Uncertainty reduction theory

The uncertainty reduction theory, developed in 1975 by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese, is a communications theory from the post-positivist tradition. The theory asserts the notion that, when interacting, people need information about the other party in order to reduce their uncertainty. In gaining this information people are able to predict the others behavior and resulting actions, all of which according to the theory is crucial in the development of any relationship.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Assumptions[edit]

There are seven assumptions associated with the uncertainty reduction theory:^[1]

• People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings.
• Uncertainty is an aversive state, generating cognitive stress.
• When strangers meet, their primary concern is to reduce their 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 and nature of information that people share change through time.
• It is possible to predict people's behavior in a lawlike fashion.