Serial Argumentation Goals and Their Relationships to Perceived Resolvability and Choice of Conflict Tactics

Abstract

The present study utilized a scale that measured Bevan, Hale, and Williams' (2004) serial argumentation goals and associated these goals with the perceived resolvability of the serial argument and serial argument conflict tactics. College students reporting on current and former dating partnerships completed a written survey containing close-ended items. Six of Bevan et al.'s (2004) ten original goals again emerged from data analyses, and the four remaining goals combined to form a single goal. These seven serial argument goals were related to perceived resolvability and conflict tactics in generally expected ways.

Keywords:

• Conflict Tactics
• Goals
• Interpersonal Conflict
• Serial Arguing

The authors wish to thank Norman C. H. Wong for his assistance in data collection and entry on this project.

Notes

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2006 meeting of the Western States Communication Association in Palm Springs, CA. These data were collected while the first author was at the University of Georgia.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer L. Bevan

Jennifer L. Bevan (PhD, University of Georgia, 2003) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Chapman University.

Karin D. Tidgewell

Karin D. Tidgewell (MA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2006) is a visiting instructor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,

Karissa C. Bagley

Karissa C. Bagley (BA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2002)

Lauren Cusanelli

Lauren Cusanelli (MA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2005) are current or former master's students.

Meredith Hartstern

Meredith Hartstern (BA, Milligan College, 1996)

Domina Holbeck

Domina Holbeck (BS, University of Utah, 2003) are current master's students in the Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies at UNLV.

Jerold L. Hale

Jerold L. Hale (PhD, Michigan State University, 1984) is professor and head of the Department of Speech Communication at the University of Georgia.