Deck 9: Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Question 1

Berger assumes that when strangers meet, their primary concern is to:

A) predict and act upon the outcome value.
B) increase predictability about the behavior of both themselves and others in the interaction.
C) personalize the situation.
D) disclose relatively important aspects of their and the other's personalities.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

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?

A) interaction adaptation theory (IAT)
B) attribution theory
C) social judgment theory
D) prescriptive theory

Answer 2

B

Question 3

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

A) increases.
B) decreases.
C) stays the same.
D) increases or decreases, depending on relevant axiomatic considerations.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

The two kinds of uncertainties a person deals with are:

A) behavioral and cognitive questions.
B) maintenance and task questions.
C) interpersonal and public questions.
D) depth and breadth questions.

Question 5

An axiom is a:

A) node that connects two separate uncertainty systems.
B) hypothesis that scientists attempt to test.
C) self-evident truth that requires no additional proof.
D) basic unit of uncertainty.

Question 6

High levels of uncertainty produce:

A) low levels of reciprocity.
B) moderate levels of reciprocity.
C) high rates of reciprocity.
D) no reciprocity.

Question 7

Charles Berger proposes a series of axioms to explain the connection between his central concept of uncertainty and eight key variables of relationship development. According to these axioms, which of the following is most likely to reduce uncertainty?

A) similarities between persons
B) decreases in nonverbal warmth
C) low levels of intimacy
D) lack of shared communication networks

Question 8

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

A) shared communication networks reduce uncertainty
B) shared communication networks increase uncertainty
C) anticipation of rewards increases uncertainty
D) anticipation of rewards reduces uncertainty

Question 9

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?

A) a passive strategy
B) an interactive strategy
C) an extractive strategy
D) an active strategy

Question 10

Uncertainty reduction theorists have outlined four approaches people can use to reduce uncertainty. In a(n) ________, people talk face to face with the other person and ask specific questions, and this strategy is the quickest route to reducing uncertainty.

A) interactive strategy
B) extractive strategy
C) passive strategy
D) active strategy

Question 11

Keith forms an impression about his new roommate based on the information gathered by searching the Internet. In the context of Chuck Berger's strategies for seeking information, Keith is most likely using a(n) ________.

A) passive strategy
B) active strategy
C) interactive strategy
D) extractive strategy

Question 12

Chuck Berger's uncertainty reduction theory (URT) tries to forecast the future of a relationship on the basis of projected rewards and costs.

Question 13

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

Question 14

Uncertainty reduction theory suggests that increases in uncertainty level produce increases in liking.

Question 15

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.

Question 16

Hedging may involve humor or ambiguous words.

Question 17

Berger's theory holds that the more you like people, the less you'll seek information about them.

Question 18

Michael Sunnafrank at the University of Minnesota Duluth accepted Berger's theory that uncertainty reduction is the key to understanding early encounters.

Question 19

High levels of uncertainty in a relationship cause increases in the intimacy level of communication content.

Question 20

Michael Sunnafrank believes that the primary goal of one's initial interaction with another is finding out who he or she is rather than maximizing one's relational outcomes.

Question 21

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

Question 22

As uncertainty is reduced, ________ is reduced.

Question 23

A(n) ________ is defined as a proposition that logically and necessarily follows from two axioms.

Question 24

Using uncertainty reduction theory as your guide, formulate specific predictions about the different reactions of incoming college students who participate in the following initial orientation sessions: (1) a four-day, intensive experience with 10 other new students exploring a wilderness area; (2) a two-hour discussion at the house of a professor; and (3) an evening of conversation and entertainment with a senior or a junior. Explain each prediction in terms of specific axioms and theorems.

Question 25

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

Question 26

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.

Question 27

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.

Question 28

Think back on your initial encounters with your roommate, romantic partner, or friend. What strategy or strategies were employed to reduce uncertainty? Were there elements about the individual and the context of your meeting that motivated your quest to reduce uncertainty?

Question 29

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

Question 30

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?

Question 31

Do you suppose that hedging is a gendered activity? What other elements of Berger's theory might relate to gender?

Question 32

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

Question 33

How does uncertainty reduction theory compare to the work of Mead or the work of Pearce and Cronen?

Question 34

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?

Question 35

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.