Uncertainty Reduction Theory.pptx

Structural and functional theories believe that social structures are
real and function in ways that can be observed objectively

Cognitive and behavioral theories tend to focus on psychology of
individuals

1. Uncertainty Reduction Theory May 23, 2023 Agricultural Communication EXT 303

2. Introduction Photo credit : T0nymix via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license ) The Uncertainty Reduction Theory is a communication theory that aims to explain how people use communication strategies to reduce their uncertainty regarding other people. It is also known as Initial Interaction Theory.

3. First introduced In1975 Proposed by Charles R. Berger, professor of communication at University of California, Davis, USA Historical Background Photo credit : padrinan via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license ) Charles R. Berger

4. New relationship causes uncertainty 01 Uncertainty is uncomfortable People communicate to alleviate discomfort

5. In attempting to reduce that uncertainty, people tend to utilize passive, active, and interactive strategies to help predict and explain someone’s behavior during an interaction. A passive strategy : Observe the target and determining information based upon those observations.   A active strategy : Ask someone for information or from the social media. An interactive strategy : Face-to-face interaction or talk directly to the target.

6. Berger notes that there are two kinds of uncertainty you will face as you set out for your first meeting. These are; Behavioral uncertainty Cognitive uncertainty Your Date Here Your Footer Here 6

7. Behavioral Uncertainty 7 Procedures to reduce the discomfort that can be brought on by behavioral uncertainty. Usually taken care of following accepted conventions protocol.(how to behave?) For example, questioning if you should shake ones hand and for how long, and who should pay on a first date.

8. Cognitive Uncertainty Usually taken care of by acquiring more information about others. (who is this person?) ?

9. Berger then proposed a series of axioms (self-evident truths that require no additional proof) to explain the connection between his central concept of uncertainty and eight key variables of relationship development. These are; 1. Verbal Communication – basic talking 2. Nonverbal Warmth – eye contact, smiles 3. Information Seeking – observing words and actions 4. Self-Disclosure – attitudes, values, beliefs, feelings 5. Reciprocity – mutuality 6. Similarity – common likes, same quality 7. Liking – Do like/dislike this person? 8. Shared Network – family and friends involvements

10. Axiom 1: Verbal Communication Photo credit : T0nymix via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license ) As verbal Communication between strangers increases, uncertainty for each will decrease.

11. Axiom 2: nonverbal warmth Photo credit : T0nymix via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license ) As nonverbal warmth (expressiveness) increases, uncertainty level will decrease in an initial interaction.

12. Axiom 3: information seeking Photo credit : T0nymix via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license ) High level of uncertainty cause increases information-seeking behavior.

13. Axiom 4: self - disclosure Photo credit : T0nymix via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license ) High level of uncertainty in a relationship cause decreases in the attachment level.

14. High level of uncertainty produce high rates of reciprocity. Axiom 5: reciprocity Photo credit : Friis-Holst via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license )

15. Similarities between individuals reduces uncertainty. Axiom 6: similarity Photo credit : Friis-Holst via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license )

16. Increase in uncertainty level produce decreases in liking. Axiom 7: liking Photo credit : Friis-Holst via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license )

17. Shared communication networks reduces uncertainty, While lack of shared networks increases uncertainty. Axiom 8: Shared netwoeks Photo credit : Friis-Holst via Pixabay (Creative Commons Zero license )