Uncertainty reduction theory

Charles R. Berger (infoamérica)

Uncertainty Reduction Among Ethnicitiesin the United States
Intercultural Communication Studies III:1 1993 Judith A. Sanders & Richard L. Wiseman

"Use of uncertainty reduction theory to examine emoticons and other chat room tools facilitation of affiliative nonverbal communication" Thesis By Jordan Curtis. Submitted to the Faculty of English and Communication Department.The State University of New York At Potsdam". May, 2009

Axioms and Theorems of the Uncertainty reduction Theory

From:
Uncertainty reduction theory (wikipedia)


Axiom 1: Strangers enter an interaction with high levels of uncertainty about the
other. However, as they begin to talk to one another, the level of
uncertainty decreases. In turn, as the uncertainty decreases, the
interactants will talk more.
Axiom 2: As nonverbal expressive communication increases, uncertainty levels
decrease, and vice versa.
Axiom 3: High levels of uncertainty prompt strangers to ask more questions of the
other. As uncertainty decreases, so does the posing of questions.
Axiom 4: High levels of uncertainty in a relationship lead to less sharing and
emotional intimacy. Low levels of uncertainty allow for more sharing and
emotional intimacy.
Axiom 5: High levels of uncertainty lead to more symmetrical question exchanges in
interaction. As uncertainty decreases, so does the need for an equal
exchange of talk.
Axiom 6: Personal similarity will decrease uncertainty about another, while
dissimilarity will produce higher levels of uncertainty.
Axiom 7: An increase in uncertainty will lead to a decrease in liking. A decrease in
uncertainty will lead to an increase in liking.

Theorem 1: The amount of talking and nonverbal communicative expressions are
positively related.
Theorem 2: The amount of communication and its intimacy level is positively related.
Theorem 3: Time spent in interaction and questions posed are inversely related.
Theorem 4: Time spent communicating and instance of symmetric exchanges are inversely
related.
Theorem 5: The amount of communication and liking are positively related.
Theorem 6: The amount of communication and personal similarity are positively
related.
Theorem 7: Nonverbal expressions and intimacy level of conversation are positively
related.
Theorem 8: Nonverbal expressions and information seeking are inversely related.
Theorem 9: Nonverbal expressions and instance of symmetrical exchange are inversely
related.
Theorem 10: Nonverbal expressions and liking are positively related.
Theorem 11: Nonverbal expressions and similarity are positively related.
Theorem 12: The level of communication intimacy and information seeking are inversely
related.
Theorem 13: The level of communication intimacy and instance of symmetrical exchange
are inversely related.
Theorem 14: The level of communication intimacy and liking are positively related.
Theorem 15: The level of communication intimacy and similarity are positively
related.
Theorem 16: Posing questions and symmetrical exchanges are positively related.
Theorem 17: Posing questions and liking are negatively related.
Theorem 18: Posing questions and similarity are negatively related.
Theorem 19: Instance of symmetrical exchange and liking are negatively related.
Theorem 20: Instance of symmetrical exchange and similarity are negatively related.
Theorem 21: Similarity and liking are positively related.