Perception of the argumentativeness trait in interpersonal relationship situations

• Beth M. Waggenspack

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Wayne E. Hensley

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The desired association with argumentative or nonargumentative individuals in inter-personal relationships was assessed using the Infante and Rancer (1982) Scale of Argumentativeness. Seven potential areas of social interaction were presented to college students (N = 420) to judge their likelihood of desired interaction with an argumentative or nonargumentative person.  Factor  analysis  revealed  two  primary  dimensions: social-emotional,  involving  heavy  reliance  on  social  interaction,  and negotiator/ombudsman, requiring interaction where one might serve as agent for another. Results indicated that these 2 dimensions account for almost half (48%) the variance of the decisional structure used in opting to associate with argumentative or nonargumentative others. There was a preference for association with a nonargumentative person in situations, which are low in conflict and nonaggressive. Also, males and females respond in a similar fashion in reporting their preferences to associate with argumentative or nonargumentative persons in various interpersonal situations.

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