Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The purpose of this paper to show the role of uncertainty in inter-state interactions over transboundary waters. In this paper, interaction is characterized by co-existing conflict and cooperation of differing intensities. Because transboundary water go

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This study compared the use of active strategies of uncertainty reduction, as exemplified by the use of media and personal networks, vs. interactive strategies employed by new immigrants from high-context communication cultures to the United States. The research found that Asian immigrants, chosen as representatives of high-context cultures, use active or interactive uncertainty reduction strategies in a complementary manner. The determinant of choice of strategies of uncertainty reduction is perceived cultural similarity, with greater similarity leading to the use of interactive strategies, and active uncertainty reduction strategies being used in interactions with less cultural similarity. Interactive strategies for reducing uncertainty will actually increase this uncertainty rather than reduce it. Within active strategies, the media is employed as a source of information for reducing uncertainty about the local culture as well as information from friends or relatives.

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: Managing uncertainty is one of the six core functions of patient-clinician communication (Epstein & Street, 2007). Little is known about the management or coordination of uncertainty management in routine clinical cancer care (Epstein & Street, 2007). The purpose of this study is to understand the nature of uncertainty management in clinician-patient routine interaction from both the clinician and patient perspective. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews with both clinicians and patients, this research explores uncertainty management from the perspective of the clinician and the patient. Patients will be asked to report a time when they felt uncertain during their cancer diagnosis, treatment, or beyond. They will report on how they managed that uncertainty as well as how they perceived clinicians assisted them with the management of their uncertainty. Clinicians will be asked to report strategies they use to help their patients manage uncertainty in routine care. Interviews will be transcribed and analyzed using grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1997).

Epstein, R. M., & Street, R. L. (2007). Patient-centered communication in cancer care: Promoting healing and reducing suffering. National Cancer institute, NIH Publication No. 07-6225. Bethesda, MD.

Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1997). Grounded theory in practice. Thousand Oak, CA: Sage Publications.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study examined the influence of direct communication about uncertainty on subsequent perceptions of relational uncertainty and relational intimacy. Specifically, we predicted that: (a) direct communication about uncertainty decreases subsequent perceptions of self, partner, and relationship uncertainty; (b) the magnitude of change in relational uncertainty corresponds with increased intimacy; and (c) direct communication about uncertainty increases subsequent perceptions of relational intimacy, above and beyond the effect of decreased relational uncertainty. To test these predictions, we used multilevel modeling to analyze longitudinal data that was collected from individuals in romantic associations over a period of 6 weeks. The results fully supported our hypotheses. We discuss our findings in relation to research on uncertainty reduction and relationship development.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The conversational process of signaling and recognizing certainty levels contributes to the natural and smooth interaction between two people. This research aimed at examining the reliability of signals of uncertainty within and across communication channels during face-to-face interaction. The research consisted of 2 distinct stages. The conversation study at Stage I investigated peoples’ daily conversational patterns under uncertainty. It was designed to elicit various kinds and levels of uncertainty so that analysts could observe and capture how people verbally and nonverbally express uncertainty during face-to-face conversation. The signal identification experiment at Stage II involved recognizing the captured uncertainty expressions. Another group of participants viewed and/or listened to the recordings and rated perceived levels of uncertainty levels. The results suggest that there are reliable behavioral clues for degrees of uncertainty and that these clues seem to be present in the nonverbal behavior of people (video only, audio only, audio-video, but not text only). Taken together, this research provides not only empirical evidence of a reliable uncertainty expression, but suggests a framework to study human behaviors under a certain cognitive and/or emotive state.