Essay on A Critique of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory

A Critique of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory How do people get to know each other? Bugs Bunny likes to open up every conversation with the question, Whats up Doc? Why does he do this? Is Bugs Bunny uncertain? Lets explore this idea of uncertainty. Shifting focus now to college students. As many other college students at Ohio University, I am put into situations that make me uncertain of my surroundings almost every time I go to a class for the first time, a group meeting, or social event on the weekend. Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory tackles the concept of how people meet other people. In order to explain the relationship between uncertainty and the seven key variables that Berger identifies in this area of†¦show more content†¦Do we shake hands? Should I pay for the meal? Referring to the cognition that takes place, the focus is aimed at figuring out what makes the other person unique. In both areas, an individual tries to go from uncertainty to a more comfortable place. The Prediction One thing that Berger is very clear about in his theory is the matter-of-factness of his theorems. Berger makes no attempt to be humble with his postulations. All the theorems take the form of If..., then... statements. This no holds barred approach to prediction seems to be the weakness of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory. It seems that probability and/or tendency dont come into play, instead Berger tends to deal with absolute certainty. If he were to talk in possibilities, then critics wouldnt question Berger. This idea of preciseness leads Uncertainty Reduction into problems on a few theorems, especially 17 which states, The more you like a person, the less youll seek out information about them (Griffin 160). Since the theorems are based on the seven axioms, then it must mean that there is a problem with those axioms. With respect to prediction Berger seems to expect to be correct, rather than actually being right. Relative Simplicity Berger believes that our main purpose in talking to people is to make sense out of our interpersonal world (Griffin 153). This statement seems to me to be the foundation through which everything Berger bases hisShow MoreRelatedThe Communication Theory Of Uncertainty Reduction Theory3089 Words   |  13 Pagespeople will come with dealing with uncertainty jitters. This research looks at the different critiques by communication scholars on the communication theory of Uncertainty Reduction Theory. Uncertainty Reduction Theory is a communication theory that came about through the research of Charles Berger from the post-positivist tradition. Charles Berger through Uncertainty Reduction Theory proposes that the beginnings of personal relationships are filled with uncertainties. Berger suggests that anticipationRead MoreSummary Communication Theory13076 Words   |  53 PagesIntroduction to Communication Theory: Course Summary Chapter 1: Launching your study What is a theory? What distinguishes a good theory from a bad theory? A theory is a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work. A good theory goes beyond accepted wisdom and offers explanations and speculations about phenomena. Additionally, a good theory consists of a system of concepts which means that the theorist were able to make connections among his ideas. A theory tends to shape our perceptionRead MoreSummary Communication Theory13084 Words   |  53 PagesIntroduction to Communication Theory: Course Summary Chapter 1: Launching your study What is a theory? What distinguishes a good theory from a bad theory? A theory is a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work. A good theory goes beyond accepted wisdom and offers explanations and speculations about phenomena. Additionally, a good theory consists of a system of concepts which means that the theorist were able to make connections among his ideas. A theory tends to shape our perceptionRead MoreRelational Dialectics Theory Essay2542 Words   |  11 PagesComparing relationships to unicycles seems strange or unlikely, however the constant strive for balance against opposing forces is a perfect description for relational dialectics theory (Griffin, 2009). Barbara Montgomery, an interpersonal communication scholar, describes riding a unicycle as a task of contradicting forces, constantly pulling against each other in a tug-of-war motion. The best way to control the wheel is by the constant changes in movement, adapting one way or the other, to maintain