The argumentativeness scale: Problems and promise

Abstract

Previous studies and theoretical analyses have suggested that Infante and Rancer's concept of argumentativeness—and the scale that measures it—suffer from conceptual weaknesses and an inability to explain findings within the original conceptualization of argumentativeness. This essay argues that conceptual weaknesses and operationalization problems have produced questionable findings of argumentativeness differences between the sexes and between those with and without debate experience. The study then compares differently worded versions of the argumentativeness scale in order to provide evidence of the scale's current weaknesses and guidance in how to remedy them in future argumentativeness research.