Uncertainty Reduction Theory - Axioms & Theorems

Axioms & Theorems

Uncertainty Reduction Theory uses scientific methodology and deductive reasoning to reach conclusions. Berger and Calabrese developed seven primary axioms and 21 theorems. The following are the original axioms set forth by Berger and Calabrese in their paper (1975):

• Axiom 1: Given the high level of uncertainty present at the onset of the entry phase, as the amount of verbal communication between strangers increases, the level of uncertainty for each interactant in the relationship will decrease. As uncertainty is further reduced, the amount of verbal communication will increase. It is also important to consider recently published work by Berger, in which, he states the importance of appropriate levels of verbal communication, where too much verbal communicaiton may lead to information seeking by the other party.
• Axiom 2: There is an inverse relation between uncertainty and nonverbal affiliative expressiveness.
• Axiom 3: There is a positive relation between information-seeking behavior and uncertainty.
• Axiom 4 : There is an inverse relation between intimacy and uncertainty.
• Axiom 5 : There is a positive relation between reciprocity and uncertainty.
• Axiom 6 : When people have things in common, they are more likely to reduce uncertainty about the other, while dissimilarities produce increases in uncertainty about the other individual.
• Axiom 7 : Increased levels of uncertainty produce decreased levels in liking.

Two additional axioms have since been added to the theory:

• Axiom 8: Shared communication networks reduce uncertainty, while lack of shared networks increase uncertainty.
• Axiom 9: There is an inverse relationship between uncertainty and communication satisfaction.

Berger and Calabrese formulated the following theorems deductively from their original seven axioms:

1. Verbal and nonverbal communication are positively related.
2. Verbal communication and information-seeking behavior are negatively related.
3. Verbal communication and the level of intimacy are positively related.
4. Verbal communication and reciprocity are negatively related.
5. Verbal communication and similarity are positively related.
6. The amount of verbal communication and liking are positively related.
7. Nonverbal expressions and information-seeking behavior are negatively related.
8. Nonverbal expressions and intimacy are positively related.
9. Nonverbal expressions and reciprocity are negatively related.
10. Nonverbal expressions and similarity are positively related.
11. Nonverbal expressions and liking are positively related.
12. Information seeking and intimacy are negatively related.
13. Information seeking and reciprocity are positively related.
14. Information seeking and similarity are negatively related.
15. Information seeking and liking are negatively related.
16. Intimacy level and reciprocity are negatively related.
17. Intimacy level and similarity are positively related.
18. Intimacy level and liking are positively related.
19. Reciprocity and similarity are negatively related.
20. Reciprocity and liking are negatively related.
21. Similarity and liking are positively related.

Viewed collectively, the theorems provide a framework for examining and predicting the process of getting to know someone.