Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Why do form relationships (Triple jeopardy)
We form social relationships because we need to belong
Social relationships bring us rewards
We are driven to reduce uncertainty about other people
How we develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with others
Closeness develops only if individuals proceed in a gradual and orderly fashion from superficial to intimate levels of exchange
Law of reciprocity
Self-disclosure is reciprocal, especially in early stages of relationship development
What is social information processing theory
Explains how people form relationships across the communication technologies
Triple jeopardy: what layers were on the powerpoint? Get 100 points for each two you name
Could be persuaded that each one you name is worth 100 points
Biographical data
preference in clothing, food, music
Goals aspirations
Religious convictions
Deeply held fears or fantasies
Concepts of self
Theory attempts to ---- and ---- relational development between strangers
predict and explain
Social penetration
process of developing deeper intimacy with another person through mutual self-disclosure and other forms of vulnerability
Social exchange
evaluations of perceived rewards and costs of interaction
What does it argue
that face-to-face and online communication are equally useful mediums for developing close relationship
First three axoims of uncertainty reduction theory
Axiom 1: Uncertainty decreases as talk increases
Axiom 2: As nonverbal communication increases, uncertainty decreases
Axiom 3: High levels of uncertainty prompt people to ask more questions—question asking decreases as uncertainty decreases
Passive strategy
impression formation
by observing the person interacting with others
Personality structure
onion-like layers of beliefs and feelings
about self, others, and the world
Comparison Level (CL)
threshold above which an interpersonal outcome seems attractive
What does social information processing assume
human need for affiliation is just as active when people communicate online as when they are face-to-face
The next four axioms of uncertainty reduction theory
Axiom 4: High uncertainty leads to less emotional intimacy and sharing
Axiom 5: High levels of uncertainty lead to symmetrical question asking
Axiom 6: Similarity decreases uncertainty
Axiom 7: An increase in uncertainty leads to a decrease in liking
Active strategy
Impression formation
by asking a third party about the person
Personality structure layer labels
Outer layer held in common with others
Beneath surface are semiprivate attitudes revealed only to some
Inner core made of values, self-concept, unresolved conflicts, deeply felt emotions
Comparison level of alternativeness
best outcome available in other relationships
people meeting online...
can begin a relationship just as effectively using written text rather than nonverbal cues
How long do you have to take the exam
Two hours
Interactive strategy
impression formation through face-to-face discussion with the person
Self disclosure
voluntary sharing of personal history, preferences, attitudes, feelings, values, secrets, etc. with another person
Depth of penetration
Breadth of penetration
Penetration is rapid at start but slows quickly as the tightly wrapped inner layers are reached
De-penetration is a gradual process of layer-by-layer withdrawal
Length of time online users have to send messages is key...
Online relationship development takes at least four times longer than face-to-face
Freebie - do we have class on Friday
Nope