A Critique on Berger’s Uncertainty Reduction Theory Essay

IntroductionWhen volume early meet and interact with each other, they atomic number 18 un sure with their behavior and with what to say. When this happens, they need the tendency, of course, to rationalize that precariousness. This is what the doubtfulness decrement surmise of talk talks rough. This theory is precise relevant in peoples commonplace living and experiences. However, although it is widely go ford, some ar still uncertain with this theory. This paper aims to pass the reader an analysis of the question decline theory.Background on suspense decrement conjectureUncertainty reduction theory or URT was started off by Charles Berger in 1975. During the start of his c atomic number 18er, a number of his potash alum students disputed that communication was too several(a) and unpredictable. That means that it is impossible to be dealt scientifically. Be accept of this, Berger was challenged to remark and present some proofs that would sustainment his the ory. He believed that human communication can be studied methodically and precisely. The skepticism reduction theory was created.In the start of individualised comparisonships, full(prenominal) direct of uncertainty is active the other person is present. During the preliminary stages of fundamental interaction among strangers, Uncertainty reducing hypothesis looks for to condition communication behavior. Then, the major goal or purpose of this theory is to invalidate the uncertainty. on with this, it also aims to increase the predictability. Sh bed characteristics come about at some point in the initial dialogue between strangers. These implicate recurrent questions and answers during the first few minutes. on that point is also an exchange of instruction with the absence seizure of opinion and usually their conversation is focussed on topics like homet birth and occupation. In come out to minimize uncertainty, URT ponders on how people use communication in obtaining knowledge and discernment. At the first conflux of strangers, their behaviors while communication argon influenced by a objurgate of communication rules and norms. These norms are both apparent and implicit. Further much, these rules and norms put up expectations and precedents for early interactions which eventually, cause predictability in the discussion and a decay in uncertainty. (Moncrieff, 2001)The Uncertainty diminution Theory proposes that people, particularly strangers, have a neediness to reduce uncertainty or uncertainty about others. This is done by gaining entropy from each other. This information can be used to predict the behavior of the other. The peculiar(prenominal) importance of the reduction of uncertainty is in relational development. Successful shine of uncertainty supports or gives way for irrefutable afterlife interactions.There are ii types of uncertainty, behavioral and cognitive. Behavioral uncertainty concerns the prediction or calculation o f behavior in certain circumstances. For example, one can predict that interaction will go well because of positive behaviors like smiling. On the other hand, cognitive uncertainty is associated with mind-set or beliefs and attitudes people embrace and is reduced through the gaining of information. (Moncrieff, 2001)The heptad precepts of Uncertainty Reduction TheoryBerger suggests a series of axioms to further discuss the relation between uncertainty and seven bouncy variables. This is the axiomatic theory, certainty about uncertainty. apothegm 1 says that as the amount of vocal communication increases, there is a reduce in the uncertainty aim of the two strangers that has simply met.  As a result, the subside in their uncertainty increases the verbal communication. dictum 2 is known as the signed warmth. Decline in uncertainty level will cause proliferation in sign(a) affiliative expressiveness. It is because as nonverbal affiliative expressiveness rises, uncertainty levels will lessen. saw 3 is about information seeking. Because of the high levels of uncertainty, increases in information-seeking behavior occur. When the uncertainty level drops off, information-seeking also decreases. Axiom 4 is self-disclosure. The reduction in the intimacy level of communication content is usually caused by relationships high level of uncertainty. When there is a decrease in the levels of uncertainty, high levels of intimacy are produced.Axiom 5 is known as reciprocity. the likes of Axiom 3, high vagabonds of uncertainty also yield high levels of reciprocity. When there is impoverished level of uncertainty, there is low level of reciprocity.Axiom 6 is about similarity. Likeness between persons decreases uncertainty. Much divergence between persons produce high rate of uncertainty.Last but not the least, Axiom 7 tells about inclination. When there is high uncertainty level, a person tends to disfavor the other person. Hence, when there is a decrease i n uncertainty, increase in liking is produced. (McGlish, 2006)Critique on the Uncertainty Reduction TheoryNatalie Wright critiques Charles Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory in terms of scientific and humainstic. She believes that Berger uses scientific method in traffic with humanistic values to prove and avow his theory. In the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Wright give tongue to that Berger addresses the humanistic expressionings of appreciation how people feel in unfamiliar relationships and the appeal we have to reduce those anxieties by learning more about others. However, still according to her, URT is scientific because Berger deposits used of all five elements of the scientific model to substantiate and defend his theory. Wright presents a table that would further explain the bank bill between scientific and humanistic models (Wright, 2000)scientificHumanistic bill of dataunderstanding of peopleprediction of futureminiature of valuesrelative simplicity esthetical ap pealtestable hypothesiscommunity of systempractical utilityreform of clubAs a researcher, I support the claim of Natalie Wright. Bergers theory is scientific because he has clear definition and explanation of his theory. He even provides theorys purpose and seven axioms that explain how to reduce uncertainty.It is true that it is cored to humanistic ideas. However, its scientific strategies make this theory useful and practical in everyday living. I could say that his axioms are effective. For example, when someone observes two persons who have just met and interact for the first time get married Bergers patterns of uncertainty reduction, that someone may prove that Bergers axioms are very accurate. Furthermore, I can say that these axioms are true based on my private relationships. I also experience meeting a stranger and has applied the uncertainty reduction theory in my own ways.In general, Uncertainty Reduction Theory focuses on how to reduce uncertainty by using human comm unication in gaining knowledge about the other person. Hence, it results in creating a more predictable and tell relationship. Charles Berger, who designed the theory, comes up with seven axioms. These axioms are accurate and practical enough to be understood and applied by anyone.BIBLIOGRAPHYMcGlish, G. (2006). A First Look at conversation Theory Retrieved November 21, 2006, from http//www.afirstlook.com/manual5/ed5man10.pdf.Moncrieff, K. (2001). Uncertainty Reduction Theory.   Retrieved November 21, 2006, from http//www.colostate.edu/Depts/ obstetrical delivery/rccs/theory52.htmWright, N. (2000). A Critique of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory Retrieved November 21, 2006, from http//oak.cats.ohiou.edu/nw583098/unc.htm