Argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness: Aspects of speech communication's raison d'etre.

摘要

This is a study assessing college populations for levels of argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness. The study examined literature pertinent to the Argumentativeness Scale and Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, their reliability, validity, and applications. A statistical analysis was performed to determine a starting point for training students in positive, on-topic argumentativeness strategies, beyond formal debate training, as a means of ameliorating destructive, verbally aggressive language during times of disagreement. Conclusions drawn indicate most all age groups and both genders would profit from this educational approach.