Argument Repertoire as a Reliable and Valid Measure of Opinion Quality: Electronic Dialogue During Campaign 2000

TLDR

Argument repertoire (AR) is defined as the set of reasons one holds for their own opinions and the reasons others with opposing views might hold. The study introduces and evaluates the AR measure and investigates its role in online deliberative political groups. AR is reliable, construct‑valid, and higher scores predict greater participation and contribution in online deliberations, with participants showing higher AR on discussed issues. Keywords: Campaign Deliberation Electronic Discussion Opinion Quality.

Abstract

Abstract A new measure of opinion quality that we name "argument repertoire" (AR) is introduced and evaluated. AR refers to the relevant reasons that one has for one's own opinions and the relevant reasons that others with opposite opinions might have. The measure is shown to be reliable and to have construct validity. Those with elevated AR also were more likely to attend on-line deliberative groups during the presidential election and to contribute to those conversations. Those who participated in online deliberations tended to have higher AR scores on particular issues that were discussed. The role of AR in deliberative political groups is explored. Keywords: Campaign Deliberation Electronic Discussion Opinion Quality