Week 11 - Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Uncertainty Reduction Theory is about the initial interaction with someone. It is much like social penetration theory, but there is a distinct difference between the two theories. As stated by Griffin (2012):

"Unlike social penetration theory, which tries to forecast the future of a relationship on the basis of projected rewards and costs, Berger's uncertainty reduction theory (URT) focuses on how human communication is used to gain knowledge and create understanding." (p125)

The main point of the uncertainty reduction theory is to reduce the uncertainties when two people first met. Berger (1979) states that there are three conditions that serves as a drive to reduce uncertainty, which are: incentive value, anticipation of future interaction and deviance. The following clip is a scene from The Big Bang Theory, where Howard Wolowitz and Bernadette Rostenkowski are having their first date.

The Big Bang Theory - Howard and Bernadette date (Click to watch)

The condition that drives Howard to reduce the uncertainty is the anticipation of future interaction. Howard tried very hard to reduce the uncertainty between himself and Bernadette but anything he does did not impress her. Following the axiomatic theory proposed by Berger, there is a contradiction regarding Axiom 1. Quoting Griffin on Axiom 1:

"Verbal Communication: Given the high level of uncertainty present at the onset of the entry phase, as the amount of verbal communication between strangers increases, the level of uncertainty for each interactant in the relationship will decrease. As uncertainty is further reduced, the amount of verbal communication will increase." (p127)

During the scene inside the car, Howard is seen to communicate with Bernadette a lot, but the uncertainty was not reduced. Also he kept on asking cognitive questions to acquire more information about her likes and dislikes. Perhaps looking at one axiom is not sufficient to conclude that the axiomatic theory is not true. If we apply Axiom 7, where the more the liking the less the uncertainty, we could see why the uncertainty building up around them was not reduced.

At the dinner scene, they found out that they share the similar experience from their respective mothers. According the the axiomatic theory - Axiom 6, where similarities between two people reduces uncertainties.

This theory is useful for everyday life as we focus on how we actively seek to perceive the behaviour of others in order to reduce the uncertainties between one another. As how Griffin put it: "The stranger a stranger is, the more everyone involved has to work mindfully at overcoming anxiety and uncertainty." (p436)

References:
Berger, C. R. (1979). Beyond initial interaction: Uncertainty, understanding, and the development of interpersonal relationships. In H. Giles & R. St. Clair (Eds.),Language and social
psychology(pp. 122Á144). Oxford: Blackwell.

Griffin, E. (2012) A First Look at Communication Theory. USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.