URT Foundations
This theory explains how communication is used to reduce discomfort when meeting someone new.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Watching someone from afar to learn about them is this type of strategy.
Passive strategy
What you're doing when you ask questions on a first date.
reducing uncertainty interactively
URT can help improve this during multicultural interactions.
Intercultural understanding or communication
What does URT stand for?
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
He developed URT in 1975
Charles Berger
Talking directly to the person to gather information.
interactive strategy?
An interview setting where both parties are learning about each other.
mutual uncertainty reduction?
In politics, reducing uncertainty helps candidates do this.
gain voter trust or appeal to voters
What is the main goal of URT
reduce uncertainty in new interactions
URT was originally designed to explain communication during this type of interaction.
The initial interaction or first meeting
Asking a mutual friend about someone you’re curious about.
What is active strategy?
Trying to find out more about a new classmate by observing how they act in group work.
passive strategy
Social media influencers may reduce uncertainty by doing this.
Being authentic and consistent in messaging
When do people usually use URT the most
when they meet someone new
The two primary types of uncertainty.
Cognitive uncertainty and behavioral uncertainty
Reading someone’s social media profile is this kind of strategy.
passive strategy
An example of behavioral uncertainty.
not knowing how someone will act in a situation
In marketing, URT helps brands connect with consumers by doing this.
building familiarity or trust
How many main rules or "axioms" does URT have?
8
URT suggests that as verbal communication increases, this typically decreases.
uncertainty
This unethical method may involve manipulation to test how someone behaves.
an extractive or manipulative strategy
Using URT in healthcare helps improve this between patients and doctors.
trust or communication effectiveness
In conflict resolution, URT helps by encouraging these types of questions.
open-ended or clarifying questions
What happens to uncertainty when people talk more?
goes down