Exam 9: Uncertainty Reduction Theory

An axiom is a:

In the context of Berger's eight truths about initial uncertainty, ________.

According to Fritz Heider, which of the following theories is defined as a systematic explanation of how people draw inferences about the character of others based on observed behavior?

According to Chuck Berger's strategies for seeking information, which of the following strategies involves asking a third party for information and relying on one's ability to filter out any biases and gain valuable information?

High levels of uncertainty cause increases in information-seeking behavior.

Berger suggests that people interact less if they do not anticipate future interactions. Why is it, then, that complete strangers often interact intensely when seated next to each other on a train, plane, or bus? Explain your answer in terms of uncertainty reduction theory.

Using Berger's uncertainty axioms, analyze the popular maxims "birds of a feather flock together" and "opposites attract."

Both social penetration theory and uncertainty reduction theory have held up well over the years. Even so, they are not without their flaws. Briefly describe a "flaw" in each theory, and discuss if the other theory might be used to address the shortcoming.

According to the principle that the more you know about someone, the more you will like him or her, divorce does not seem to be a logical outcome for married people. Nonetheless, it is a common occurrence in our culture. Using the axioms of uncertainty reduction theory, suggest how long-term relationships can deteriorate.

As the ability of persons to predict which alternative or alternatives are likely to occur next decreases, uncertainty:

As uncertainty is reduced, ________ is reduced.

High levels of uncertainty produce:

The two kinds of uncertainties a person deals with are:

Hedging may involve humor or ambiguous words.

Indicate three predictions that you can make about intercultural encounters based upon uncertainty reduction theory. Support your predictions by referring to basic axioms.

In this chapter, Griffin demonstrates how Berger's uncertainty reduction theory can be integrated with his plan-based theory of strategic communication. Would it be possible to combine Berger's plan-based theory of strategic communication with social penetration theory? Why or why not?

Compare Berger's approach to communication in initial encounters with Altman and Taylor's approach. Which explanation do you find more compelling? Why?

Berger's theory holds that the more you like people, the less you'll seek information about them. What have other scholars stated about his assertion? What do you think of it?

Charles Berger's ideas triggered extensive research by other communication scholars who soon moved uncertainty reduction theory beyond the confines of two strangers meeting for the first time.

According to URT, as ________ increases, uncertainty levels will decrease in an initial interaction situation.