Argumentativeness and the theory of reasoned action

The Theory of Reasoned Action (TORA) suggests that intentions to argue will be a direct function of attitudes about arguing and beliefs about what important others think about arguing. This study applied TORA to the prediction of persons’ intentions to argue on the topic of free condom distribution. Trait argumentativeness was found to mediate normative influences on intentions. The subjective norm as a predictor of intentions differed across levels of argumentativeness. Ego‐involvement was found to be the overall most important determinant of argumentative intentions across argumentative levels. Finally, extrinsic religious orientation affected attitudes in normative beliefs about arguing the issue.

Key concepts:

• Theory of reasoned action
• argumentativeness
• religious orientation