How we change what others think, feel, believe and do
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How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
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Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Explanations > Theories > Uncertainty Reduction Theory Description |So What? | See also | References
DescriptionWhen people interact, they will act to reduce the uncertainty about the other person, seeking ways to predict their behavior. This is particularly true when they first meet and they do not know one another. Uncertainty can be about both what they are thinking and what they might do. Seven concepts related to uncertainty are: verbal output, nonverbal warmth, information seeking, self-disclosure, reciprocity of disclosure, similarity, and liking. The most common way of reducing uncertainty is via information-seeking, questioning the other person, for example about their background. We start with the opening small-talk before moving on to the meat of the conversation. Other approaches are to find out indirectly about the person (e.g. by asking a friend) or to passively observe them. So what?Using itWhen first talking with the other person, seek to help them reduce their uncertainty about you. Answer their questions. Ask if you can answer any more. Show how you are trustworthy. See alsoReferencesBerger and Calabrese (1975), Berger (1979), Berger and Gudykunst (1991) |wt| |
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