The Uncertainty Reduction Theory, created by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975, was designed to further explain how communication is used to reduce uncertainties between strangers engaging in conversation for the first time. According to Berger and Calabrese, when strangers interact for the first time they are often focused on acquiring predictability in order to form a better understanding of the communication that occurs during the interaction. Uncertainty Reduction Theory rests on the premise that when strangers confront each other for the first time they are often faced with uncertainties about one another’s attitudes, values, and potential actions. According to an expert by Berger and Burgoon from Communication and Social Influence
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H. 2014, p.146). According to Berger and Calabrese people reduce uncertainty through a three-stage process. The first stage is the entry phase, which explains that people often feel they must respond kindly to introductions and welcomes. Next comes the personal phase in which people begin to communicate more personally. The personal phase typically occurs during a second interaction. Lastly, the exit phase which is when individuals decide their value of the interactions with someone and whether or not they desire to continue to interact with someone or end interactions. While working with my group on our group project I watched each of these stages persist and aid myself in reducing uncertainties. Our first meeting as a group was very standard and kind amongst everyone and there was not much tension of animosity that arose, everyone merely remained kind most likely because this was simply the entry phase of becoming acquainted with one another. After our first meeting our second meeting held a very different interaction. During the second meeting many of the group members felt the need and comfort to express their concerns and ideas. Group members had moved into the personal phase and now felt more of a relationship allowing them to communicate more openly ultimately …show more content…
In his book, Predicted Outcome Value During Initial Interactions, Michael Sunnafrank delves into the biggest critique of The Uncertainty Reduction Theory. “Berger and Calabrese (1975) propose that the central concern of strangers upon meeting is the reduction of uncertainty about the self and other in the relationship. The predicted-outcome-value perspective posits that a more primary goal is the maximization of relational outcomes.” (CITATION). With this Sunnafrank found that rather than individuals focusing on reducing uncertainties before an initial encounter they are more concerned with attempting to guide the conversation toward topics that will result in a positive outcome of the interaction. (CITATION). Another critique of The Uncertainty Reduction Theory rests on the premise that rather than high levels of uncertainty guiding high levels of information seeking it is instead high levels of curiosity and a desire to know that guides this information seeking mindset. Referencing my personal experience I find the second critique repetitive. I believe individual uncertainties and a desire to know more are complimentary and both in fact guide us into information seeking
H. 2014, p.146). According to Berger and Calabrese people reduce uncertainty through a three-stage process. The first stage is the entry phase, which explains that people often feel they must respond kindly to introductions and welcomes. Next comes the personal phase in which people begin to communicate more personally. The personal phase typically occurs during a second interaction. Lastly, the exit phase which is when individuals decide their value of the interactions with someone and whether or not they desire to continue to interact with someone or end interactions. While working with my group on our group project I watched each of these stages persist and aid myself in reducing uncertainties. Our first meeting as a group was very standard and kind amongst everyone and there was not much tension of animosity that arose, everyone merely remained kind most likely because this was simply the entry phase of becoming acquainted with one another. After our first meeting our second meeting held a very different interaction. During the second meeting many of the group members felt the need and comfort to express their concerns and ideas. Group members had moved into the personal phase and now felt more of a relationship allowing them to communicate more openly ultimately …show more content…
In his book, Predicted Outcome Value During Initial Interactions, Michael Sunnafrank delves into the biggest critique of The Uncertainty Reduction Theory. “Berger and Calabrese (1975) propose that the central concern of strangers upon meeting is the reduction of uncertainty about the self and other in the relationship. The predicted-outcome-value perspective posits that a more primary goal is the maximization of relational outcomes.” (CITATION). With this Sunnafrank found that rather than individuals focusing on reducing uncertainties before an initial encounter they are more concerned with attempting to guide the conversation toward topics that will result in a positive outcome of the interaction. (CITATION). Another critique of The Uncertainty Reduction Theory rests on the premise that rather than high levels of uncertainty guiding high levels of information seeking it is instead high levels of curiosity and a desire to know that guides this information seeking mindset. Referencing my personal experience I find the second critique repetitive. I believe individual uncertainties and a desire to know more are complimentary and both in fact guide us into information seeking