Uncertainty Reduction Theory
General Purpose: Uncertainty reduction theory is a way of finding mutual understanding during initial communication interactions.
Specific Purpose: This theory explains how and why people seek to reduce their uncertainty about new acquaintances and new situations. The goal of uncertainty reduction is to increase one’s confidence in predicting behaviors (of oneself and of another) in a specific relationship or interaction. Unlike the distinct Theory of Uncertainty Management, Uncertainty Reduction focuses on information-seeking in new encounters only.
Key terms, concepts, and definitions:
Uncertainty reduction theory assumes that we become uncomfortable in new situations and seek to reduce our uncertainty through three possible means:
Passive strategy: Observing others from a distance in an inconspicuous fashion to gain information. Examples would be to observe a new acquaintance interacting with friends, or checking out someone’s online media page.
Active strategy: Involves seeking information from a third party about a new acquaintance, such as asking your good friend Jill about your new friend Joe.
Interactive strategy: Directly communicating face-to-face with the new acquaintance to learn more about them. This is the fastest strategy to reduce uncertainty.
This theory implies that as uncertainty is reduced, attraction to the new person increases, until or unless perceived negative information is uncovered.
What does the theory do? Aims to gain knowledge and create understanding of a new person during an initial communication interaction
Where can it be applied? In deciding how to proceed when first meeting someone or when exposed to a new situation.
Summary source:
Berger, C.R. (1987) Communicating under uncertainty. In M.E. Roloff & G.R. Miller (Eds.), Interpersonal Processes: New Directions in Communication Research (39-62). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Exemplar article:
Theiss, J.A. and D. Solomon (2008). Parsing the mechanisms that increase relational intimacy: The effects of uncertainty amount, open communication about uncertainty, and the reduction of uncertainty. Human Communication Research 34 (4), 625-654. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.2008.00335.x
Specific Purpose: This theory explains how and why people seek to reduce their uncertainty about new acquaintances and new situations. The goal of uncertainty reduction is to increase one’s confidence in predicting behaviors (of oneself and of another) in a specific relationship or interaction. Unlike the distinct Theory of Uncertainty Management, Uncertainty Reduction focuses on information-seeking in new encounters only.
Key terms, concepts, and definitions:
Uncertainty reduction theory assumes that we become uncomfortable in new situations and seek to reduce our uncertainty through three possible means:
Passive strategy: Observing others from a distance in an inconspicuous fashion to gain information. Examples would be to observe a new acquaintance interacting with friends, or checking out someone’s online media page.
Active strategy: Involves seeking information from a third party about a new acquaintance, such as asking your good friend Jill about your new friend Joe.
Interactive strategy: Directly communicating face-to-face with the new acquaintance to learn more about them. This is the fastest strategy to reduce uncertainty.
This theory implies that as uncertainty is reduced, attraction to the new person increases, until or unless perceived negative information is uncovered.
What does the theory do? Aims to gain knowledge and create understanding of a new person during an initial communication interaction
Where can it be applied? In deciding how to proceed when first meeting someone or when exposed to a new situation.
Summary source:
Berger, C.R. (1987) Communicating under uncertainty. In M.E. Roloff & G.R. Miller (Eds.), Interpersonal Processes: New Directions in Communication Research (39-62). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Exemplar article:
Theiss, J.A. and D. Solomon (2008). Parsing the mechanisms that increase relational intimacy: The effects of uncertainty amount, open communication about uncertainty, and the reduction of uncertainty. Human Communication Research 34 (4), 625-654. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.2008.00335.x