Uncertainty Reduction Theory, introduced by Charles R. Berger in 1975, explains how individuals communicate to reduce uncertainty about others. It identifies three strategies for reducing uncertainty: passive observation, active information seeking, and interactive communication. The theory outlines various axioms that link uncertainty reduction to key relationship variables such as verbal communication, nonverbal warmth, and self-disclosure.

1. Uncertainty Reduction
Theory
May 23, 2023

2. INTRODUCTION
The Uncertainty Reduction Theory is a
communication theory that aims to explain how
people use communication strategies to reduce
their uncertainty regarding other people.
• It is also known as Initial Interaction Theory.

3. • First introduced In1975
• Proposed by Charles R. Berger, professor of communication at
University of California, Davis, USA
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Charles R. Berger

4. New relationship causes uncertainty
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 Uncertainty is uncomfortable
 People communicate to alleviate
discomfort

5. In attempting to reduce that uncertainty, people tend to utilize
passive, active, and interactive strategies to help predict and
explain someone’s behavior during an interaction.
•A passive strategy : Observe the target and determining
information based upon those observations.
• A active strategy : Ask someone for information or from
the social media.
•An interactive strategy : Face-to-face interaction or talk
directly to the target.

6. Berger notes that there are two kinds of
uncertainty you will face as you set out for your
first meeting. These are;
Behavioral uncertainty
Cognitive uncertainty
Your Date Here Your Footer Here 6

7. BEHAVIORAL UNCERTAINTY
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•Procedures to reduce the discomfort that can be brought
on by behavioral uncertainty.
•Usually taken care of following accepted
conventions protocol.(how to behave?)
•For example, questioning if you should
shake ones hand and for how long, and
who should pay on a first date.

8. COGNITIVE UNCERTAINTY
•Usually taken care of by
acquiring more information
about others.
(who is this person?)

9. Berger then proposed a series of axioms (self-evident truths that
require no additional proof) to explain the connection between his
central concept of uncertainty and eight key variables of relationship
development. These are;
1. Verbal Communication – basic talking
2. Nonverbal Warmth – eye contact, smiles
3. Information Seeking – observing words and actions
4. Self-Disclosure – attitudes, values, beliefs, feelings
5. Reciprocity – mutuality
6. Similarity – common likes, same quality
7. Liking – Do like/dislike this person?
8. Shared Network – family and friends involvements

10. AXIOM 1: VERBAL COMMUNICATION
As verbal Communication between strangers increases,
uncertainty for each will decrease.

11. AXIOM 2: NONVERBAL WARMTH
As nonverbal warmth (expressiveness) increases,
uncertainty level will decrease in an initial interaction.

12. AXIOM 3: INFORMATION SEEKING
High level of uncertainty cause increases information-
seeking behavior.

13. AXIOM 4: SELF - DISCLOSURE
High level of uncertainty in a relationship cause
decreases in the attachment level.

14. High level of uncertainty produce high rates of reciprocity.
AXIOM 5: RECIPROCITY

15. Similarities between individuals reduces uncertainty.
AXIOM 6: SIMILARITY

16. Increase in uncertainty level produce decreases in liking.
AXIOM 7: LIKING

17. Shared communication networks reduces uncertainty,
While lack of shared networks increases uncertainty.
AXIOM 8: SHARED NETWOEKS