uncertainty reduction theory- katie corbin & haley sudduth- comm 301
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Katie Corbin and Haley Sudduth
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Charles Berger
![Page 2: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
1.
Overview
![Page 3: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Uncertainty reduction
theory…
f o c u s e s o n h o w h u m a n communication is used to gain knowledge and create understanding.
![Page 4: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
• “The beginnings of personal relationships
are fraught with uncertainties.”- Berger
![Page 5: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
2.
Reasons why we
want to reduce
uncertainty
![Page 6: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
1. Anticipation of future interaction
we know we will see them again
2. Incentive value they have something we want
3. Deviance: they act in a weird or odd way
4. We have a natural curiosity when meeting someone new.
5. To “make sense” of our interpersonal world
![Page 7: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
3.
UCR: to predict
and explain
![Page 8: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Predictability is the opposite of uncertainty
As predictability increases, uncertainty decreases,
and vice versa.
Predictability and uncertainty have an inversely proportional relationship.
![Page 9: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Attribution theory explains how people draw inferences about the character of others based
on observed behavior.
We constantly draw inferences about why people do what they do. As humans, we need to predict AND explain their behavior.
![Page 10: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Two kinds of uncertainty
Behavioral
and
Cognitive (the one URT focuses on)
Uncertainty reduction: more knowledge of the kind of person someone is will help you predict how future interactions
with them will turn out
![Page 11: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
4.
An Axiomatic Theory:
Certainty about
Uncertainty
![Page 12: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
8 key variables of
relationship development:
verbal communication,
nonverbal warmth,
information seeking,
self-disclosure,
reciprocity,
similarity,
liking,
& shared networks
![Page 13: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
a self-evident truth t h a t r e q u i r e s n o additional proof
Axiom:
![Page 14: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Axiom 1: Verbal Communication
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH7NSVqbluk(stop at 1:09)
As verbal communication between strangers increases, uncertainty for each will decrease.
As uncertainty is reduced, verbal communication will increase.
![Page 15: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Axiom 2: Nonverbal Warmth
As nonverbal warmth (expressiveness) increases, uncertainty levels will decrease in an initial interaction.
Decreases in uncertainty level will cause increase in nonverbal expressiveness.
![Page 16: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Axiom 3: Information Seeking
High levels of uncertainty cause increases in information-seeking behavior.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOoHh7wHtvQ (0:34-2:06)
A s u n c e r t a i n t y d e c r e a s e s , information-seeking behavior decreases.
![Page 17: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Axiom 4: Self- Disclosure
High levels of uncertainty in a relationship cause decreases in the intimacy level of communication content.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA16qR2tx6A
Low levels of uncertainty
produce high levels of intimacy.
![Page 18: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Axiom 5: Reciprocity
High levels of uncertainty produce high rates of reciprocity.
Low levels of uncertainty produce low levels of reciprocity.
![Page 19: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Axiom 6: Similarity
Similarities between individuals reduce uncertainty, while dissimilarities produce increases in uncertainty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsbQrS6yC4A
![Page 20: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Axiom 7:Liking
Increases in uncertainty level produce decreases in liking.
decreases in uncertainty produce increases in liking.
![Page 21: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Axiom 8: Shared Networks
Shared communication networks reduce uncertainty, while lack of shared networks increases uncertainty.
Relationships in relative isolation tend to have higher levels of uncertainty.
![Page 22: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
5.
Theorems: The Logical
Face of Uncertainty
Axioms
![Page 23: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Theorem: a proposition that logically and necessarily follows from
two axioms.
28 theorems that give you the big picture of interpersonal development.
![Page 24: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
The intersection shows: the number of Berger’s theorem and the correlation between the two variables.
A plus sign (+) shows that the two variables rise or fall together.
A minus sign (-) indicates that as one increases, the other decreases.
![Page 25: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
6.
Message Plans to Cope
with Uncertain
Responses
![Page 26: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
(Focuses on The thought processes people go through in order to produce the messages they speak)
Most social interaction is goal-driven.
Message plans: mental representations of action sequences that may be used to achieve goals
“How do individuals cope with the inevitable uncertainties they must face when constructing messages?
![Page 27: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
class activity
4 Situations:
1. parent/child
2. boyfriend/girlfriend
3. online dating
4. roommate
![Page 28: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Strategy 1: Seeking
Information
three approaches we can use to find out how others might react to our messages…
Passive strategy: form impressions by watching how a person interacts with others.
Active strategy: form impressions by asking a third party about a person
Interactive strategy: impression formation through face-to-face discussion with a person; quickest route to reducing uncertainty
![Page 29: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Strategy 2: Choosing plan
complexity
Plan complexity: the level of detail the plan includes and the number of back-up plans prepared in case the original one doesn’t work
![Page 30: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Strategy 3: Hedging
The use of strategic vagueness and humor to provide a way for both parties to save face when a message fails to achieve its goal
![Page 31: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Strategy 4: Hierarchy Hypothesis
The prediction that when people are dissatisfied in their attempts to achieve goals, their first tendency is to alter lower-level elements of their message
![Page 32: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
7.
Anxiety/Uncertainty
Management
(AUM) Theory
![Page 33: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
AUM theory says that h i g h l e v e l s o f uncertainty and anxiety l e a d t o g r e a t e r misunderstanding when s t r a n g e r s d o n ’ t communicate mindfully
![Page 34: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
AUM theory Differs in 5 significant
ways from Berger’s URT
• Anxiety: the feeling of being uneasy, tense, worried or apprehensive about what might happen • Effective communication
» End goal of AUM theory is effective communication rather than closeness or relational satisfaction » Effective communication is the extent to which a person interpreting a messages does so in a way that’s relatively similar to what was intended; minimizes misunderstanding.
• Multiple causes of anxiety/uncertainty • Lower and upper thresholds for fear and doubt
» There’s a balance for fear and doubt, and in that balance is where we actually communicate
• Mindfulness » According to AUM, the process of thinking in new categories, being open to new information, and recognizing multiple perspectives
![Page 35: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
8.
Critique: Nagging Doubts
about Uncertainty
![Page 36: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Positives
The linkages between the theorems is seen as a blueprint for building solid relationships
![Page 37: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
NEGATIVES • Reliance on the concept of uncertainty and the assumption that we are all motivated to reduce it
• Glitch in theorem 17 – involves axioms 3 and 7 – Axiom 3 is the problem
• Disagree with Berger’s claim that uncertainty reduction is the key to understanding early encounters – Sunnafrank insists that the early course of a relationship is guided by its predicted outcome value (POV). The primary goal of our initial interaction with another is maximizing our relational outcomes rather than finding out who he or she is.
– Predicted outcome value: a forecast of future benefits and costs of interaction based on limited experience with the other.
![Page 38: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Additional Research
The Facebook phenomenon: online self-disclosure and uncertainty reduction
First Comes Love, Then Comes Google
More self-disclosure on one’s FB page leads to less perceived uncertainty about the individual
![Page 39: Uncertainty Reduction Theory- Katie Corbin & Haley Sudduth- COMM 301](https://reader034.vdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051209/547ebad2b4af9fcb3b8b4591/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Photo links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisspira/1558852606/sizes/z/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31535479@N08/2962550804/sizes/z/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raymond_francois/718617992/sizes/z/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdfischer/2242743631/sizes/z/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanbackroom/5003193123/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thearches/4285270734/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thearches/4285270242/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpark81/4306338332/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/opacity/2084989306/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katiegail/2682224535/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/noqontrol/4123771509/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashdc/2762599124/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/m_mihaela/4087293070/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/teebe/5449825927/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixelseekers/3718351328/sizes/m/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unhcr/5366417221/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.agefotostock.com/en/Stock-Images/Royalty-Free/ATO-u16827187
http://www.flickr.com/photos/coldscene/6630881919/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlundbech/6111608542/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/question_everything/3922597701/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mehfuz/2725487400/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.dannyst.com/blogimg/article03/5-sec-face-collage.jpg