The Use of Multiple Goals in Cognitive Editing of Arguments

Abstract

The editorial criteria reported in earlier studies of the research program on cognitive editing of arguments are, in this study, factor analyzed and found to fall into three main categories: effectiveness, person-centered issues, and discourse competence. The effectiveness and discourse competence scales often, but not always, load on the same factor; thus, truth and relevance appear to be explanatory resources for effectiveness judgements. The person-centered factor is always clear and distinct, including concern for own face, other's face, and relationship maintenance. These dimensions and criteria are conceived to be interactional objectives, and represent the multiple goals people have during regulative communication.