Asks whether different kinds of arguments are essentially similar or different. Considers three kinds of argument as potentially the primary argument. Rejects each, concluding that these kinds of argument are fundamentally similar. Focuses on the ideas of publicness, sociality, and cognition, assuming these to be the main possibilities for…

Investigates the private criteria people use in judging whether or not to make particular arguments. Determines the relationship between self-monitoring and the use of editing criteria. Finds that person-centered issues and discourse competence rules are extremely important, and that the self-monitoring scale has serious psychometric problems. (MS)

In order to clarify and define the subject matter of argumentation, this paper examines the two senses of argument identified by D. J. O'Keefe and then proposes a third sense of argument as another legitimate perspective in argumentation. As discussed in the paper, O'Keefe's two senses of argument are a thing people make and a kind of interaction…

Noting that--although explicit attention to the unconscious has been rare in argument theories--the notion is unavoidable in any full theory, this paper argues that the unconscious plays a central role in argumentation. After briefly discussing the characteristics of the unconscious, the first section of the paper presents an analysis of…

The distinction between inductive and deductive forms of argument, as proposed by G. W. Ziegelmueller and C. A. Dause, is the focus of this paper. The first part of the paper reviews several grounds for distinguishing induction from deduction and explains that neither the traditional distinctions--those based on particular or universal premises,…

Argues that the unconscious mind plays a central role in argumentation. Discusses the nature of the unconscious and analyzes invention, focusing on rules theory. Claims that argument reception is controlled by the unconscious. Identifies a series of basic issues needing investigation. (JD)

Examines how people edit arguments prior to speaking, and what editorial criteria (effectiveness, principled objection to argument type, person-centered issues, and discourse competence) different types of people prefer. Notes that argumentativeness, verbal aggression, interpersonal orientation, and respondent gender are associated with use of…

Develops the theory that a fallacy is not a comparison of a rhetorical text to a set of definitions but a comparison of one person's cognition with another's. Reviews Paivio's dual coding theory, relates nonverbal coding to reasoning processes, and generates a limited fallacy theory based on dual coding theory. (PD)

Uses think-aloud protocols to triangulate previous research on the cognitive editing of messages. Finds evidence for existence of all but one of Hample and Dallinger's editorial standards that arguers (undergraduate students) apply in deciding whether to suppress or produce an idea in persuasive discourse. Shows these editorial standards are used…

Dale Hample's cognitive model of argument is designed to reflect the operation of syllogistic thought processes. It has been suggested however, that the model applies more closely to abstractly worded arguments than to concrete thinking and that it also may work better with more interested respondents because it seems to describe the central…

To determine whether argument is logical, this paper reviews the empirical literature on perception, memory, and reasoning. It finds cognitive processes to be inferential, thus supporting the assumption that argument is logical. It notes, however, that a cognitive view of argument must be taken to appreciate this logicality, because people…

Suggests and tests a model of value argument which is intended to determine the degree of audience adherence to particular value claims. Discusses the process for advance selection of the most effective evidence to support value claims. (MH)

Discusses the probative potential of evidence in argument, and evaluates the importance of evidence in predicting belief change. Predicts adherence to argument claims and confirms the traditionally recognized importance of evidence to persuasion. (JMF)

Performs factor analysis of editorial criteria reported in earlier studies of cognitive editing of arguments. Finds and discusses three main categories: effectiveness, person-centered issues, and discourse competence. Conceives of these dimensions and criteria as interactional objectives, representing the multiple goals people have during…

The prime function of human communication is to enable people to survive their environment. The special function of an argument is to adjust the environment to satisfy felt needs. Whether argument takes the cognitive form of thought, the textual form of an essay, or the interpersonal form of a conversation, it serves this general function.…