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Academic Library System

Notes 9.2.3 Theories

Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Uncertainty reduction theory comes from the sociopsycological perspective. It addresses the
basic process of how we gain knowledge about other people. According to the theory people
have difficulty with uncertainty, they want to be able to predict behavior and therefore they
are motivated to seek more information about people.
The theory argues that strangers, upon meeting, go through certain steps and checkpoints in
order to reduce uncertainty about each other and form an idea of whether one likes or dislikes
the other. As we communicate we are making plans to accomplish our goals. At highly uncertain
moments we become more vigilant and rely more on data available in the situation. When we
are less certain we lose confidence in our own plans and make contingency plans. The theory
also says that higher levels of uncertainty create distance between people and that non-verbal
expressiveness tends to help reduce uncertainty.
Constructs include level of uncertainty, nature of the relationship and ways to reduce uncertainty.
Underlying assumptions include that an individual will cognitively process the existence of
uncertainty and take steps to reduce it. The boundary conditions for this theory are that there
must be some kind of outside social situation triggering and internal cognitive process.
According to the theory we reduce uncertainty in three ways:
1. Passive strategies: Observing the person.
2. Active strategies: Asking others about the person or looking up info.
3. Interactive strategies: Asking questions, self-disclosure.

Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory falls under the symbolic interaction perspective. The theory predicts,
explains and describes when and why people reveal certain information about themselves to
others. Social exchange theory argues the major force in interpersonal relationships is the
satisfaction of both people’s self interest. Theorists say self interest is not necessarily a bad
thing and that it can actually enhance relationships.
According to the theory human interaction is like an economic transaction, in that you may
seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs. You will reveal information about yourself
when the cost-rewards ratio is acceptable to you. As long as rewards continue to outweigh
costs a couple will become increasingly intimate by sharing more and more personal information.
The constructs of this theory include discloser, relational expectations, and perceived rewards
or costs in the relationship.
The underlying assumptions include that humans weigh out rewards versus costs when developing
a relationship. The boundary conditions for this theory are that at least two people must be
having some type of interaction.

Did u know? Social exchange also ties in closely with social penetration theory.

Symbolic Interaction

Symbolic interaction comes from the sociocultural perspective in that it relies on the creation
of shared meaning through interactions with others. This theory focuses on the ways in which
people form meaning and structure in society through interactions. People are motivated to
act based on the meanings they assign to people, things, and events.

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