Uncertainty

Reduction Theory
Lesson 9
Introduction
• Originally called Initial Interaction Theory, Berger and Calabrese
(1975) developed the theory to explain how communication
is used to reduce the level of uncertainty between
people engaging in initial interactions.
• Later revisions of the initial theory identified two types of
uncertainty: cognitive and behavioral.
• Berger and Calabrese (1975) argue that uncertainty reduction
has both proactive and retroactive processes.
1. Proactive processes consist of attempts to reduce
uncertainty prior to a communicative episode.
2. Reflexive & Explanatory is to increase their ability to make
sense in communication experience
3. Retroactive processes apply sense-making tools to events
that have already occurred.
Introduction
• This theory uses axioms and theorems to
discuss the movement that takes place in the
process of reducing uncertainty in initial
interactions.
• It is considered an example of original theorizing
in the field of communication because it
employs concepts that are specifically relevant
to the field of communication.
Assumptions of URT
1. People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings.
Humans are unique and have predictions in initial interactions.
We have no prior info, thus unable to predict or explain.
2. Uncertainty is an aversive state, generating cognitive stress.
Emotional and psychological stress
3. When strangers meet, there are two primary goals involved.
Two primary goals are reduce uncertainty and increase
predictability.
4. Interpersonal communication is a developmental process that
occurs in stages.
a) Entry phase
b) Personal phase
c) Exit phase
Assumptions of URT
5. Conversational relationships differ in terms of
the way in which phases are entered and the
length of time spent in each phase.
6. Interpersonal communication is the primary
means of uncertainty reduction.
7. The quantity and nature of information that
people share changes over time.
8. It is possible to predict people's behavior in
a lawlike fashion.
Axioms & URT
• Axiom is a statement or proposition that is
regarded as truths, that were derived from the
results of prior research studies and common
sense (self evident truth).
• These axioms, which some researchers might call
propositions, require no further proof than the
statement itself.
• These axioms depict the relationship between
uncertainty and other concepts.
Axioms & URT
1. Given the high level of uncertainty present at the
onset of the entry phase, as the amount of verbal
communication between strangers increases, the
level of uncertainty for each interactant in the
relationship will decrease. (Negative)
Uncertainty Verbal Com

2. As nonverbal affiliative expressiveness increases,

uncertainty levels will decrease in an initial interaction
situation.Uncertainty
(Negative) Non verbal Com

3. High levels of uncertainty cause increases in

information-seeking
Uncertainty behavior. (Positive)
Information
seeking
Axioms & URT
4. High levels of uncertainty in a relationship cause
decreases in the intimacy level of communication
content. Uncertainty
(Negative) Intimacy level

5. High levels of uncertainty produce high rates of

reciprocity. (Positive)
Uncertainty Reciprocity /
Exchange
6. Similarities between persons reduce uncertainty.
(Negative)
Similiarity Uncertainty

7. Increases in uncertainty level produce decreases in

liking. (Negative)
Uncertainty
Axioms & URT
• Based on these 7 axioms, Berger and Calabrese
created a total of 21 theorems, or theoretical
statements, by pairing various axioms.
• Theorem is a general proposition not self-evident
but proved by a chain of reasoning; a truth
established by means of accepted truths.
Expansions of URT
Berger and his colleagues continued to refine and
expand the theory.
1. Eighth axiom states that uncertainty is
negatively related to interaction with social
networks.
2. A ninth axiom has been proposed suggesting a
relationship between uncertainty and
communication satisfaction.
3. Antecedent conditions
a. Berger (1979) proposed that three prior
(antecedent) conditions exist when one seeks to
reduce his or her uncertainty.
Expansions of URT
Berger and his colleagues continued to refine and expand the theory.
b. These conditions include three components.
i. Incentive value- If one communicator is perceived to have the
potential to reward (e.g., the person is popular), the motivation for
reducing uncertainty will be increased.
Popular Uncertainty

ii. Deviation from expectations - If a person behaves in a way that is

expected, the desire to reduce uncertainty is less than if the behavior is
contradictory to one's expectations.
Behaviour expected Desire to reduce
uncertainty
iii. Anticipation for future interactions- If it is, anticipated that the
interactants will have the opportunity to communicate in the future,
there will be an increase in the desire to reduce the level of uncertainty.
Opportunity to Uncertainty
communicate reduce
Strategies
Berger (1995) suggests that people use three forms of
tactics in
their attempts to reduce uncertainty.
i. Passive strategies involve unobtrusive observation of
another person in order to reduce uncertainty.
ii. Active strategies are when an observer engages in an
effort other than direct contact to discover information about
the other person.
iii. Interactive strategies occur when the observer and the
other person engage in direct contact or face-to-face
interaction.

See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-CBqcb0Kcc

Develop relationships
a. While the initial theory focused on interactions
between strangers, the theory has since been
refined to recognize the uncertainty that exists in
ongoing and established relationships.

b. Uncertainty can be functional in developed

relationships.

c. Some researchers have suggested that

individuals in established
relationships face a different form of uncertainty:
Relational Uncertainty
The context
• Most work outside of the interpersonal context
has been done in
the intercultural context.
Critique of URT
1. Critics of URT argue that the major assumptions of the theory are
flawed. Specifically, Sunnafrank (1986) suggested that uncertainty
reduction about the self and other is not necessarily an individual's
primary concern in an initial interaction.
a. He argued that the central goal is maximizing relational outcomes.
b. As a result, he reformulated URT to take into account predicted
outcome values (POV) in initial interactions.

2. A second criticism of the theory deals with its validity. Kellermann

and
Reynolds (1990) find Axiom 3, which implies that high uncertainty
leads
to high levels of information seeking, to be flawed since it doesn't
account for motivation.
Strengths for URT
1. URT is heuristic in the sense that it has been
integrated into research in a wide variety of
communication contexts.
2. URT is also parsimonious in that it is presented in
a clear, logical
fashion.
3. The theory is still in use more than 30 years after
its inception, which indicates it has stood the test of
time.