Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Uncertainty Reduction Theory focus on?
What does Uncertainty Reduction Theory focus on?
Who developed the Uncertainty Reduction Theory?
Who developed the Uncertainty Reduction Theory?
Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese
The degree of uncertainty related to cognition is known as ________.
The degree of uncertainty related to cognition is known as ________.
Cognitive Uncertainty
The stage in a relationship when people decide whether to continue or leave is called the ________ phase.
The stage in a relationship when people decide whether to continue or leave is called the ________ phase.
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Axioms are theoretical statements derived from axioms.
Axioms are theoretical statements derived from axioms.
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Reducing uncertainty by unobtrusive observation is called ________ strategies.
Reducing uncertainty by unobtrusive observation is called ________ strategies.
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What is defined as personal messages about the self disclosed to another?
What is defined as personal messages about the self disclosed to another?
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Match the following concepts with their definitions:
Match the following concepts with their definitions:
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What is the definition of Behavioral Uncertainty?
What is the definition of Behavioral Uncertainty?
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The beginning stage of an interaction between strangers is called the ________ phase.
The beginning stage of an interaction between strangers is called the ________ phase.
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Study Notes
Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)
- Focuses on reducing uncomfortable uncertainty in interpersonal situations.
- Involves behavioral and cognitive aspects of uncertainty during initial meetings.
- Applies to various verbal and nonverbal behaviors, influencing reactions.
Founders
- Developed by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese to explain initial interactions’ effects on perceptions.
Key Assumptions
- Uncertainty in interpersonal settings causes cognitive stress.
- Strangers aim to decrease uncertainty to enhance predictability.
- Interpersonal communication is a staged developmental process central to reducing uncertainty.
- Information sharing evolves over time.
- Predictable behavior patterns can be anticipated.
Key Concepts
- Prediction: Ability to anticipate behavioral choices of oneself and others.
- Explanation: Understanding the significance of behavioral choices.
- Cognitive Uncertainty: Uncertainty regarding thoughts and cognitive processes.
- Behavioral Uncertainty: Uncertainty concerning external actions and behaviors.
Stages of Interaction
- Entry Phase: Initial stage when two strangers begin interacting.
- Personal Phase: Increasingly spontaneous and personal communication stage.
- Exit Phase: Decision stage about whether to continue or end the relationship.
Communication Dynamics
- Axioms: Established truths from research and common sense.
- Reciprocity: Mirroring previous communication behavior.
- Theorems: Relationships derived from axioms linking two concepts.
Uncertainty Reduction Strategies
- Passive Strategies: Observing others unobtrusively to gather information.
- Active Strategies: Seeking information without direct engagement.
- Interactive Strategies: Engaging in direct conversation for information gathering.
Specialized Passive Strategies
- Reactivity Searching: Observing someone engaged in a specific activity.
- Disinhibition Searching: Watching informal, uninhibited behaviors in relaxed settings.
Relationship Uncertainty
- Relational Uncertainty: Lack of clarity about the future of a relationship.
- Exstractive Strategy: Active information-seeking through online sources.
Cultural Contexts
- Low-context Cultures: Cultures like the US where messages are explicit and in the code.
- High-context Cultures: Cultures like Japan where meaning is context-dependent or internalized.
Additional Concepts
- Uncertainty Avoidance: Efforts to evade ambiguity and uncertain situations.
- Limitations: Recognizes utility and heurism as key limitations of the theory.
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Description
Explore the Uncertainty Reduction Theory in communication studies, which focuses on how strangers interact to alleviate discomfort and uncertainty. This theory highlights the behavioral and cognitive strategies individuals use to navigate new social situations.
