Exam 8: Uncertainty Reduction Theory

_________ uncertainty deals with the ambiguity associated with beliefs and attitudes that we and others hold.

All of the following are assumptions about uncertainty reduction identified by the authors EXCEPT

Uncertainty Reduction Theory has been investigated using primarily which approach to knowing?

A ninth axiom was suggested by Neuliep and Grohskopf (2000), which indicates a negative relationship between uncertainty and

Uncertainty Reduction Theory poses ________, or truisms drawn from past research and common sense, to explain the process of reducing uncertainty in initial interactions.

Prediction is defined as attempts made to interpret the meaning of past actions in a relationship.

Ashley meets Lisa on an online dating site, and is considering meeting her in person. When she Googles Lisa to find out if what Lisa has disclosed about herself matches information on the online public record, she is reducing uncertainty by using what kind of strategy?

The entry phase of interpersonal communication is guided by the implicit and explicit rules and norms that we have for conversations.

In the _________ phase of interpersonal communication, self-disclosure increases as parties begin to reduce their uncertainty about one another.

Erick and Ellen are in a long term romantic relationship. As partners in a stable long term relationship, they have much lower levels of uncertainty than those in newer relationships. They often find themselves feeling as if this lack of uncertainty has led to a degree of stagnation. While they enjoy the stability that certainty brings to a relationship, they sometimes wish there was more uncertainty to keep things fresh. What phenomenon are Erick and Ellen experiencing?

Research on relational uncertainty in long-distance relationships revealed that uncertainty is a critical variable affecting levels of

Describe five of the nine axioms developed to explain Uncertainty Reduction Theory. Be sure to discuss the relationship between the variables identified in each of the axioms.

Dainton and Aylor found that in established relationships, as uncertainty increased, jealousy decreased.

Throughout this course we have taken care to emphasize the significance of cultural variables in communication, and in our lives in general. Have researchers addressed cultural dimensions of URT? What, if any, research exists to investigate this question? Are there ways in which culture may affect URT? Why or why not?

Explain three of the five assumptions about Uncertainty Reduction Theory that are presented by the authors.

Increases in uncertainty level produce decreases in liking.

Using the standard criteria for theory evaluation, critique Uncertainty Reduction Theory.

To which communication tradition is Uncertainty Reduction Theory related?

All of the following are concepts identified by Berger and Calabrese as being related to uncertainty EXCEPT

New research, which expanded the theory, found an inverse relationship between uncertainty and interaction with social networks.