A Critique on Berger’s Uncertainty Reduction Theory Essay

introductionWhen people first meet and interact with each opposite, they ar ambivalent with their mien and with what to say. When this happens, they have the tendency, of course, to reduce that diffidentty. This is what the distrust reduction system of intercourse talks astir(predicate). This theory is very applicable in peoples daily living and experiences. However, although it is widely aimd, some are still uncertain with this theory. This paper aims to give the reader an analysis of the distrust reduction theory. place setting on doubt reduction supposal uncertainty reduction theory or URT was started off by Charles Berger in 1975. During the start of his career, a government issue of his graduate students disputed that communication was too diverse and unpredic fudge. That means that it is unattainable to be dealt scientific each(prenominal)y. Because of this, Berger was challenged to find and present some proofs that would support his theory. He believed that homophile communication tail assembly be studied systemically and precisely. The dubiety reduction theory was created.In the start of personal relationships, utmost train of indecision is slightly the other person is present. During the preliminary stages of interaction among strangers, Uncertainty diminution Theory looks for to direct communication behavior. Then, the major goal or bearing of this theory is to reduce the uncertainty. Along with this, it also aims to increase the predictability. Shared characteristics find at some point in the initial dialogue mingled with strangers. These include recurrent questions and answers during the first few minutes.There is also an change over of info with the absence of opinion and usually their conversation is focused on topics like hometown and occupation. In order to minimize uncertainty, URT ponders on how people use communication in obtaining knowledge and discernment. At the first meeting of strangers, their behav iors piece communicating are influenced by a set of communication rules and norms. These norms are both explicit and implicit. Furthermore, these rules and norms put up expectations and precedents for early interactions which eventually, cause predictability in the discussion and a diminution in uncertainty. (Moncrieff, 2001)The Uncertainty decline Theory proposes that people, particularly strangers, have a want to reduce uncertainty or hesitation proficient about others. This is done by gaining information from each other. This information can be used to predict the behavior of the other. The specific immensity of the reduction of uncertainty is in relational development. Successful decrease of uncertainty supports or gives way for positive upcoming interactions.There are devil types of uncertainty, behavioral and cognitive. Behavioral uncertainty concerns the prediction or calculation of behavior in certain circumstances. For example, one can predict that interaction entru st 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 finished the gaining of information. (Moncrieff, 2001)The Seven Axioms of Uncertainty Reduction TheoryBerger suggests a series of axioms to pull ahead discuss the relation between uncertainty and seven vital variables. This is the postulational theory, certainty about uncertainty.Axiom 1 says that as the amount of communicative communication increases, there is a decrease in the uncertainty take of the two strangers that has just met. As a result, the decrease in their uncertainty increases the verbal communication.Axiom 2 is known as the signed warmth. winnow out in uncertainty level will cause proliferation in nonverbal affiliative expressiveness. It is because as nonverbal affiliative expressiveness rises, uncertainty levels will lessen.Axiom 3 is about information seeking. Because of the spirite d 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. Like Axiom 3, high rates of uncertainty also yield high levels of reciprocity. When there is low-toned level of uncertainty, there is low level of reciprocity.Axiom 6 is about similarity. Likeness between persons decreases uncertainty. Much difference between persons produce high rate of uncertainty.Last but not the least, Axiom 7 tells about longing. When there is high uncertainty level, a person tends to dislike the other person. Hence, when there is a decrease in uncertainty, increase in liking is produced. (McGlish, 2006)Critique on the Uncertainty Reduction The oryNatalie Wright critiques Charles Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory in terms of scientific and humainstic. She believes that Berger uses scientific method in dealing with humane values to prove and certify his theory. In the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Wright said that Berger addresses the humanistic whole toneings of understanding how people feel in unfamiliar relationships and the appeal we have to reduce those anxieties by acquisition more about others. However, still according to her, URT is scientific because Berger makes used of all five elements of the scientific model to substantiate and defend his theory. Wright presents a table that would further explain the distinction between scientific and humanistic models (Wright, 2000)scientificHumanisticexplanation of dataunderstanding of peopleprediction of futureclarification of valuesrelative simplicityaesthetic appealtestable hypothesiscommunity of agreementpractical utilityreform of societyAs a researcher, I support t he 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 mortal observes two persons who have just met and interact for the first time follow 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 personal 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 communication in gaining knowledge about the other person. Hence, it results in creating a more predictable and di rected 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 Communication 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/Speech/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