Reducing Uncertainty Theory
Jerusalem “Dimitria” Hawn Basic Communication-LCC February 3, 2013
Journal Entry1- Reducing Uncertainty Theory
Uncertainty theory is an explanation of how we use information, as we strive to reduce our own uncertainty, in terms of how we relate to people, especially those people whom we do not know, or know very well. The communications theory creators Richard Calabrese, James Bradac, and Charles Berger believe that it is our motivation to reduce our own uncertainty, which drives us to communicate. We usually tend to respond to uncertainty in three ways: through our passive, active, and interactive strategies. When we incorporate a passive strategy we use a non-communication based approach for reducing uncertainty through observing the people and the situations by which we are surrounded. Gauging how these things interact reduces our uncertainty. When we utilize an active strategy, we actively communicate, by checking (reality testing) the validity of our interpretations, through comparing them in contrast, to the information we receive from a third party involved. Gauging other people’s perceptions increases our knowledge of the situation, reducing our anxiety, and this in turn helps us to determine how to respond with a more appropriate reaction. When we employ the final and most direct of these strategies, the interactive strategy, we communicate directly with the person who has the most probable way of reducing our uncertainty, someone most immediately involved. Interactive strategies are very often used in online interactions; online conversations and emails tend to evoke less uncertainty than person to person interactions. This is because they usually happen in private, and therefore have less potential for embarrassment than face to face encounters. They do however; contain an element for potential deception from the other person, which can cause uncertainty. We do not as a matter of course; always need to
Journal Entry1- Reducing Uncertainty Theory
Uncertainty theory is an explanation of how we use information, as we strive to reduce our own uncertainty, in terms of how we relate to people, especially those people whom we do not know, or know very well. The communications theory creators Richard Calabrese, James Bradac, and Charles Berger believe that it is our motivation to reduce our own uncertainty, which drives us to communicate. We usually tend to respond to uncertainty in three ways: through our passive, active, and interactive strategies. When we incorporate a passive strategy we use a non-communication based approach for reducing uncertainty through observing the people and the situations by which we are surrounded. Gauging how these things interact reduces our uncertainty. When we utilize an active strategy, we actively communicate, by checking (reality testing) the validity of our interpretations, through comparing them in contrast, to the information we receive from a third party involved. Gauging other people’s perceptions increases our knowledge of the situation, reducing our anxiety, and this in turn helps us to determine how to respond with a more appropriate reaction. When we employ the final and most direct of these strategies, the interactive strategy, we communicate directly with the person who has the most probable way of reducing our uncertainty, someone most immediately involved. Interactive strategies are very often used in online interactions; online conversations and emails tend to evoke less uncertainty than person to person interactions. This is because they usually happen in private, and therefore have less potential for embarrassment than face to face encounters. They do however; contain an element for potential deception from the other person, which can cause uncertainty. We do not as a matter of course; always need to