Examines the impact of argumentativeness on cognitive responses and attitude change of undergraduate college students. Finds that argumentative individuals generate greater numbers of counterarguments and are more resistant to persuasion. Indicates that attitude change for the highly argumentative individual is a function of both positive and…

Argues that there are two central reasons for concern about the adequacy of M. Allen's metanalysis of the research literature concerning the relative persuasive effectiveness of one-sided and two-sided messages: (1) the classification of the message types in a number of studies is questionable; and (2) the literature search underlying the review…

Responds to an analysis by D. O'Keefe (in the same issue of this journal) of a research study by the author. States that most of what O'Keefe suggests contains merit but that acceptance of the suggestions still generates a conclusion that two-sided refutational messages constitute the most persuasive form of message. (SR)

Investigates whether two versions of a letter (one consistently applying the principles of you-attitude and positive emphasis at the sentence level, the other one violating these principles) requesting participation in a research project elicited the same response rate. Finds that, contrary to received wisdom, the letter violating these principles…

Analyzes the actual substance and procedure of legal jurisdiction to argue that (1) the theory of subject matter jurisdiction is inappropriately applied to debate, and (2) the theory of personal jurisdiction implies recognition in debate practice of important procedural characteristics of the jurisdictional challenge. (SR)

Explores the function of memory in critical theory, particularly in the work of Herbert Marcuse, as the basis for a critical argumentation. Argues that Marcuse's view suggests that argument is a "re-membering" of what had been split asunder--reason, imagination, and the capacity of action. Discusses other implications of Marcuse's…

Provides a three-part overview of Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA): a brief history of the origins and growth of CEDA, an introduction to current practices, and a summary of the strengths of CEDA debate theory and practice. Suggests that CEDA's strengths include student participation patterns, sensitivity to argumentative complexity,…

Asserts that the works of Peter Elbow and Kenneth Burke are valuable reference points because they problematize fundamental assumptions within the field of composition that pluralism and factional perspectives typically elide. Describes Elbow's rhetorical magic and shows how magic illuminates Burke's effort. Wonders whether Elbow and Burke…

Discusses the problems of motivating students and teaching persuasive writing. Outlines cultural assumptions about argumentation, the ideas of Jurgen Habermas and the Frankfurt School, Habermas' theory of communication, and its pedagogical implications. (PRA)

The rhetorical abuse of language by creationists is discussed. Suggestions for how to expose such abuses in a discussion or debate format are provided. (CW)

Although personal narrative is a traditional and pervasive form of discourse, it is no longer the standard form of discourse in legal education. However, an emerging narrative jurisprudence suggesting inherent limitations of formal doctrinal and empirical analysis and promoting the legitimacy of the personal account, challenges this situation.…

Offers thoughts on what distinguishes the Bard College writing and thinking program from other programs. Asserts that writing/thinking is quite different from writing/arguing. Defines argument and writing as thinking. Examines retrospective process writing. (PRA)

Discusses approaches for writing teachers to use when teaching how to write a persuasive essay using the word processor. (MG)

Uses President Bush's commencement speech to compare and contrast the "link and impact turnaround," an accepted form of argument in academic debate, with the "linguistic turnaround" as executed in political discourse. (NH)

Claims the ancient Chinese had "senses" of rhetoric which reveal a tradition of argumentation that should be recaptured by historians of rhetoric. Seeks to broaden and embellish the portrayal of that rhetoric. (NH)