SIPT and Uncertainty Reduction 1
Abstract
Social Information Processing Theory (Walther, 1992) suggests that people can overcome
limitations of communication channels to accomplish their communication goals. One common
communication goal that has been examined from this perspective is uncertainty reduction
(Tidwell & Walther, 2002; Westerman & Tamborini, 2006). However, past research in this area
has focused on cross-sectional studies. The current study examines the uncertainty reduction
process over time in initial stranger interactions. Drawing on SIPT, the current study examines
both uncertainty levels and the use of interactive uncertainty reduction strategies in ongoing face-
to-face (FtF) and computer-mediated (CMC) interactions.
In order to address these questions, 60 strangers interacted in male-female dyads for fifteen
minutes in one of two modes: face-to-face or using instant messenger. After they interacted, each
person was asked to report their uncertainty levels toward their partner for each minute of the
interaction retroactively. The interactions were also coded for the number of interactive uncertainty
reduction strategies used in each minute. The data showed that although uncertainty started higher
in CMC than FtF as expected, it followed similar patterns of reduction over time in both
conditions, which was not expected. IURS use followed hypothesized patterns in both CMC and
FtF, however. These findings are then discussed, as are limitations and avenues for future research.
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