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

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Social Penetration Theory

8. 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…

9. Social Penetration Theory

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

14. Social Exchange Theory
Costs:
Investment costs
Direct costs
Opportunity costs

15. 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.

16. Social ExchangeTheory

17. 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.