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Uncertainty reduction theory application
Uncertainty reduction theory application
Criticism of uncertainty reduction theory
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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.
In conclusion, doubt has been questioned whether it helps or harms one and his/her future. Phelps supports the idea that certainty is required for accomplishment, while Russell claims that doubt is a basic necessity for success. Certainty creates overconfidence and a lack of motivation, while doubt results in determination, hard work and prepares one for the truth and future. Without doubt, many like the crew of Apollo 13 and Eliza Doolittle would not be able to accomplish their tasks and dreams. Nothing is ever certain, but doubt is certainly important in fulfilling one’s goals and ambitions.
The need for interpersonal communication across all human endeavors is growing especially in the context of
4) Assert your own interests and needs in terms of the other person's perspective and story. The other person now listens to you because you first listened to them.
example using actively listening, giving them your full attention, maintaining eye contact. When in a professional setting, communicate with a professional demeanour and donâ€TMt divulge any inappropriate private information. However, there are also many differences and we must adapt out communication and ensure we use the appropriate language.
People who are in an interpersonal relationship share the same common goals and objectives. They do respect each other even regarding giving out opinions and views hence transparency play a very significant role (Meeks, Brenda, Hendrick and Hendrick 752).
Beebe, Steven A., Susan J. Beebe, and Mark V. Redmond. "Understanding Self and Others." Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. Boston: Allyn and Bacon/Pearson, 2009. 43. Print.
sit in on conversations and based upon the situation he may ask a question or two. The
Throughout the semester, we have studied numerous communication theories. Their purpose is to help understand exactly what happens when we interact with others. We might not necessarily agree with all of the theories, but the idea is to develop tools to evaluate situations we may encounter. Often, when the theories are explained in the readings or lecture, it is beneficial to apply the concepts to a "real life" situation. Using this approach, I will use a situation that many of us have faced, or will face, and analyze it according to a particular communication theory.
them in any way. I learned if I approached very quietly, advancing just a few
The possibility for our individuality to be understood and accepted in a social environment’s culture is low depending on how we manage the effects of uncertainty reduction theory and relational uncertainty. Uncertain reduction theory is described as “a lack of confidence about how an interpersonal interaction will proceed because of the challenge to describe, to explain, and to predict behaviour by gaining
When witnessing strangers meeting for the first time, it becomes quickly obvious that these individuals are uncomfortable with each other, and begin to go through processes to ease this discomfort. This process is attributed to the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, which states that uncertainty is a negative experience that requires elimination in order for relationships to continue and grow (Theiss & Solomon). The reason why there is such a fight against uncertainty is because of the emotional toll that it takes upon individuals. Uncertainty has been linked to negative emotions, including anxiety, and can cause difficulty in the adaptation to new environments and events (Gilbert, 2005). It can be therefore assumed that completely eradicating
A theory that relates to anxiety/uncertainty management is speech codes. The speech codes theory relates to anxiety/uncertainty by explaining the connection between communication and culture. Click here to visit a site on speech codes theory.
Many psychologists have attempted to explain or categorize individual ambiguity tolerance. Tolerance of ambiguity is referred as the tendency to observe uncertain situations as desirable. On the other hand, Intolerance of ambiguity is the tendency to observe uncertain situations as sources of threat. According to the Tolerance of Ambiguity assessment, my tolerance of ambiguity is moderate scoring 88. People with high tolerance accept uncertainty as a natural part of life, whereas the people with low tolerance consider uncertainties as threats. As I am neither high nor low in the tolerance of ambiguity, which means I do not take uncertainty as a natural part of life nor consider uncertainties as threats. Unlike the low tolerance of ambiguity people, I do not worry about my future, I go with the flow, let whatever has to
In every first encounter with another person, we make judgments about them almost immediately based on a few simple factors. In the first few seconds upon meeting a new acquaintance we will take in and subconsciously process their age, choice in style of clothes, hair, their posture and the way that they carry themselves. In that short time we will form subconscious opinions about them based on our own personal prejudices and bias. After the first initial visual judgment we generally move into the physical greeting.
In the human mind there are many things that go into decision-making every single day. The strong impetus that drive one’s decision in a situation: certainty and doubt. These feelings that people often have are connected very closely. It would be extremely beneficial for each and every person to be certain in all situations. Both certainty and doubt can be, and have been, the deciding factor in reaching a goal or failing in reaching it. Doubt in oneself oftentimes leads to lack of certainty, and a lack of certainty brings about doubt, and this relationship is key to success or failure in all walks of life. Both certainty and doubt are extremely forceful elements that often alter decision-making and play a huge role in people’s lives and history,