Uncertainty Reduction Theory

1. 5 things you should know about
Uncertainty Reduction Theory!!
Jade Petrucci

2. What is it?
Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) explains
and predicts interpersonal communication during
the beginning of an interaction

3. Who uses it?
In 1975, Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese
developed URT. Advocates of the law-
governed approach to communication theory
use URT because they emphasize the causes
of interpersonal communication.

4. So what…
The point of uncertainty reduction theory is to
help us control our environment. We seek to
predict others’ behaviors so that we can
behave more appropriately. When strangers
meet, they immediately look to reduce
uncertainty.

5. Criticism
Michael Sunnafrank’s Predicted Outcome
Value Theory says that in initial interactions,
people are more motivated by rewards rather
than reducing uncertainty.

6. Presenter’s Choice
There are 3 types of strategies to reduce
uncertainty: passive, active, and interactive. An
example of a passive strategy is observing without
direct communication. An active strategy is asking a
third party to find out more information. An
interactive strategy could be interrogation or self-
disclosure.

7. The end!