chapter 5

Question 1

uncertainty reduction theory (URT)

Answer 1

a theory explaining how individuals use verbal/nonverbal interactions to reduce uncertainty about others’ behaviors and beliefs during initial encounters

Question 2

prediction (or proactive) processes

Answer 2

the ability to forecast one’s own and others’ behavioral choices

Question 3

explanation (or retroactive) processes

Answer 3

the ability to interpret the meaning of behavioral choices

Question 4

cognitive uncertainty

Answer 4

degree of uncertainty related to cognitions

Question 5

behavioral uncertainty

Answer 5

degree of uncertainty related to behaviors

Question 6

entry phase

Answer 6

the beginning stage of an interaction between strangers

Question 7

personal phase

Answer 7

the stage in a relationship when people begin to communicate more spontaneously and personally

Question 8

exit phase

Answer 8

the stage in a relationship when people decide whether to continue or leave

Question 9

axioms

Answer 9

truisms drawn from past research and common sense

Question 10

theorems

Answer 10

theoretical statements derived from axioms, positing a relationship between two concepts

Question 11

self disclosure

Answer 11

personal messages about the self disclosed to another

Question 12

passive strategies

Answer 12

reducing uncertainties by unobtrusive observation

Question 13

reactivity searching

Answer 13

a tactic in the passive strategy involving watching a person doing something

Question 14

disinhibition searching

Answer 14

a passive strategy involving watching a person’s natural or uninhibited behavior in an informal environment

Question 15

active strategies

Answer 15

reducing uncertainties by means other than direct contact

Question 16

interactive strategies

Answer 16

reducing uncertainties by engaging in conversation

Question 17

relationship uncertainty

Answer 17

a lack of certainty about the future and status of a relationship

Question 18

extractive strategy

Answer 18

a special type of active strategy for reducing uncertainty. It involves gathering information about another online such as by Googling them or reading their Facebook page and so forth

Question 19

low context culture

Answer 19

cultures, as in the United States, where most of the meaning is in the code or message

Question 20

high context culture

Answer 20

cultures, like Japan, where the meaning of a message is in the context or internalized in listeners

Question 21

uncertainty avoidance

Answer 21

an attempt to avoid ambiguous situations