Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT), developed by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975, explains how communication reduces uncertainties between strangers during initial interactions. The theory outlines the processes and assumptions involved in interpersonal communication, including the prediction of behavior, the significance of self-disclosure, and the stages of relationship development. URT emphasizes the importance of communication in managing uncertainty, highlighting the balance between proactive and retroactive techniques for information exchange.

1. Introduction to Communication Theory
Turner and West

2. 
 Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) is also known
as Initial Interaction Theory.
 Uncertainty Reduction Theory was originated by
Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975.
 Their goal was to explain how communication is
used to reduce uncertainties between strangers
engaging in their first conversation together.
Origin

3. 
Predictions
Explanation
Sub Processes

4. 
Cognitive uncertainty
Beliefs and attitudes
Behavioral uncertainty
Behavior based upon situation
Self-Disclosure
Two types of uncertainty in
initial encounters

5. 
Proactive uncertainty
reduction
Retroactive uncertainty
reduction
Two Processes

6. 
 Verbal output
 Non Verbal warmth
 Information seeking
 Self-Disclosure
 Reciprocity of disclosure
 Similarity
 Liking
Uncertainty is related to 7
concepts

7. 
 People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings.
 Uncertainty is an aversive state, generating cognitive
stress.
 When strangers meet, their primary concern is to reduce
uncertainty or to increase predictability.
 Interpersonal communication is a developmental process
that occurs through stages.
 Interpersonal communication is the primary means of
uncertainty reduction.
 The quantity of info shared changes through time.
 It is possible to predict behavior in a law like way.
7 assumptions

8. 
 Interpersonal communication is a developmental
process that occurs through stages.
Entry phase
Personal phase
Exit phase
4th Assumption

9. 
 Getting to know a person will cause more
conversation
 Decreases in uncertainty causes an increase in non
verbal expressions.
 High levels of uncertainty causes an increase in
information-seeking behavior.
 High levels of uncertainty causes a decrease in
intimacy within a relationship
 Similarities reduce uncertainties
 Higher uncertainties produces a lower liking level
Axioms of URT

10. 
 Uncertainty is negatively related to interaction with
social networks.
 There is an inverse, or negative, relationship between
uncertainty and communication satisfaction.
Additional Axioms of URT

11. 
 The first condition occurs when the other person has
the potential to reward or punish.
 The second condition occurs when the other person
behaves contrary to expectations.
 The last condition occurs when a person expects
future interactions with another.
Antecedent Conditions

12. 
Passive
Active
Interactive
Strategies

13. 
 Uncertainty in developed relationships may be
different than it is in initial encounters.
 There may be a tension between reducing and
increasing uncertainty in developed relationships.
 The excitement of uncertainty becomes desirable as
people begin to feel certain about their relationships
and their partners.
 Relational uncertainty
Relationships

14. 
 URT places communication in a central position
because it has provoked a large amount of
commentary and research.
 It has made a very important contribution to the
field of communication even though it has generated
controversy and theoretical disputes.
Conclusion