Uncertainty reduction theory (URT) proposes that people are motivated to reduce uncertainty in interactions with others. The theory outlines seven factors that influence interpersonal exchanges, including verbal/nonverbal communication and information seeking. Higher uncertainty creates distance while nonverbal cues can help reduce it. URT describes ways people passively, actively, and interactively seek information about others to predict their behavior and feelings of uncertainty.

1. Uncertainty Reduction
Theory
Uncertainty reduction theory (URT)
was initially presented as a series of
axioms (universal truths which do not
require proof).

2. • This theory comes from the
sociopsycological perspective. It is the
basic process of how we gain knowled
ge about other people. According to th
e theory people have difficulty with unc
ertainty, they want to be able to predict
behavior and therefore they are motiva
ted to seek more information about pe
ople.

3. • URT was developed to describe the
interrelationships between seven important f
actors in any dyadic exchange: verbal com
munication, nonverbal expressiveness, infor
mation-seeking behavior, intimacy, reciproci
ty, similarity, and liking.
• The theory also says that higher levels of
uncertainty create distance between people
and that non-verbal expressiveness tends to
help reduce uncertainty.

4. In the movie, Mona Lisa Smile
• Katherine comes to be a
new teacher in the university
where she doesn’t know
anyone. She meets a lot of
new people and
environment as well as
unexpected situation which
cause feeling of
“uncertainty”.
• At first, she is so nervous
due to the uncertainty about
her new job, colleague, and
student. But later, she can
apply the uncertainty
reduction theory to solve her
problem.

5. According to the theory,
There are three ways
to reduce uncertainty

6. 1. Passive strategies: observing the person.
• For example: In the first class, Katherine tries
to observe her student’s character and
knowledge level at the same time the student
also observe what the teacher is going to do.

7. 2. Active strategies: asking others about the person
or looking up information.
• For example: The student interesting and talking
about their teacher then, they invite her to their private
party to seek for more information.

8. 3. Interactive strategies: asking questions, self-
disclosure.
• For-example: Katherine starts to show her point of view
that anti old tradition housewife. Also, she starts to
questing is it appropriate way for teenager women to
end up.