User:Jenniferlaforce1/sandbox

Evaluating Wikipedia (Article: Uncertainty Reduction Theory)

 * 1) Is everything in the article relevant to the article topic? Is there anything that distracted you? While I did feel that most of the information presented in the article was relevant to the topic, I did find one particular statement somewhat distracting: "As we communicate, we are making plans to accomplish our goals". I'd love to see what influenced the author to write this/add this statement.
 * 2) Is the article neutral? Are there any claims, or frames, that appear heavily biased toward a particular position? The article was very neutral in my opinion. There were not any claims or frames that seemed heavily biased toward any particular position. All statements were very nonpartisan.
 * 3) Are there viewpoints that are over-represented, or underrepresented? There were a few viewpoints that I felt were underrepresented (none seemed over-represented, as it was a very short article). I felt like there could've been more elaboration on the "constructs" (see paragraph 3) and the three ways in which we reduce uncertainty.
 * 4) Check a few citations. Do the links work? Does the source support the claims in the article? There are limited citations utilized in this article. I am familiar with the text written by Foss & Littlejohn, as I had to read it in one of my previous courses. I believe that the statement regarding the uncertainty reduction theory could be true. As far as the other citations, there are not many within the text in order for me to identify if the source supports the claim.
 * 5) Is each fact referenced with an appropriate, reliable reference? Where does the information come from? Are these neutral sources? If biased, is that bias noted? I would argue that half of this individual section/article is referenced with an appropriate, reliable reference. The author did use a few strong references, which both appear to be neutral. While there does not appear to be many biased statements, there are some claims made without supporting documentation (references). I don't feel strongly about the content having any bias, but I do believe that there could be additional references included.
 * 6) Is any information out of date? Is anything missing that could be added? I don't feel as though any information is outdated, however, I do feel like the uncertainty reduction theory has more information to offer. If additional information/sources were added, I believe the content of this article could be significantly stronger.
 * 7) Check out the Talk page of the article. What kinds of conversations, if any, are going on behind the scenes about how to represent this topic? There is general information being discussed in the talk page, however, no comments specifically mention the Uncertainty Reduction Theory portion of the article.
 * 8) How is the article rated? Is it a part of any WikiProjects? The article is as "C-Class" and is part of multiple WikiProjects (i.e. linguistics, sociology, psychology).
 * 9) How does the way Wikipedia discusses this topic differ from the way we've talked about it in class? I don't believe we've covered Uncertainty Reduction Theory in this course, however, it does remind me of the New Girl episode we watched in Module 2. Although Nick and Jess already knew quite a bit about each other prior to their "date", there did appear to be a decent amount of fact finding questions brought to the table (potentially to reduce uncertainties?).

Choose your topic: Relational Turbulence Model
This article does not currently exist- I will be creating it from ground up. I'd like to discuss some of the following:


 * Present any history relative to the theory/model
 * Discuss purposes (general & specific)
 * Key terms, concepts, and definitions within the theory
 * What does this theory mean or imply

References (potentials to use):
Scott, A. M., & Stafford, L.. (2018). An investigation of relational turbulence and depressive symptoms in newly married women. Personal Relationships, 25(1), 22–37. https://doi-org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/10.1111/pere.12225

http://libdata.lib.ua.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=128731751&site=eds-live&scope=site

Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2001). Relationship uncertainty, partner interference, and intimacy within dating relationships. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, (6), 804. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.libdata.lib.ua.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsbl&AN=RN106073375&site=eds-live&scope=site

http://libdata.lib.ua.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsbl&AN=RN106073375&site=eds-live&scope=site

Solomon, D. H., Knobloch, L. K., Theiss, J. A., & McLaren, R. M. (2016). Relational turbulence theory: explaining variation in subjective experiences and communication within romantic relationships. Human Communication Research, (4), 507. https://doi-org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/10.1111/hcre.12091

* http://libdata.lib.ua.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.464823036&site=eds-live&scope=site

Theiss, J., & Estlein, R. (2014). Antecedents and Consequences of the Perceived Threat of Sexual Communication: A Test of the Relational Turbulence Model. Western Journal of Communication, 78(4), 404. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.libdata.lib.ua.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=97048415&site=eds-live&scope=site

http://libdata.lib.ua.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=97048415&site=eds-live&scope=site

Scheinfeld, E., & Worley, T. (2018). Understanding the Parent-Child Relationship during the Transition into College and Emerging Adulthood Using the Relational Turbulence Theory. Communication Quarterly, 66(4), 444–462. https://doi-org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/10.1080/01463373.2018.1443954

http://libdata.lib.ua.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hgh&AN=130797112&site=eds-live&scope=site

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781118540190.wbeic174

Relational Turbulence Model (outline):
(Lead) - Relational Turbulence Theory (model) is a theory that analyzes the transitional periods within relationships. The Relational Turbulence model presents the idea that the evolution of relationships can create the potential for turmoil and uncertainty between partners; this turmoil is commonly referred to as "relational turbulence".

Background re: Relational Turbulence Theory

Sharing similar constructs and ideas as uncertainty reduction theory, the Relational Turbulence Model was originated

Content (theoretical elements):


 * 1) Relational uncertainty - any doubts individuals may have in regards to their relationship
 * 2) Experiences of interdependence (heightened if the relationship has entered intimate stages) *has the ability to influence those participating in a relationship (can this cause interference from a partner?)

Application (how has this been applied to various contexts?):

Critique - Describe several points of critique for readers to consider. Draw upon others’ criticisms or craft your own.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781118540190.wbeic174


 * Lead: Describe in simple, straightforward language what the theory or concept is and why it is important.  A "lead" section is not a traditional introduction. It should summarize, very briefly, what the rest of the article will say in detail. The first paragraph should include important, broad facts about the subject. A good example is Ada Lovelace. See Editing Wikipedia page 9 for more ideas.
 * Background: Provide a short history of the development of the theory or concept including who originated the theory and subsequent evolution of the theory.

Relational Turbulence Theory:
The Relational Turbulence Model is a model that was constructed to analyze the transitional periods that exist within relationships. The model, which has since been constructed into a communication theory, initially aimed to interpret conflict within relationships (particularly focusing on intimacy). The Relational Turbulence Theory presents the idea that the evolution of relationships can create the potential for turmoil and uncertainty between partners; this turmoil is commonly referred to as "relational turbulence". This theory can contribute to the comprehension of the various levels of communication within relationships.

Background

Introduced in 2001, Denise Solomon and Leanne Knobloch created the Relational Turbulence model, where they attempted to identify agitation between romantic partners as their intimacy levels increased. When the Relational Turbulence model was originated, the initial focus was to examine the transitional period as intimacy changed/increased, however, has since shifted the focus to examine both relational uncertainty and interference from partners. These definitions are highlighted below. Additionally, as the model progressed into a theoretical framework of communication, cognitive appraisals, and emotions were also considered in depth. Breaking down these different elements pertaining to relational communication aids in the ability to perceive relationships in a more sophisticated manner.

Key Factors of Relational Turbulence Model


 * 1) Relational Uncertainty covers the level of confidence individuals might have as it pertains to their participation in romantic or interpersonal relationships. This uncertainty can be identified on a few different levels: self-uncertainty, partner uncertainty, and relationship uncertainty   a.     Self-uncertainty – individual relationship involvement   b.     Partner uncertainty – partner’s level of relationship involvement   c.     Relationship uncertainty – analyzes the couple as a unit   * This “uncertainty is experienced at both the “dating stage” and the “committed relationship stage”
 * 2) Partner Interference is typically experienced between romantic partners when one individual has interrupted another's schedule or routine. This interference could commonly be interpreted as a negative influence from a partner. A person experiencing partner interference might feel as though his/her partner has hindered their ability to reach a desired goal/outcome. The partner interference element of the Relational Turbulence Theory is also comprised of a few different levels: influence from a partner, interference from a partner, and facilitation from a partner.  a. Influence from a partner - routine is likely to be interrupted by a romantic partner b. Interference from a partner - partner's involvement prevents desired outcome c. Facilitation from a partner - highlights the level of difficulty it was to achieve said outcome

Theoretical Components
As the Relational Turbulence Model evolved into the Relational Turbulence Theory, three theoretical advances were examined:


 * 1) The relational turbulence theory depicts the idea that relational uncertainty and partner interference can essentially influence both perceptions and emotions
 * 2) The relational turbulence theory creates a relationship between the perceptions, emotions, and communication existing within relationships
 * 3) The relational turbulence theory presents the idea that experiences have the capability to create an overall image of a relationship (i.e. experiences can classify a relationship as having conflict or turmoil)

Some alternative theoretical components of RTT are the cognitive appraisals, emotions, and communication existing within relationships. Communication is noted as an outcome of these appraisals and emotions. They are explored on two different domains:

1.      Communicative engagement – this essentially covers the act of engaging in conversation with a romantic partner, versus avoiding the exchange altogether

2.      Communicative valence – emphasizes the overall tone of the communicative process

Applications
Allison Scott and Laura Stafford (2018) used the Relational Turbulence Model to investigate relational turbulence and depressive symptoms in newly married women. Much of their research examines the idea of a wedding as the transition period within a relationship. Much of their research contributed to the theoretical implications for the Relational Turbulence Model. A few of these implications are listed as follows:


 * While much of the outstanding research on relational turbulence focuses on intimacy and transitional periods between dating and a more serious "committed relationship", Scott and Stafford were the first to identify marriage as a transitional period
 * Due to the emphasis on depressive symptoms, this study allowed the examination to identify and analyze the changes which occur in relational turbulence (versus the levels that individuals are experiencing)
 * The idea that relational turbulence is used to predict depressive symptoms differs from other studies that defined this "turbulence" as an outcome of mental health
 * Different areas of uncertainty are defined within this study (such as role uncertainty and logistical uncertainty) which forecast potential areas of depression men and women are experiencing in the early stages of their marriage

Another application of this model analyzes the parent-child relationship during the transition into college and emerging adulthood. Although many of the applications of Relational Turbulence identify transitions in romantic relationships, Scheinfeld and Worley (2018) narrow their search as they attempt to understand this transition in interpersonal, family relationships. Within their study, they were able to identify the following, "uncertainty and interference from a parent is aligned with the degree to which a parent's behaviors are perceived as irritating," (p. 455).

The Relational Turbulence Theory also aims to identify different aspects of cognition and emotion. Analyzing family relationships, particularly a parent-child relationship, contributes to the development and understanding of the cognitive aspects of the RTT. Typically, as adolescents’ transition into adulthood there is a need for self-discovery, self-reliance, etc. Young adults will strategically choose what to share and exclude from their parents. In turn, parents might feel the need to protect and control their children (even throughout the transitional period in their relationship), creating negative emotions for the child. In turn, this could create some turmoil within the relationship.

Critique
There are a few critiques to the Relational Turbulence Theory worth noting. As mentioned above, one of the major elements of the Relational Turbulence Theory is the idea of relational uncertainty. This component drew from the existing research of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory. Uncertainty reduction (as it sounds) analyzes the initial interaction between two individuals participating in any interpersonal relationship. In order to reduce levels of uncertainty, deeper information is gathered. Because relational uncertainty is derived from the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, there is an underlying assumption that all theoretical advances of URC are correct. Relational uncertainty is only a minimal portion of the Relational Turbulence Theory, however, there is a slight chance for error (as this component relies heavily on another theory).

Another potential critique of the Relational Turbulence Theory is the emphasis on the transitional period within relationships from dating to committed. While there appear to be a few applications of the theory analyzing different stages of the relationship (newly married women) for example, I do feel as though there are more then two or three stages within a relationship. There are likely additional articles that discuss transitions within relationships on a different scale, however, I feel as though the emphasis on certain transitions (from dating to committed or as intimacy arises) proves that the theory itself has some limitations