Arguing that any discussion of debate theory is incomplete without at least some analysis or review of paradigm theory, this paper begins by analogizing the arguments over paradigms to a battle ground over control of the activity. The analysis then shifts to an examination of Thomas Kuhn's sociological theory as a basis for the argument that the…

Debate educators must evaluate the efficacy of debate in terms of its goals of developing reasoning skills and critical thought. Disputes regarding method, purpose, and style identify problems within debate that obstruct or confound its capacity to reach these goals. Research plays a critical role in the development of reasoning skills and the…

Over recent years critics of debate have expressed disenchantment with the rate of delivery used by intercollegiate debaters. To determine how fast Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) debaters speak compared to normal public speaking rates, and whether CEDA has met its goal of providing a forum that is consistent with the rate of public…

This 44-item bibliography, limited to the television era of American politics, is intended to assist teachers of debate, argumentation, and political communication; researchers of campaign debates; and debate sponsors and participants. Scholarly books and monographs; public affairs books, monographs and papers; academic articles and chapters from…

This paper reviews the newly emergent trend of audience-centered debate paradigms, such as the narrative and the issues-agenda paradigms, in light of an informal logic perspective on the argumentum ad populum fallacy. The paper demonstrates the complexity involved in the evaluation of ad populum arguments as well as the care which must be taken in…

The public, the media, and the candidates each bring a unique and sometimes contradictory set of needs to the political campaign debate that must be reconciled in designing formats to significantly improve debate practice. Five format suggestions address problems characteristic of debates, particularly at the state and local levels: (1) format…

The materials in this paper were drawn from an action caucus called to seek common criteria for the presentation and judging of oral interpretation and forensic tournaments. The first section of the paper consists of presentations made by participants. Topics covered in these presentations are (1) consistency in judging, (2) the role of oral…

When looking back at the 1998 presidential debates, political reformers should reconsider the sponsorship and direction of future presidential debates. There is no debate about the need for presidential debates, especially in light of the increasing involvement by media handlers, but the debate should continue over which institution should…

The 1988 Vice-Presidential debate between candidates Dan Quayle and Lloyd Bentsen served as a rhetorical forum for airing the policies and behaviors of each candidate. Elements of compliance-gaining and apologia were interrelated and overlapped throughout the debate. Both candidates effectively maneuvered these strategies and avoided direct…

In 1983 the Federal Communications Commission began allowing television and radio stations to stage their own political debates between candidates of their own choosing, but few broadcasters have been taking full advantage of the rule. Section 315 of The Communications Act requires that if a station grants use of the broadcasting station to a…

In preparing election debate offerings for the public, the news departments of six local television stations in New York State--the ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates in Syracuse, the CBS and ABC affiliates in Buffalo, and the ABC affiliate in Rochester--were often more concerned with format decisions, hinging on "what will fit" within a…

A high school speech communication instructor who also coaches the debate team has drawn a number of conclusions regarding concurrent teaching and coaching. First, forensic programs generally take too much time and energy from classroom work, and an inordinate amount of relaxation and "recharge" time. Forensic coaches who teach need…

In the game-like world of competitive tournament debating, fiat power is simply another rule of the game, a way of saying "hypothetically" or "for the sake of argument let us assume this affirmative plan to be implemented." While fiat power is just a way of saying "let's pretend," there are limits to the pretense. For…

Practical example of need for more in-depth study of debate theory. (CH)

Investigates the effects of consultation among collegiate debate judges prior to balloting. Results suggest that such interaction produces stronger bases for and confidence in final decisions. (MH)