Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Berger's Uncertainty Reduction Theory suggests that when strangers meet, their primary concern is to reduce uncertainty and increase predictability about each other's behavior.

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?

Accepted Answer

Attribution theory is defined as a systematic explanation of how people draw inferences about the character of others based on observed behavior.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty increases as the ability to predict future events decreases because there is less information available to anticipate what will happen next.

Question 4

The two kinds of uncertainties a person deals with are:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral and cognitive questions are types of uncertainties related to understanding and predicting others' behaviors and thoughts.

Question 5

An axiom is a:

Accepted Answer

An axiom is a statement or proposition that is regarded as being self-evidently true and does not require proof, often serving as a starting point for further reasoning or arguments.

Question 6

High levels of uncertainty produce:

Accepted Answer

High levels of uncertainty often lead to high rates of reciprocity as individuals seek to reduce uncertainty by engaging in reciprocal actions to build trust and predictability.

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?

Accepted Answer

Similarities between persons are likely to reduce uncertainty because they provide common ground and predictability in interactions, which can help individuals feel more comfortable and certain about each other.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Shared communication networks reduce uncertainty by providing a common frame of reference and a shared understanding of the situation.

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?

Accepted Answer

An active strategy involves seeking information by asking a third party, which allows the seeker to filter out biases and gain valuable insights.

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.

Accepted Answer

The interactive strategy involves direct communication with the other person, allowing for immediate feedback and clarification, making it the quickest way to reduce uncertainty.

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) ________.

Accepted Answer

Keith is using an extractive strategy, which involves gathering information about someone through online searches and digital means rather than direct interaction or observation.

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.

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) focuses on how communication is used to reduce uncertainty between strangers in initial interactions, not on forecasting future relationships based on rewards and costs.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

High levels of uncertainty often lead individuals to seek more information to reduce ambiguity and make informed decisions.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty reduction theory posits that as uncertainty decreases, liking or attraction tends to increase, not the other way around.

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.

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty reduction theory, initially focused on initial interactions between strangers, was expanded by other scholars to include various contexts and relationships beyond first meetings.

Question 16

Hedging may involve humor or ambiguous words.

Accepted Answer

Hedging can involve using humor or ambiguous language to soften statements, reduce the risk of offending, or to create a more flexible interpretation.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Berger's theory suggests that as you like someone more, you become more comfortable with them and less likely to seek out additional 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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Michael Sunnafrank at the University of Minnesota...

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

High levels of uncertainty in a relationship typically lead to more cautious and less intimate communication as individuals may feel unsure about how much to share or how the other person will react.

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.

Accepted Answer

Michael Sunnafrank's theory, the Predicted Outcome Value Theory, suggests that the primary goal of initial interactions is to maximize relational outcomes, not just to find out who the other person is.

Quiz 9: Uncertainty Reduction Theory