Date
2-7-2025
Department
School of Communication and the Arts
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)
Chair
Mary Myers
Keywords
argumentativeness, argumentativeness scale, argumentativeness measure, argumentativeness groupings, divorce rates, divorce, family law
Disciplines
Communication
Recommended Citation
Yates, Monika Joanna, "The Communication Theory of Argumentativeness: A Study Analyzing Argumentativeness and Demographics" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6481.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6481
Abstract
Quantitative research regarding the communication theory of argumentativeness is presented. The communication theory of argumentativeness, with its established argumentativeness conceptualization, scale, and measure, is central. The argumentativeness conceptualization, scale, and measure are used to posit argumentativeness groupings, which are then analyzed along with demographics within argumentativeness groupings. The following research questions are posed and answered: What is the distribution of argumentativeness within the general population? Are there identifiable segments/groupings of argumentativeness within the general population? Are there certain demographic characteristics that accompany the argumentativeness groupings of low, middle, and high argumentativeness measures? The conclusion finds: there are identifiable argumentativeness groupings; the argumentativeness grouping of high argumentativeness is correlated with a parental status of with children, an educational status of college education, and a generational status of millennials; the argumentativeness grouping of low argumentativeness is correlated with an increase in age, a generational status of baby boomers, and an employment status of not seeking employment; descriptive trends in regard to argumentativeness and marriage and divorce are noted. The findings support the theory of argumentativeness’ assertion that argumentativeness is a positive communication behavior. Suggestions for further research include developing techniques for encouraging people to move toward optimal points along the argumentativeness distribution.
