Using the Conversation Argument Coding Scheme to Examine Interpersonal Conflict: Insights and Challenges

Abstract

This article reviews research that has used the conversation argument coding scheme (CACS) (Canary, 1992; Seibold, McPhee, Poole, Tanita, & Canary, 1981) to examine conflict interaction between romantic partners and friends. By reviewing this body of literature, one can see the impact of examining relational partners instead of strangers, of investigating dyads rather than groups, and the importance of examining interaction rather than predicting outcomes of arguments based on each relational partner's individual characteristics. This literature also connects argument sequences and structure to relational variables such as relational satisfaction and control mutuality. Three suggested areas for further development of this research include the following topics: family conflict, interpersonal conflict that occurs over mediated channels, and serial arguments in interpersonal relationships.

Notes

¹This paper only focuses on published articles and book chapters and does not include conference papers or unpublished data sets.