was curious about what type of person he really was. As we sat there eating dinner I kept trying to monitor his actions and comments in attempt to gather clues about what type of person he was. I wanted a better idea of what to expect from him. So paying close attention to him seemed like the only logical way to go about such a task.

The fourth axiom states that high levels of uncertainty can cause a decrease in the intimacy level of the communication content.

For example Betty starts her new job at a prestigious law firm. Her first day on the job she meets Sara, another secretary at the firm. Betty and Sara go out to lunch on the first day together and soon enough become lunch buddies and friends. Betty soon feels comfortable enough with Sara that she can tell Sara intimate things about herself. As a result Sara is able to express feeling because she has a good idea of what Betty's response will be. Sara and Betty have begun to peel away layers of eacj other through the process Social Penetration.

The fifth axiom says that high levels of uncertainty produce high rates of reciprocity.

People tend to share when they are confident that the other participating party will share as well. This is very important in the early stages of a relationship. Let us take another look at the early stages of Betty and Sara's relationship. Initially Sara would only share if she was sure that Betty in return. The reciprocal feeling of being vulnerable is evident in the interaction of Betty and Sara, and is key to the beginnings of any relationship.

The sixth axiom presents that when similarities between a person exist, the level of uncertainty is reduced.

This axiom in my opinion seems to be highly visible in society. Naturally people prefer to interact with others with whom they have something in common. As a result the levels of uncertainty are reduced. For example, when I joined the cross country team in high school my levels of nervousness and uncertainty were reduced because I had something in common with the other team members that provided a stable network for the beginnings of a relationship.

The seventh axiom states that an increase in the uncertainty levels produces a decrease in liking.

This axiom, like the sixth axiom is very visible in society. When you meet a person for the first time your uncertainty levels are very high and you are not sure if you like the person you have just met immediately, which is true because if you just met another individual for the first time you have no immediate way of knowing if you will like him or her. Resulting in an increase is uncertainty and a decrease of liking.

The eighth and final axiom of Berger's theory states that shared communication networks reduce uncertainty, while a lack of shared networks increases uncertainty.

This is especially evident when looking at intercultural interaction. If you are visiting a foreign country or interacting with a person for a culture very different then yours, you become rather nervous and apprehensive. As we all know communication across cultures is very different. So as a result when you communicate with an individual that has different networks then yourself, levels of uncertainty are rather high.

Berger also came up with strategies for removing doubt that we use on a regular basis. The first method for removing doubt is the passive approach, in which we unobtrusively observe others as they are in their natural environment. Let us take for example Dave and Jennifer, Dave has a crush on Jennifer so in order to remove doubt about Jennifer he decides to watch her activities in a unobtrusive fashion, so that his levels of uncertainty might be reduced. The second way for Dave to remove doubt about Jennifer, would be for Dave to ask a third party about Jennifer, though the information Dave is given by Frank may be unreliable it is considered a relatively accurate account. The third and final method for Dave to remove doubt about Jennifer would be for Dave to interact with Jennifer and have her talk about her self.

Check out these other links!

Critique

Research Report

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Griffen, Em. A First Look At Communication Theory.New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 1997.
This Page was created by: Kathryn Taddeo

This page was last updated on 1-23-00