Argumentative Flexibility as a Factor Influencing Message Response Style to Argumentative and Aggressive Arguers

Abstract

The study examined argumentative flexibility as a variable influencing responses to three argumentative situations. Argumentative flexibility was operationalized through a 20-item inventory composed of flexible and inflexible behavioral preferences for engaging in argument. Trait argumentativeness also was compared to argumentative flexibility as a predictor of argumentative behavior. The study concludes by discussing the validity of the argumentative flexibility construct