The Uncertainty Reduction Theory explains
and predicts interpersonal communication
during the beginning of an interation. A core
assumption of this theory is that when
strangers meet, they seek to reduce
uncertainty about each other

Interviews
First dates

Berger (1979) and Calabrese (1975) intially
presented this theory as a series of axioms
theoroms that describe the relationships between
uncertainty and several communication factors.

Using interviews and questionnaires, Parks and Adelman
found that people who received support for their romantic
involvement from family and friends expressed less
uncertainty about their relationships.

Critics have argued that reducing uncertainty
is not the driving force of interaction. Michael
Sunnafrank’s predicted outcome value theory
(1986) indicated that the actual motivation for
interaction is a desire for positive relational
experiences.

REFERENCES
• Infante, D. A., Rancer, A. S., & Avtgis, T. A. (2010). Contemporary communication theory. (1 ed., Vol. 1, pp.
252-257). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
• Images from Google