Analysis Of The Uncertainty Reduction Theory On Interpersonal Communication

Analysis of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory on Interpersonal Communication

Through this paper I will conduct an analysis of the uncertainty reduction theory and will then apply it to my own experience here in Colorado university.

This theory has been subject to many articles and studies in the communication and social departments. Indeed, studying this theory can help us understanding human relations in interpersonal communication. Each of us has been one day confronted to uncertainty, whereas in initial encounters, or moving to a new a new place, or beginning a new work.

This theory is particularly

important for me as I experienced high uncertainty when I first arrived here in Colorado. When everything and everybody is unknown for you, you deeply try to reduce this uncertainty by all the ways possible.

Human, by nature doesn´t like the unknown, and he has this innate will and motivation to reduce in order to feel more comfortable

and at ease. It´s particularly

true for initial encounters where there is a mutual high levels of uncertainty "When strangers meet, their primary concern is one of uncertainty reduction or increasing predictability about the behavior of both themselves and the others in the interaction"(Berger and Calabrese). According to Charles Berger, we all experience some deal of anxiety during initial encounters because we are unable to predict or control how the relationship will progress. That is why most of us develop an innate wish and desire to seek information in order to reassure oneself and to feel more secure.

The main focus of this theory is that peope seek information to reduce uncertainty in order to create a more predictable and controlled relationship. The most common way of reducing uncertainty is via information-seeking. There are three basic ways people seek information about another person:

· By using passive strategies which involves the observation of the others without mahing them aware of it. It can be like paying atention to what this persin is wearing, with whom he/she interacts...I would say that this strategy is more accurate for younger people, who are shyer and though hesitate in entering in direct contact.

· By using active strategies which involve "manipulative tactics and asking third parties information about this person. These parties can give you precious information that will help in future interaction with the person you like.

· By using interactive strategies which involve direct contact with the person. For me, this is the more effective as it gives you the opportunity to gather many information and to really see if there is interaction between you and the person.