Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT): Key Concepts and Strategies in Interpersonal Communication

Ch 7

What is the primary focus of Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)?

To explain patterns of verbal and nonverbal behavior during initial interactions and to predict how these behaviors are associated.

What is the key assumption of URT regarding strangers meeting?

Their primary concern is to reduce uncertainty and increase predictability about their own and others' behaviors.

What are the seven assumptions associated with URT?

1. People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings. 2. Uncertainty is an aversive state generating cognitive stress. 3. Reducing uncertainty is a primary concern in initial interactions. 4. Interpersonal communication occurs through stages. 5. It is the primary means of uncertainty reduction. 6. The quantity and nature of shared information can change over time. 7. People's behavior can be predicted in a lawlike fashion.

Define proactive uncertainty.

It is high when we are unsure how a person might behave in response to our behavior and low when we are confident in predicting their behavior.

Define retroactive uncertainty.

It is high when we are unsure what others meant or why they responded as they did, and low when we can explain their behavior.

What motivates us to reduce uncertainty?

1. Anticipation of future interaction. 2. Incentive value (they have something we want). 3. Deviance (they act in a weird way).

What is an axiom in the context of URT?

A statement or proposition regarded as established, accepted, or self-evidently true.

What is the relationship between verbal communication and uncertainty according to URT's axioms?

As verbal communication increases, uncertainty decreases.

How does nonverbal warmth affect uncertainty?

Increased nonverbal warmth leads to a decrease in uncertainty.

What happens to information seeking as uncertainty increases?

High levels of uncertainty lead to increases in information seeking.

How does uncertainty affect intimacy of self-disclosure?

High levels of uncertainty decrease the intimacy of self-disclosure.

What is the effect of uncertainty on reciprocity?

High levels of uncertainty produce high reciprocity.

How do similarities between individuals affect uncertainty?

Similarities between others reduce uncertainty.

What is the impact of increased uncertainty on liking?

Increases in uncertainty decrease liking.

How do shared communication networks affect uncertainty?

Shared communication networks reduce uncertainty.

What are the strategies for reducing uncertainty?

1. Passive Strategy. 2. Active Strategy. 3. Interactive Strategy. 4. Extractive information seeking.

What year was Uncertainty Reduction Theory developed?

1975

What is the ultimate goal of URT?

To provide an objective theory of interpersonal communication.