5 things you should know about Uncertainty Reduction Theory!!

Jade Petrucci

What is it?Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) explains and predicts interpersonal communication during the beginning of an interaction

Who uses it?In 1975, Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese developed URT. Advocates of the law-governed approach to communication theory use URT because they emphasize the causes of interpersonal communication.

So what…The point of uncertainty reduction theory is to help us control our environment. We seek to predict others’ behaviors so that we can behave more appropriately. When strangers meet, they immediately look to reduce uncertainty.

CriticismMichael Sunnafrank’s Predicted Outcome Value Theory says that in initial interactions, people are more motivated by rewards rather than reducing uncertainty.

Presenter’s ChoiceThere are 3 types of strategies to reduce uncertainty: passive, active, and interactive. An example of a passive strategy is observing without direct communication. An active strategy is asking a third party to find out more information. An interactive strategy could be interrogation or self-disclosure.

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