Interpersonal Theory
Introduction
When two individuals meet, those individuals may feel uncertainty and are motivated to communicate in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty. This is the idea of uncertainty reduction theory. Uncertainty reduction theory states that people attempt to understand interpersonal situation by reducing the amount of uncertainty. “Initial interactions between strangers are characterized by information seeking in order to reduce uncertainty” (UKY, 2016). This is done by seeking information in order to get to know the individual. Thus, reducing the amount of uncertainty that exists around the interpersonal communication. This paper discusses uncertainty reduction theory and explains the theory by making real world connections.
Uncertainty reduction theory was originally resented with axioms, proof and theorems. These describe relationships that exist between different communication facts and uncertainty. Uncertainty reduction theory was developed in order to illustrate the interrelationship between different communication factors. These factors consist of: nonverbal expressiveness, intimacy, verbal communication, reciprocity, and information-seeking behavior. Today, uncertainty reduction theory offers an explanation of the processes and motivation required for two strangers to communicate (Manderbach, 2011, p. 2).
Uncertainty reduction theory is based on several assumptions. One of the main assumptions that cognitive discomfort is the result of uncertainty. In other words, the individual feels uncomfortable communicating when the level of uncertainty is high. “Uncertainty reduction occurs primarily by questioning new acquaintances in an attempt to gather information about them” (Communication Studies, 2016). The information that is gathered is then used to predict an individual’s behavior or the outcome of a relationship with that individual. The information then goes throughout predictable developmental states which are later discussed. First, this theory discusses seven different concepts that are related to the assumptions uncertainty reduction theory is based on. These concepts are: verbal output, nonverbal warmth, information seeking, self-disclosure, reciprocity, similarity, and liking (Communication Studies, 2016).
Uncertainty reduction theory assumes that the higher the level of verbal output led to a larger reduction in terms of uncertainty. Nonverbal warmth, on the other hand, refers to the positive signs that the person’s body language or gestures indicate they are willing to form a relationship or communicate. For example, eye contact may encourage an individual to communicate with a stranger. Information seeking exists when the individuals attempt to more know information about one another. Self-disclosure refers to the individual’s willingness to disclose information about themselves in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty for the other individual. For example, an individual is willing to offer information in order to make the other individual feel more comfortable. This helps encourage the individuals to communicate freely and openly.
Reciprocity suggests that individuals who want to start a relationship are more likely to reciprocate uncertainty-reducing behavior, like asking questions. “The higher the uncertainty between individuals, the more reciprocity a person can expect. Similarity refers to the idea that less uncertainty exists when two individuals share the same interests or are alike in a way. These individuals are generally able to obtain communication intimacy faster than individuals who are not alike. People who are dissimilar experience a higher level of uncertainty. Lastly, liking refers to the feeling of approval an individual receives after the uncertainty-reduction process. When two individuals dislike one another, relationship formation is discouraged (Communication Studies, 2016).
Uncertainty reduction theory presumes that people use the concepts of knowledge and understanding in order to reduce the level of uncertainty. This is based off the idea that uncertainty is unpleasant for people, and therefore, motivational for them to reduce the level of uncertainty that exists. When two individuals meet for the first time, they enter the entry stage of information gathering. During this stage, basic information about the other individual is obtained. This information consists of: age, sex, social or economic status, and other demographical information. The information that is gained throughout this phase is mainly controlled by communication norms and rules. “When communicators being to share attitudes, beliefs, values, and more personal data, the personal stage begins” (University of Twente, 2016). During the personal state, interpersonal communication is less restrained by communication norms and rules and the two individuals feel more comfortable to communicate freely with one another. The third stage is the exit phase. During the exit phase, future interaction plans are decided on by the communicators. The communicators may discuss ways in which their relationship can continue or grow. However, any conversation can be terminated after the entry phase. This typically happens when people first meet.
According to uncertainty reduction theory, there are three ways in which we learn about others. These ways are: passive strategies, active strategies, and interactive strategies. Passive strategies suggest that people observe others in two different situations. The first situation is when the person is likely to be self-monitoring, such as a classroom. The second situation is when a person like likely to act more natural, such as a social event. Active strategies, on the other hand, ask an individual about their interests or sets them up in a situation where they can watch their behavior. An example of active strategies would be taking the same class as an individual or sitting a table over from them during lunch. Interactive strategies are when individuals talk directly with one another (Oregon State, 2016).
However, uncertainty reduction theory also states that people feel the need to reduce uncertainty only in certain circumstances. These circumstances are: anticipation of future interaction, incentive value, and deviance. Anticipation of future interactions suggests that individuals will seek information about others if they expect to see them again. An example of this would be a new employee trying to get to know their new co-workers. Incentive value exists when people desire information about people who have influential power, either negatively or positively. An example would be an individual seeking information about a politician, or an employee seeking information on their employer. Lastly, deviance refers to when “people what to reduce their uncertainty about odd, eccentric individuals who behave contrary to one’s expectations or social norms” (Social Communications, 2016). Overall, uncertainty reduction theory states that the desire and motivation to reduce uncertainty only exists throughout certain situations.
Conclusion
Uncertainty reduction theory can be seen on a daily basis all over the world. The process is generally conducted when an individual converses with a stranger. At first, the level of uncertainty the two individuals have about the communication is high. However, after the two individuals share more information with one another, the level of uncertainty goes down. Every individual experiences uncertainty when they meet another individual. It can be commonly associated with feeling uncomfortable. However, the more communication goes on, the lower the level of uncertainty gets. Thus, the more comfortable the two individuals feel with one another.
References
Communication Studies (2016). Uncertainty reduction theory. Retrieved on 28 April 2016, from http://www.communicationstudies.com/communication-theories/uncertainty-reduction theory.
Manderbach, K. (2011). Uncertainty reduction theory. Retrieved on 28 April 2016, from http://www.academia.edu/2942637/Uncertainty_Reduction_Theory.
Oregon State (2016). Interpersonal communication theories and concepts: social penetration theory, self-disclosure, uncertainty reduction theory, and relational dialectics theory. Retrieved on 28 April 2016, from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/comm321/gwalker/relationships.htm.
UKY (2016). Uncertainty reduction theory. Retrieved on 28 April 2016, from http://www.uky.edu/~drlane/capstone/interpersonal/urt.html.
