Taylor Morelli

October 17, 2018

CO 501-50

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Theory Overview:

Uncertainty reduction theory (URT) was developed by Charles Berger and Richard

Calabrese in 1975 (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). Berger and Calabrese believe there is a level of

motivation to reduce uncertainty in an initial encounter (Dawkins, 2010). Uncertainty refers to

the extent to which someone feels uncomfortable or anxious about being in a situation with a

stranger. To reduce uncertainty, people use information seeking behaviors (Calabrese & Berger,

1975). Information seeking occurs when general questions are asked to gain knowledge about

another person.

There are three phases of URT, each phase explains how interpersonal relationships

evolve over the course of an initial encounter. When individuals enter the first phase, they abide

by a set of communication rules also known as norms. This phase is referred to as the entry

phase; it establishes a pattern of conversation between two individuals (Calabrese & Berger,

1975). For example, when entering a store, the sales clerk might say, “Hi, how are you?” The

customers’ typical response would be, “I am good, how are you?” It is common within our social

culture to engage in these forms of structured conversations. As the conversation progresses,

patterns can be established between the individuals as they enter the next phase. In the second

phase, the personal phase, both individuals are engaging in more spontaneous and personal

conversations that may self-disclose (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). Self-disclosing information

about the family, personal life, or one’s career. The final phase is referred to as the exit phase,

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which occurs when the conversation comes to an end; but plans for future conversations may be

arranged. The exit phase is unique to each situation and environment (Calabrese & Berger,

1975). For example, if two strangers meet in a hotel lobby while waiting to check in, the

conversation will naturally end when one of the individuals gets checked into the hotel.

When uncertainty is reduced, the level of liking for one another and the potential for

more interactions can increase (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). Berger and Calabrese describe these

aspects of uncertainty reduction as the seven axioms, which describe how increases and

decreases in uncertainty affect the interpersonal relationship between strangers. The first axiom

states that as verbal communication increases, the level for uncertainty decreases (Calabrese &

Berger, 1975). The more information gathered from communicating, the more comfortable the

individual becomes. The same goes for nonverbal communication; the more nonverbal

communication is used between two individuals, the less anxious an individual will feel. This is

explained by the second axiom: nonverbal expressiveness increases while uncertainty levels

decrease (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). The third axiom states high levels of uncertainty cause an

increase in information seeking behavior (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). The more unsure an

individual is, the more likely they are to seek answers.

On the other hand, high levels of uncertainty within a relationship can cause a decrease in

the intimacy level of communication content which is explained in axiom four (Calabrese &

Berger, 1975). Meaning, if there is no open communication between two individuals the

relationship will suffer. Axiom five states high levels of uncertainty produce high rates of

reciprocity (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). In relationships, individuals practice reciprocating

information when they seek answers. When similarities between individuals are shared, the

comfort level in the relationship will increase. This relates to axiom six, which explains that

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similarities between people reduce uncertainty (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). Lastly, axiom seven

explains that an increase in uncertainty levels produce a decrease in liking (Calabrese & Berger,

1975). For individuals to experience a certain level of liking they need to feel comfortable.

Each axiom explains a “norm” associated with first encounters. Uncertainty levels can

affect the actions of the individual and relationship outcome. With each axiom, there can either

be a positive or a negative correlation with uncertainty. If you reduce uncertainty, there is a

positive outcome possibly leading to more conversations and self-disclosure. In the case that

uncertainty is not reduced, then self-disclosure will not occur and the chances for more

conversations decrease (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). This theory is relevant to everyday

interactions with strangers and tools in reducing uncertainty.

URT involves several theorems that aid in reducing uncertainty. The most popular

theorems include passive, interactive, and active strategies. Passive strategies involve a form of

gathering information by observing (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). Interactive strategies include

engaging in conversation to gain information (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). Active strategies use a

direct form of contact to gather information (West & Turner, 2018). Using these three strategies

helps reduce uncertainty in situations where an individual might feel uncomfortable or anxious.

For example, when going for a job interview, one might use a passive strategy like searching for

the interviewer’s credentials online. This might provide a sense of comfort prior to the interview.

Assessment of Theory:

Although URT helps explain a phenomenon people experience in initial interactions, it

also has limitations. Those limitations include scope, parsimony, testability, and utility. The

scope of URT can be limiting, considering it does not include different cultural norms or

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comparisons across different types of relationships (Gudykunst, 1985). No specifics in terms of

the environment, situation, or other factors are taken into account when two strangers meet.

Environment, culture, and relationship dynamic have large impact when choosing to

communicate to reduce uncertainty. Take, for instance, two strangers of different cultures riding

in an elevator together. Do the individuals feel the need to communicate to reduce uncertainty or

do they stay silent because they are uncomfortable with communicating? URT does not explore

these different elements that factor in a communication setting. This relates to the parsimony of

the theory; URT gets more complicated as technology becomes more advanced (Dawkins, 2010).

In terms of the elevator example, would the individuals choose to fill the void of uncertainty by

looking at their devices, instead of communicating? URT was developed in 1975, so it could not

account for the technological advances used to communicate in the world today.

In William Douglas research article, “The Acquaintanceship Process: An Examination of

Uncertainty, Information Seeking, and Social Attraction During Initial Conversation,” his

research found that uncertainty involved in initial interactions yielded inconsistent and

contradictory results (Douglas, 1994). The study was not able to examine the ongoing interaction

and relied on memory of the individuals. Relying on memory can be faulty in the testability of

this theory (Douglas, 1994). Overall, the utility of the theory has been argued to be unrealistic.

The main argument being that the motivation to communicate with strangers, is not to reduce

uncertainty but out of care for the other person (West & Turner, 2018).

On the other hand, the theory makes a large contribution to the communications field in

terms of logical consistency, heurism, and test of time. URT is consistent in its axioms and

theorems that contribute to the overall practice of the theory. Although certain aspects of the

theory may not hold true in every encounter, they are consistent in explaining the theories

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purpose. The theory itself is very heuristic in nature. URT`s heroism can be seen in its

contribution to research with small groups, computer-mediated communication, and doctor-

patient communication (West & Turner, 2018). In Marcia Dawkins article, “How it’s Done:

Using Hitch as a Guide to Uncertainty Reduction,” the theory has proven useful to examine

interactions in film and pop culture (Dawkins, 2010). The theory can explain initial interactions

depicted in film and the natural progression of a relationship. URT has been in the

communication field for many years and has since been referenced by other theories and

scholars. Other research involving the communication between strangers and initial encounters

typically includes the URT within the research’s literature review. In fact, research conducted in

1994 examines that the question-asking-rate between strangers rapidly decreases after four

minutes of a conversation (Douglas, 1994). In addition, they found that disclosers did not extend

beyond the first minute of interaction (Douglas, 1994). Proving that URT is a necessary

foundation for expanding our understanding of the communication process between strangers.

Application of Theory:

People often encounter uncertainties while in interpersonal settings with strangers. When

strangers interact for the first time, there is nervous energy and stress associated with the

interaction. The natural reaction when experiencing uncertainty is to reduce it by information

seeking. In the movie “The First Time” (Kasdan, 2012), the main character, Dave, meets a girl

named Aubrey at a friend’s house party (Paton, 2013). Dave and Aubrey are high school students

from neighboring towns (Paton, 2013). In their initial encounter, they both engage in uncertainty

reduction.

When Dave and Aubrey first make contact, Dave is talking to himself. Aubrey is clearly

thrown off by this encounter and feels uncomfortable. At this moment, she is most likely

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wondering why he is in an alley by himself talking to no one. Aubrey asks him, “Who are you

talking to (Kasdan, 2012)?” Dave gets startled and explains that he thought he was alone. Aubrey

then asks, “So your talking to no one (Kasdan, 2012)?” Distributing information seeking because

she is still questioning Dave`s bizarre actions. Therefore, axiom three: high levels of uncertainty

cause increase in information seeking, was applied (Calabrese & Berger, 1975).

After initial contact between the two was established, Dave and Aubrey ask each other

questions about what high school they go to, what grade they are in, and who they came with to

the party. This starts the entry phase of uncertainty reduction as they try to get to know each

other on a very basic, surface level. Both ask and answer questions back and forth, displaying a

high level of reciprocity which is further reducing their uncertainty explained by axiom five

(Calabrese & Berger, 1975). They relate on several levels, regarding not knowing who the host

of the party is and reasons behind going to the party.

Once they establish background information and how they relate in terms of their age,

school, and grade; they begin to share more intimate information. The two are entering the

personal phase, as Aubrey begins to disclose that she is in a relationship. Dave then shares that

he is interested in a girl named Jane. Both share their names after disclosing personal information

because they are beginning to trust each other as the conversation continues. Dave expresses to

Aubrey that it is a good thing she is not a senior. Explaining that seniors have a future hanging

over their heads; sharing more personal feelings of high school and struggling with being lost.

Aubrey tries to give Dave advice about the girl he likes, suggesting Dave should not hide out just

to avoid his feelings; Dave gets agitated at her comment. Aubrey offers Dave a piece of gum like

they are old friends, upholding axiom two: making the nonverbal affiliation in the conversation

increase (Calabrese & Berger, 1975).

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 In the personal phase, their body language insinuates that they trust each other, as they

move from standing far apart to sitting down directly next to each other. A song comes on and

Aubrey says that she loves the song, Dave agrees and they both make eye contact. After they

both establish the same taste in music, Dave offers to give Aubrey a ride home after the party.

Aubrey`s uncertainty, from the first moment she met Dave, has faded and she is comfortable

enough to get a ride home from Dave. A great example of axiom six, similarities between people

reduces uncertainty (Calabrese & Berger, 1975). When the police break up the party, Dave and

Aubrey decide to walk home. As they walk home, they discuss their dreams for the future;

disclosing more personal information to one another. When they get to Aubrey’s house, Dan

asked Aubrey if she wants to hang out again sometime, at this moment they enter the exit phase

(Kasdan, 2012). In the exit phase, Dave tries to keep the initial conversation going with plans for

future interaction.

Through this example of applied URT, it is clear that reducing uncertainty played a large

role in forming a relationship between Dave and Aubrey. Both experienced each phase of

uncertainty reduction and established patterns in communication. Aubrey asks the hard questions

and Dave answers honestly. After Dave replies, Aubrey participates in reciprocating information.

Displaying self-disclosure, information seeking, and reciprocity. Dave and Aubrey use

interactive strategies of communicating to reduce uncertainty and develop a relationship. By

engaging in conversation, they developed a strong relationship and liking towards one another.

From the moment Aubrey walked outside into the alley, she did not have to engage in

conversation with Dave, but her uncertainty about who he was talking to motivated her to reduce

her uncertainty. Although this example is from a film, this scenario can easily be applied to a

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real-life situation involving teenagers at a party. The example holds true to the theory’s

intentions and provides a closer look to applying URT.

Overall, URT provides important insight into how people communicate in initial

encounters. The theory explains the phenomenon of human emotions associated with

communicating with strangers. Each axiom provides a cause and effect that can easily be applied

to any scenario when two strangers meet. When people have initial encounters with a stranger

several axioms will naturally come into play. URT can be applied to many different areas of

study including doctor-patient communication; the level to which a doctor can effectively reduce

the patient’s uncertainty (West & Turner, 2018). Current research is examining how people use

computer-mediated communication to reduce uncertainty online (Dawkins, 2010). With the

evolution of technology, URT will continue to be evaluated and expanded upon. Further research

in the area of URT is vital in gaining a better understanding of uncertainty’s role in the

communication process and ways people can reduce their uncertainty.

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 References

Calabrese, C. R., & Berger, R. J. (1975). Some Explorations in Initial Interactions and Beyond:

Toward a Developmental Theory of Interpersonal Communication. Human

Communication Research, 99-112.

Dawkins, M. A. (2010). How it's Done: Using Hitch as a Guide to Uncertainty Reduction

Theory. Communication Teacher, 24(3), 136-141.

Douglas, W. (1994). The Acquaintanceship Process: An Examination of Uncertainty,

Information Seeking, and Social Attraction During Initial Conversation. SAGE Social

Science Collections, 21(2), 154-176.

Gudykunst, W. B. (1985). The Influence of Cultural Similarity, Type of Relationship, and Self-

Monitoring on Uncertainty Reduction Process. Communication Monographs, 52(3), 203-

216.

Kasdan, J. (Director). (2012). The First Time [Motion Picture].

Paton, J. (2013, February 7). The First Time Plot. Retrieved from IMDb:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1763303/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl#synopsis

West, R. L., & Turner, L. H. (2018). Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and

Application (6th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.