Conversational Argument in Close Relationships: A Case for Studying Argument Sequences

Abstract

This article examines how people develop their ideas with each other through the use of argument sequences. First, we discuss the argumentative function of communication in close relationships. Second, we articulate the theoretic cornerstones of our research program. Here we present the basic premises of the theory of Minimally Rational Argument, which identifies conversational argument as a process of developing a definition of the relationship through seeking convergence through rational dialogue. Third, we discuss the method of studying argument building sequences as an important advance in the use of the conversational argument coding scheme. Four types of argument sequences are presented: developing, converging, diverging, and rudimentary. Next, we explore how studying act-to-act argument sequences informs our understanding of relationship communication by presenting four conversational argument patterns as they associate with perceptions of communicator competence, communication satisfaction, and relational quality indicators of satisfaction and control mutuality. Finally, we present ideas for future research that expand upon both our methodological system and how our methodological system can elucidate research in related areas of study.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors wish to thank Beth (Semic) DeLisle for several of the conversational examples used in this paper, which were presented in Semic and Canary (2003).

Notes

Portions of this paper were presented at the Alta Conference on Argumentation, August 2007.

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