Evaluators of argument are frequently confronted by conflicting claims. While these claims are usually based on probabilities, they are often resolved with the accepted claim treated as though it were "true," while the rejected claim is treated as though it were "false." Scenario testing is the label applied to a set of…

Prepared by scholars from four countries, the 63 papers in this collection address recent developments and recurrent problems in the theory, practice, criticism, and teaching of argumentation. Following the texts of two keynote addresses, the papers are presented according to eight broad categories: argumentation theory, historical and political…

A study of cross examination speeches of males and females was conducted to determine gender differences in intercollegiate debate. The theory base for gender differences in speech is closely tied to the analysis of dyadic conversation. It is based on the belief that women are less forceful and dominant in cross examination, and will exhibit…

A moot court program developed for undergraduate debaters at Ball State University (Indiana) is presented. Following a brief introduction that establishes the benefits of such a program for the students and the department of communication, the first section of the paper explains how the moot court concept was modified to emphasize communication…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 15 titles deal with the following topics: (1) dynamics of communication and trust as school board and superintendent prepare for public meeting; (2) therapeutic discourse; (3) manipulation in interpersonal relationships; (4)…

This curriculum guide, dealing with the complementary high school subjects of discussion and argumentation-debate, is "an attempt to provide meaningful involvement that will equip students with the ability and the motivation to adapt to as well as innovate change." Six units on discussion cover the dialogue, the panel, the symposium, discussion as…

To identify speech skills necessary to effectively teach the oral dimension of language, 137 secondary school teachers of English in Alabama were asked to complete a questionnaire on (1) their undergraduate education, (2) their knowledge of speech, and (3) those speech activities perceived useful in facilitating instruction in oral English. The…

In intercollegiate debate, negative debaters must be prepared with a variety of approaches to differing affirmative cases and must adapt to particular affirmative cases they meet. Successful negative debaters cannot determine their strategy until the presentation of the first affirmative speech or, in cross-examination debates, until after…

This handbook contains basic resource material for debating significant changes in the United States jury system. Chapter 1 outlines available sources of information for preliminary research. Chapters 2 and 3 present background information on the federal and state court systems and the jury system. Chapter 4 discusses an interpretation of the…

Background information on the underlying issues of the 1973-74 National High School Debate Resolutions, which were designed to explore the necessity for and the feasibility of developing new federal programs to curb poverty, is contained in this handbook. Part 1 examines the problem of poverty in the United States--definitions, dimensions, causes,…

Examines the influence of intraparty political debates during the 1984 presidential campaign. Indicates significant influence on undergraduate college students' attitudes about candidates and their interest in the campaign. Demonstrates that candidate violations of expectations provide a useful theoretical explanation for significant shifts in…

Classroom-tested strategies for implementing mainstreaming in the secondary social studies classroom are described. These included textbook and lecture strategies; discussion, role-play, and debate strategies; and map, globe, and art projects. (RM)

This module, which may be used as the basis for a workshop or as a special topic unit in adult basic education or English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) courses, focuses on how to evaluate the facts, opinions, and positions on social issues held by family and friends, neighbors, authority figures, and the media. Topics covered include the following:…

A study examined the negative impacts of forensics upon primary relationships and family life. The study was designed to assess the professional and personal concerns of active forensics coaches. Subjects were seven males and four females, nine of whom were married, five of whom have children, and only one of whom reported having a spouse or…

Surveyed junior college directors of forensics on the size of forensics programs, emphasis, financing, extent of tournament attendance, qualifications of directors, administration support, instructional methods, and procedures. (PD)