2. What is it?
“Uncertainty Reduction Theory explains and
predicts interpersonal communication during the
beginning of an interaction” (Avtgis, Infante, &
Rancer, 2010).
“A core assumption of this
theory is that when strangers
meet, they seek to reduce
uncertainty about each
other” (Avtgis, Infante, &
Rancer, 2010).
3. Who Uses It?
Everyone
Duh If you have ever formed
a new relationship, you
have inevitably used
URT. We use URT to
better predict our
partner’s behavior and
our own behavior in
social interactions.
4. Uncertainty reduction is commonly
used in online dating.
In online interactions
there is a greater need
to reduce uncertainty
due to the absence of
nonverbal cues.
5. So What?
Uncertainty reduction is important to
communication studies because it is
used in virtually every social
interaction.
URT determines relational
standards, development, and
stability.
6. Criticism of URT
Axioms and theorems
are heavily criticized,
questioned and
considered faulty
URT has been
considered too
complex; which leads
to confusion when
trying to apply it to a
practical situation
7. What’s Left?
Strategies for Reducing
Uncertainty
Passive:
Strategy:
Involves watching
someone without
being observed
Active Strategy:
Requires effort to
discover info., but
there is no direct
contact between the
two parties
Interactive
Strategy:
Obtaining info.
directly through
asking questions and
offering personal
info. about yourself
