Lesson 8:

Chapter 8
Interpersonal Contexts

Key Terms/Concepts

• attitude similarity interpersonal goal-oriented
• attraction theories theory
• axioms and theorems meta-metaperspective
• behavioral uncertainty perceived similarity
• cognitive uncertainty predicted outcome value theory
• perceived understanding reciprocal self-concept support
• control, trust, intimacy reinforcement theory
• feeling understood/misunderstood relational development
• field of availables rewards and costs
• field of reciprocals uncertainty reduction theory
• incentive value interpersonal communication
• interpersonal dynamics model

Outline

I. The Development of Interpersonal Communication Study

II. Uncertainty Reduction Theory

A. Law-Governed Approach

B. Three Stages of Initial Interactions

1. Entry Phase

2. Personal Phase

3. Exit Phase

C. Uncertainty Reduction Axioms

D. Uncertainty Reduction Theorems

1. Amount of Communication (Theorems 1-6)

2. Nonverbal Expressiveness (Theorems 7-11)

3. Intimacy of Content (Theorems 12-15)

4. Information-Seeking (Theorems 16-18)

5. Reciprocity (Theorems 19, 20)

6. Real and Perceived Similarity (Theorem 21)

E. Moving Beyond Initial Interaction Stages

1. Refinement of Uncertainty

a. Cognitive Uncertainty

b. Linguistic or Behavioral Uncertainty

2. Conditions Which Facilitate Desire to Gain Knowledge

a. Incentive

b. Others’ Unpredictable Behavior

c. Likelihood of Future Interaction

F. Strategies to Reduce Uncertainty

1. Passive Strategies

2. Active Strategies

3. Interactive Strategies

a. Definition

b. Deception Detection Strategies

G. A Test of Uncertainty Reduction Theory

H. Predicted Outcome Value Theory

1. Anticipated Rewards

2. Anticipated Costs

3. Four Propositions

III. Attraction Theories and Relational Development

A. The Interpersonal Goal-Oriented Theory of Attraction

1. Actual Conversations

2. Communication-Based Perspective

3. Research Findings

B. Reinforcement Theory and Attraction

C. Similarity and Interpersonal Attraction

1. Similar Attitudes

2. Homophily

3. Research Findings

4. Dimensions of Similarity

5. Causes of Attraction

6. "Bogus Stranger" Technique

D. Evaluating the Attraction-Reinforcement Research

IV. Relational Development From a Human Action Perspective

A. Goals of Interpersonal Communication

1. Developing Self-Concepts

2. Presenting Self-Concepts

3. Validating Self-Concepts

4. Reciprocal Self-Concept Support

B. The Self-Concept and Interpersonal Attraction

1. Perceived Self-Concept Support

2. Perceived Understanding

C. A Three-Stage Rule-Based Model of Relationship Development

1. Practical Syllogism

2. Factors Which Influence Relationship Formation

a. Honesty

b. Trust

c. Self-Concept Support

3. Three Stages Governed by Communication Rules

a. Field of Availables

b. Field of Approachables

c. Field of Reciprocals

V. Cahn's Theory of Perceived Understanding

A. The Perceived Understanding Scale

1. Feeling Understood

2. Feeling Misunderstood

B. Perceived Understanding and Relationship Development

C. Consequences of Perceived Understanding

VI. Theory of Interpersonal Communication Motives

A. Goal: Identification of Reasons (motives)

B. Six Motives

1. Affection

2. Control

3. Escape

4. Inclusion

5. Pleasure

6. Relaxation

C. Factors that Influence Choice

1. Locus of Control

2. Gender

3. Culture

D. "Competent Communicators"

VII. A Systems Model of Relational Interaction

A. Patterns of Exchange During Interaction

B. The Dimensions of Interpersonal Relations

1. Control

a. Redundancy

b. Dominance

c. Power

2. Trust

3. Intimacy

VIII. Summary