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…

Using learning theory approaches and definitions of persuasion generated from learning theorists, a study examined the effects of anxiety on message-induced persuasion by using meta-analytic techniques to quantitatively assess the effect of anxiety manipulation in persuasive situations. Studies used in the meta-analysis were similar in context and…

The communication discipline has advanced the belief that arguing (high argumentativeness) is a constructive communication activity. Recent research efforts have attempted the integration of principles from argumentation, interpersonal communication, and conflict management, and several benefits of high motivation to argue and skill in informal…

Reviews the development of research on the persuasive effects of evidence, focusing on research dealing with the impact of evidence on persuasive communication. Concludes that evidence makes a difference in persuasive argument, and that the difference is affected by evidence type, along with relevant source, message, and receiver elements (191…

A study suggests a new approach for evaluating debate techniques. Previously used paradigms all have some disadvantages. Application of the policy-making paradigm, which involves isolating a problem, having one side propose a solution, then having the opponent point out the solution's disadvantages, is difficult because the paradigm does not…

Viewing generic arguments (arguments applied to an entire class or group of opposing arguments) in terms of the argument fields of a debate resolution strengthens the generic argument as a debate concept, brings debate theory and argument together, and offers a perspective for evaluating generic arguments in academic and the real world debate.…

Reviews research concerning the role played by variations in the timing of communicator identification as one aspect of the effect that communicator credibility has on persuasive communication. Claims that variations in the timing of the identification of the source of a persuasive communication can produce substantial differences in persuasive…

Although research on argumentativeness appears to confirm the centuries-old "commonsense knowledge" that successful arguers enjoy arguing and are adept at remaining "cool and rational" during an argument, the empirical research itself is based on normative assumptions that underlie this Cartesian "commonsense…

The essays contained in this volume are attempts not merely to inventory recent developments and disputes in the field of argumentation but also to sharpen them by carrying them as far as current thinking permits. The 16 essays, which show that argumentation scholars are still far from united around a single theory, are divided into four sections.…

Presents a review and meta-analytic summary of existing studies of metaphor's persuasive effects. Indicates that metaphor appears to exert a small effect on perceptions of source dynamism, but shows no demonstrable impact on competence or character. Concludes that the superior organization explanation of metaphor's persuasive impact was most…

This paper advances a relational approach to interpersonal power or social control. Drawing from the work of the Palo Alto group and further elaborations on this work made by S. R. Strong and C. D. Claiborn (1982), the paper outlines the coactive features of interpersonal control and stresses the relevance of these insights for the teaching of…

Examines research dealing with learning processes and suggests its applications to compliance gaining. Discusses the degree to which learning theories explain the acquisition of new attitudes and behaviors, and the degree to which attitudinal and behavioral changes are governed by learning theory principles. (JMF)

This paper, a research review, looks at the concept of rhetorical sensitivity and how it relates to persuasion. The paper maintains that rhetorical sensitivity and its measures, RHETSEN and RHETSEN 2, (developed in 1980 by Hart, Carlson, and Eadie) attempt to categorize the sensitivity people have for the rhetorical nature of interaction. The…

Uses ERIC documents to examine ethics in forensics, media, and communication research. Considers implications for speech communication teachers. (PD)

This paper provides a literature review of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) as applied in persuasion. Specifically, the paper addresses distraction with regard to effects on persuasion. In addition, the application of proxemic violations as peripheral cues in message processing is discussed. Finally, the paper proposes to shed new light on…