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| 1 | |
Using uncertainty reduction theory as your guide, formulate specific predictions about the different reactions of incoming college students who participate in the following initial orientation sessions: (1) a four-day, intensive experience with 10 other new students exploring a wilderness area; (2) a two-hour discussion at the house of a professor; and (3) an evening of conversation and entertainment with a senior or junior. Explain each prediction in terms of specific axioms and theorems. |
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| 2 | |
Using Berger's uncertainty axioms, analyze the popular maxims "birds of a feather flock together" and "opposites attract." |
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| 3 | |
According to the principle that the more you know about someone, the more you will like him or her, divorce does not seem to be a logical outcome for married people, yet nonetheless it is a common occurrence in our culture. Using the axioms of uncertainty reduction theory, suggest how long-term relationships can deteriorate. |
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| 4 | |
Berger suggests that people interact less if they do not anticipate future interactions. Why is it, then, that complete strangers often interact intensely when seated next to each other on a train, plane, or bus? Explain your answer in terms of uncertainty reduction theory. |
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| 5 | |
Think back on your initial encounters with your roommate, romantic partner, or friend. What strategy or strategies were employed to reduce uncertainty? Were there elements about the individual and the context of your meeting that motivated your quest to reduce uncertainty? |
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| 6 | |
Indicate three predictions that you can make about intercultural encounters based upon uncertainty reduction theory. Support your predictions by referring to basic axioms. |
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| 7 | |
Berger's theory holds that the more you like people, the less you'll seek information about them. What have other scholars stated about his assertion? What do you think of it? |
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| 8 | |
Considering Berger's theoretical apparatus, discuss a communication plan you developed to achieve particular goals. In what ways was your plan "hierarchically organized with abstract representations at the top of the hierarchy and progressively more concrete representation toward the bottom" (148)? What sort of strategies did you employ? How did you approach plan complexity? Did hedging figure into your plan? Did the hierarchy hypothesis come into play? |
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| 9 | |
Describe a situation in which you or someone you observed relied on hedging to "save face" and retreat from a miscalculated communication plan. What was the result? |
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| 10 | |
Do you suppose that hedging is a gendered activity? What other elements of Berger's theory might relate to gender? |
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