States that argumentative explicitness is acknowledged as a normative ideal in the practice of argument. Addresses one facet of the question of whether argumentative explicitness inevitably sacrifices instrumental success, by offering a meta-analytic review of the persuasive effects associated with degree of articulation given to the advocate's…

Finds that the subjective probability model continues to provide some degree of prediction for beliefs (of an individual for circumstances of a single event with multiple causes) prior to the exposure to a message, but that after exposure to a persuasive message, the model did not maintain the same level of accuracy of prediction. Offers several…

States that recent theorizing about the role of analogy in persuasion suggests that "rebuttal" analogy addresses two communicative functions by serving as argument and a method of social attack. Examines message receivers' perceptions of rebuttal analogy and rebuttal analogy users. Finds that participants perceived the communicator using…

Examines persuasive effects of story and statistical evidence for different message topics--100 students read three story or statistical messages and completed posttest measures. Indicates that persuasiveness of evidence varied by message topic. Reveals that statistics were rated as more scientific and less personal than stories, but these…

Articulates a case for triangulation as a research strategy to aid in the development of theoretical claims and the integration of theory. Demonstrates the potential and actual uses of these types of triangulation for argumentation by examining research in everyday argument and argument fields. (MS)

Explores the worth of high impact/low probability arguments as "real world" policy arguments. Evaluates four National Debate Tournament (NDT) final round disadvantages by students using the subjective probability model. Finds that although NDT disadvantages were perceived to be a technically sound form of argumentation, they were not…

Clarifies how the scheme systems work in C. Perleman and L. Olbrechts-Tyteca's "The New Rhetoric," responds to a critique of it, and examines patterns of scheme use in five panel discussions. Concludes that the description of inferential scheme categories in "The New Rhetoric" is generally complete and useful for the study of…

Analyses 42 national final round rhetorical criticism speeches from the years 1993-2000, with results indicating that almost half of the speeches were analyses of rhetorical and organizational campaigns, with criticism of texts, orations, art, technology and legislation rarely being selected as artifacts. Considers how less than two minutes per…

Introduces a model of the roles of challenge and defense in everyday, informal arguments. Represents six basic types of challenge (acceptability, relevance, sufficiency, consistency, consecution, and completeness) and distinguishes between direct and indirect defense. Suggests that commitment rules in arguments tend to be conservative for the…

Demonstrates that people examine an argument and determine whether to assent based on the quality of the justification provided. Shows that these justifications do not reside in the structure of the argument but in the content of the argument and the interaction of the content with the belief system of the message receiver. (SR)

Reports results of a survey of female debaters and debate coaches attending an NDT debate. Finds high levels of gender harassment, seductive behaviors, and sexual imposition. (SR)

Argues that the 1988 Presidential Debates were debates both by definition and in the strategies employed by the candidates. Notes that these debates are rhetorical events in the larger framework of a political campaign. Suggests that criteria for "winning" should be consistent with the purpose of political debate. (MM)

Points out that the condensed, mediated arguments found in today's public debates resemble Aristotle's enthymeme. Illustrates the similarities between classical and postmodern arguments through an analysis of the rhetoric of David Duke, and discusses the implications for how scholars conceptualize argument in the public sphere. (SR)

Discusses metaphor as a device for effective impromptu speaking. Illustrates how impromptu discussions of the Clarence Thomas versus Anita Hill saga utilized metaphors as perspectives from which to instantaneously organize thought and action or an entire situation. Discusses how to assist students to use metaphor in discussions of contemporary…

Examines the process of "spin control" (in which partisans provide commentary on campaign events) and presents a taxonomy of it. Illustrates how both campaigns used the process in relation to the first 1988 presidential debate. Concludes that the Bush commentary was coordinated with the overall Republican campaign strategy, whereas the…