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uncertainty reduction theory criticism
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A Critique of Berger's Uncertainty Reduction Theory
How do people get to know each other? Bugs Bunny likes to open up every conversation with the question, "What's up Doc? Why does he do this? Is Bugs Bunny "uncertain"? Let's 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. Berger's 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 communication, he created seven axioms. These axioms touch upon the ideas of verbal output, nonverbal warmth, information seeking, self-disclosure, reciprocity, similarity, and liking(Griffin 154). I'm going to critique his theory according to the five scientific standards that are identified by Griffin's text A First Look at Communication Theory.
In order to learn more, click here on Uncertainty Reduction Theory.
The Explanation
Charles Berger happens to be an exquisite writer. His style comes across very smooth without a problem, hence the Uncertainty Reduction Theory tends to be easy to follow. Berger seems to realize that many factors contribute to the uncertainty between people. Appropriately, the problems have been condenced into seven easy to understand axioms with explanations to each one. In addition to explaining what they are, Berger also explains why they are. Logically, when we meet someone for the first time we are uncertain of the situation. This concept of uncertainty plays ou...
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...ory falls into the Behavioralist realm of communication, whereas I am definitely a Humanist by thought. I don't like the fact that Berger sets up parameters with his theory.
Everything it regards is very black and white. However, in my mind there are a plethora of greys. I also don't like Bergers "matter-of-fact" statements. I'm positive that some think this theory is applicable, I just know I'm not one of them.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory relies on the participants to be of the same culture. Well, what happens if they are from different cultures? William Gudykunst's Anxiety/Uncertainty Management takes a look at this dilemma. If you would like to view an application of Anxiety/Uncertainty Management by another student from Dr. Lee's, Inco 234 course then
Works Cited
Griffin, Em. A First Look at Communication Theory. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.
Beebe, Steven A., Susan J. Beebe, and Mark V. Redmond. "Understanding Self and Others." Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. Boston: Allyn and Bacon/Pearson, 2009. 43. Print.
Cellular respiration is a chemical reaction used to create energy for all cells. The chemical formula for cellular respiration is glucose(sugar)+Oxygen=Carbon Dioxide+Water+ATP(energy) or C6H12+6O2=6CO2+6H2O+ energy. So what it is is sugar and
Uncertainty in organizations is a key element to be dealt with in the areas of technology, rules and rituals (Hofstede, 1980). The notion of uncertainty is frequently connected to the perception of environment as the ‘environment is taken to include everything not under direct control of the organization as a source of uncertainty for which the organization tries to compensate’ (Hofstede, 1980: 155). The organization deals with uncertainty in the way in which uncertainties are observed inside the business. According to Torrington, uncertainty avoidance is the degree to which the future is always unknown (1994). Some cultures socialize their participants to accept this idea and take risks. Whereas members of other cultures have been socialized to be made worried or threatened by this and therefore, search for reparation through the ‘security of law, religion or technology’. (Torrington, 1994:
Thirdly, some of Ned Blocks objections to the Higher Order Thought Theory will be considered and review in order to reaffirm the validity of the main argument. Block's objections will be taken as the main challenge to Rosenthal's HO theory....
This emotional appeal to his audience, most people like children, is a way to their interest to watch more. Wont add any information that disproves his thesis.
...forming bench research at Barry University and Weill Cornell Medical College in the Traveler’s Research Fellowship, I have been exposed to the side of medicine where scientists work every day to find cures for diseases and save lives. Experiencing different aspects of medicine has made me a more competent individual to thrive in this field and has deepened my interest and passion to pursue medicine as a career.I believe that those who fight with so little against so much truly need others to help them in their struggle. Being a physician is not only becoming a successful professional. I will work hard to bring about necessary changes to end social disparities, so that more groups in society receive the best healthcare. By making a difference in their lives, I will receive rewarding experiences that are worth all the hard work and sacrifice my chosen career requires.
The relationship between certainty and doubt has been a heavily debated topic throughout history and especially in the mid-1800s. For most people, having some doubt on one’s opinions is much more beneficial than having absolute certainty because doubt allows one to review his potential choice and leaves room for him to make improvements on his choice. Someone who lives with absolute certainty cannot weigh the pros and cons because he has the confidence that what he believes is the right decision for everyone; however, there are situations in one’s life where absolute certainty is necessary, such as in team sports. With the exception of competitions, however, it is more important for one to have doubt in his or her life because doubt allows
Throughout the semester, we have studied numerous communication theories. Their purpose is to help understand exactly what happens when we interact with others. We might not necessarily agree with all of the theories, but the idea is to develop tools to evaluate situations we may encounter. Often, when the theories are explained in the readings or lecture, it is beneficial to apply the concepts to a "real life" situation. Using this approach, I will use a situation that many of us have faced, or will face, and analyze it according to a particular communication theory.
Theiss, J.A., & Solomon, D.H. (2008). Parsing the mechanisms that increase relational intimacy: the effects of uncertainty amount, open communication about uncertainty, and the reduction of uncertainty. Human Communication Research, 34(4), 625-654. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.2008.00335.x
While using communication as a means to reduce uncertainty in interpersonal relationships is extremely important, there have been studies done which show that having some uncertainty about relationships actually increases pleasure because then you have to work to find answers to questions you want to know (Gilbert,
Many psychologists have attempted to explain or categorize individual ambiguity tolerance. Tolerance of ambiguity is referred as the tendency to observe uncertain situations as desirable. On the other hand, Intolerance of ambiguity is the tendency to observe uncertain situations as sources of threat. According to the Tolerance of Ambiguity assessment, my tolerance of ambiguity is moderate scoring 88. People with high tolerance accept uncertainty as a natural part of life, whereas the people with low tolerance consider uncertainties as threats. As I am neither high nor low in the tolerance of ambiguity, which means I do not take uncertainty as a natural part of life nor consider uncertainties as threats. Unlike the low tolerance of ambiguity people, I do not worry about my future, I go with the flow, let whatever has to
Art can be used to raise scores in every subject, “Students who took four years of art classes scored 91 points higher on their SAT exams than those who took half a year or less. Multiple studies also confirmed that there is a correlation between art engagement and students’ other achievements.” (Valeriya Metla) Even with the research linking art and better grades some educators think that it is more worth while to only focus on the core classes because it is more important to fund what is being tested than to help raise children who are creative.
Jane Alexander, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), once said, “Many children are missing out on something which gives their education context, gives their lives depth and meaning, and prepares them to be the future workforce.” This “something” that she spoke of is music and art education. Unfortunately, she is entirely correct. We are currently seeing in our country a dramatic cut in arts education curriculum in our public schools due to the limited amount of both time and funding. In many cases budget cutbacks mean arts education cutbacks. This limited amount of resources often forces administrators to place a value on the various subject areas. There is always a demand for greater concentration upon the traditional basics: English, math, science, and history. There is also a new focus on computer competency and a renewed focus on the need for foreign language education. Add to this health education, family life education, industrial arts education, AIDS education, home economics, physical education, and business education and one begins to wonder where arts education fits in.
In today’s society anything can be considered “Art”. From the great sounds of a symphony, to the architecture of a modern structure, or even an elephant painting with its trunk, art is what the viewer perceives it to be. Individuals will always agree or disagree with the message behind a certain piece of art, as pieces can be offensive to some, but beautiful to others. Some argue that funding the arts in school is a waste of money, time, or a combination of both, but the benefits outweigh the negatives by far, due to a variety of reasons.
Communication is an ongoing process in which individuals exchange messages whose meanings are influenced by the history of the relationship and the experiences of the participants. (Adler, p.384) Communication depends on relationships between the people who are communicating, and on common basics between them. Problems in communications between people may arise due to differences in cultures, perceptions, values, and expectations from life.