Dr. Holly Kruse Communication Theory Relationships: Uncertainty Reduction, Social Penetration & Social Exchange Dr. Holly Kruse Communication Theory

Relationships What is a relationship? It’s an ongoing connection with another person that is developed and maintained through interpersonal communication. What are examples of relationships?

Uncertainty Reduction Theory Looks at how we get we get information about strangers. We want information because we want to know how we should act, what’s unique about someone, predict how that person will act.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory Generally, with more verbal and/or nonverbal communication and thus information, there’s less uncertainty. And high levels of uncertainty cause us to seek more information. See axioms in book (also online).

Uncertainty Reduction Theory Strategies for getting information: Passive: not doing anything Active: taking action to get information, but not interacting with person. Interactive: interacting with person.

Social Penetration Theory Idea that relationships move toward greater intimacy over time in a series of stages. As this happens, communication changes. Stages differ in different models.

Social Penetration Theory

Social Penetration Theory Increasing self disclosure – information that isn’t public or obvious – over time. With more intimacy, communication more informal, trusting, efficient, and unified. Breadth & depth of disclosure…

Social Penetration Theory

Social Penetration Theory Problem with models: Communication drives relationship change – not a mere byproduct. Not all relationships meant to progress toward intimacy. Relationships seem independent of people involved in them

Social Exchange Theory Definition: “The voluntary transference of some object or activity [resources given at costs] from one person to another in return for other objects or activities [rewards]” – Roloff

Social Exchange Theory Sees relationships as process of give and take. Concept is based in economics.

Social Exchange Theory Rewards/Resources: Love Status Services Goods Information Money

Social Exchange Theory Costs: Investment costs Direct costs Opportunity costs

Social Exchange Theory Types of social exchange Direct: between two people, in which the two people benefit directly from each other Generalized: involves more than two people; you may not receive from person to whom you give.

Social ExchangeTheory

Social ExchangeTheory How do we know exchange is fair? Equality: outcomes are equal. Equity: outputs depend on inputs. Darwinian: outcomes depend on what you can get. Marxist: outcomes depend on need.