Argument in group decision making: Explicating a process model and investigating the argument‐outcome link

Abstract

For this research, we extended previous descriptive studies of group argument by (a) positing a theoretical process model of group argument and (b) investigating the predictive nature of argument ingroups. Following development of the group argument process model, we employed two frameworks—the Group Valence Model and two versions of the Distribution of Valence Model—to study the argument‐outcome link. We expanded all three models to include proportional, as well as dichotomous, variables. The results revealed that all models were fairly accurate predictors: however, in cases in which the models differed in prediction, the DVM Rank Sum model was more accurate. All the argument acts investigated were fairly accurate predictors of group outcomes, except for disagreement‐relevant intrusions. Interpretations of these findings are offered, and avenues for future research are suggested.

Key words:

• Argument
• Groups
• Decision Making
• Process Model