A Critique of Berger's Uncertainty
Reduction Theory


Written by Natalie Wright



The Introduction

When introduced to a new group of people, or even to one new stranger, we all seem to get this overwhelming feeling of anxiety. The question is, did you know that the reason we have these feelings of anxiety are due to our uncertainty about the other person and where the relationship is heading? According to Charles Berger, we all experience some deal of anxiety during initial encounters because we are unable to predict or control how the relationship will progress. Think about it, many times when we are faced with a new and unfamiliar relationship we often feel the anxious side-effects: a fast beating heart, sweaty palms and those unavoidable moments of awkward silence; there's nothing else quite like it. We find ourselves pondering the questions in our head; "Do I introduce myself or wait until I am addressed? Do we shake hands or just say a casual hello? Will we have anything in common?" These cognitive and behavioral questions stem from our lack of knowledge and predictability in the situation and the Uncertainty Reduction Theory by Charles Berger defines and explains how we can effectively reduce and eliminate this uncertainty through repeated interaction.

Please click here to familiarize yourself better with the principles of Berger's Uncertainty Reduction Theory by visiting our homepage.

The Analysis

As defined by the referenced link above, the focus of this theory is to reduce uncertainty by using human communication to gain knowledge about the other person, thus creating a more predictable and controlled relationship. Which brings me to the point of my analysis, I plan to critique Charles Berger's Uncertainty Reduction Theory in order to prove whether it is scientific or humanistic. In my opinion, Berger addresses humanistic values while using a scientific method to prove and validate his relational theory. In order to provide a better understanding and distinction between scientific and humanistic models, here is a list of the five criteria for each method:

Scientific:
Humanistic:
explanation of data
understanding of people
prediction of future
clarification of values
relative simplicity
aesthetic appeal
testable hypothesis
community of agreement
practical utility
reform of society


In the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Berger addresses the humanistic feelings of understanding how people feel in unfamiliar relationships and the appeal we have to reduce those anxieties by learning more about others. However, as stated before, I feel this theory is scientific because Berger has used all five elements of the scientific model to validate and support his theory.

First, Berger has a clear explanation of data regarding all aspects of his theory. He does this by initially providing a precise definition of the theory's purpose that explains what the theory is. To further illustrate his theory, Berger outlines seven axioms defining how and why performing various key actions reduces uncertainty. By telling the readers what and why, Berger successfully makes the Uncertainty Reduction Theory scientific.

Point two of the scientific model is the prediction of future. Berger accomplishes this task by providing seven axioms that take the form of cause and effect statements. For example, Axiom 1 states that as verbal communication increases the level of uncertainty between the pair decreases. This axiom is saying that the more you speak to someone the more you will learn, and therefore the less uncertainty you will have towards one another because you will gain more knowledge and predictability about the other person and the relationship. Obviously this axiom, as well as the other six proposed by Berger, clearly defines how future interactions between you and the other person will proceed.

Relative simplicity, the third aspect of a scientific method is another feat Berger triumphs over. The Uncertainty Reduction Theory is as clear and simple as theories come. Berger's if/then statements of his axioms provide simple to-the-point factors that are easily understood. Berger does not try to exemplify his theory by making his observations and remarks wordy and drawn-out in order to sound proficiently scholar. The direct approach he takes to explain his theory makes it very easy to classify the Uncertainty Reduction Theory as scientific.

Moving right along to the fourth criteria of the scientific model is a testable hypothesis. Once again, the Uncertainty Reduction Theory meets the requirements for the scientific model. Berger based the statements he uses to support his theory on empirical observation and testing in order to formulate these accredited axioms. Even if you question Berger's testing, it is easy to see the truth in these axioms from your own day to day experiences; and for specific examples, please see Tony's Applications page. For instance, just think about all the people in your life that you've developed relationships with merely by exchanging more and more information with each other. Or if that's not enough, take a minute and test Berger's axioms by performing experiments of your own. For example, introduce two people you know to each other and see if they follow Berger's patterns of reducing uncertainty, or go to multiple parties and watch how people interact who meet for the first time. This will prove to you just how accurate Berger's axioms are.

Concluding the criteria for the scientific method is practical utility, which is evident in the Uncertainty Reduction Theory. Berger's useful axioms provide a clear and helpful insight on how uncertainty can be reduced through repeated encounters and disclosure of information in new relationships. By following the guidelines that he proposes in his axioms, it is certain that the anxiety you feel when you are facing an unfamiliar situation or new relationship will dissolve. After all, communication is key in the process of developing relationships, and the whole basis of Berger's Uncertainty Reduction Theory revolves around interpersonal communication.

Hopefully by analyzing these points about the Uncertainty Reduction Theory I have shown how this theory is scientific by method. Although humanistic ideals are the core topics of this theory, the strategy and testing that Charles Berger performed for this theory make it highly scientific. If more analysis is needed for you to agree with my critque of Berger's theory, please visit this link to see what another man has to say about the Uncertainty Reduction Theory.



To learn more about this theory please click on the following links:

To return to our title page please click here.

To visit our research page done by Julia please click here.

To view our research page done by Brian please click here.

To view some applications of this theory please click here.

To see some interesting links related to the Uncertainty Reduction Theory please click here.

To view a critique of the related theory Anxiety-Uncertainty Management by Gudykunst, please click here. Although this management theory is humanistic, unlike the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, both theories are related because they deal with the uncertainty and anxiety we feel when in new situations and around new people.


This page last modified 3/12/00.