e goal of reducing uncertainty, then they more than likely to experience communication satisfaction (Neulip, Grohdkopf, 2000, p.70).

Article #1 sought to include computer mediated communication as an interpersonal medium and to examine different components of relationship message exchange through e-mail pen pals. Pen pals provide opportunities to exchange information and opinions with each other, and also supply social and emotional support between participants (Pratt et al, 1999, p.46). This article did a great job of explaining URT, and it found that it was only partially effective when placed in a computer-mediated environment. The results of this study did suggest that the interrogative strategies that we engage in interpersonal relationships are sometimes different than in CMC. This research helped to realize that the uncertainty reduction theory is consistent with mostly interpersonal relationships and not computer-mediated ones.

The uncertainty reduction theory is one that is based on a series of axioms. Axioms are self evident truths that require no additional proof. Berger’s eight truths that about initial uncertainty are based on: verbal output, non-verbal warmth, information seeking, self-disclosure, reciprocity, similarity, liking, and shared networks (Griffin, 1991, p.137). Once the validity of the eight axioms was granted, pairs of them were put together to produce more insight into relational dynamics. All together, the axiom pairs generate 28 different theorems (Griffin, 19991, p.140-41). Berger mentions three strategies we can use to reduce uncertainty; the passive strategy, which is to simply observe the other person, the active strategy is when a third party is asked for information and the interactive strategy, which is face-to-face self disclosure (Garard, 2001). Critique of this theory mainly includes doubts about theorem 17, which predicts that the more you like people, the less you’ll seek information about them. Even though some aspects of Berger’s theory may be questionable, URT is praised for its originality and also for its major contribution to communication scholarship (Griffin, 1991, p.145).

The main theory that this investigation centers around is the uncertainty reduction theory; the researchers are trying to prove that there are aspects of the theory that fit in to CMC as well as interpersonal communication. Many researchers argue that CMC should be seen an interpersonal medium stating that, “as long s two humans are using a CMC medium, even if it is limited in channel capacity to written forms, they will find ways to make the medium interpersonal”(Pratt et al., 1999, p.47-48). “Recently Walther argued that CMC should be considered interpersonal when users have time to exchange information and share values that provide a foundation for making impressions”(Pratt et al., 1999, p.48).

Some topics in this essay:
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