Daniel J. Canary

Relational and Episodic Characteristics Associated with Conflict Tactics

This study sought to discover how select episodic and relational variables are functionally related to communication tactics in situations of interpersonal conflict. More precisely, this study examined how communication satisfaction and perceived communication competence of partner might mediate the link between partners conflict messages and developing relationship features. Partners use of integrative tactics produced communication satisfaction and the perception of partners competence. Communication satisfaction and partner competence, in turn, contributed to the definition of the interpersonal relationship in terms of greater control mutuality, trust, intimacy and relational satisfaction. Distributive tactics of partner were inversely related to communication satisfaction and perceived partner competence, and directly affected the relational characteristics of trust, control mutuality and satisfaction. Avoidance was not associated with episodic or relational features when referencing the partners behavior. However, in tests that involved ones own conflict behavior, avoidance directly and negatively affected relational satisfaction.

Argument structures in decision‐making groups

Within the context of a continuing research program on argument and group decision‐making, this study reports refinements in an existing coding scheme of interpersonal argument, and an analysis of argument structures in consensus and dissensus groups. Four argument structures were identified: simple, compound, eroded, and convergent. In addition, consensus groups had a greater proportion of convergent arguments than did dissensus groups. Discussion focuses on future directions for interpersonal and small‐group argument research.

Differences That Make a Difference in Assessing Student Communication Competence

Using a prototype competence approach, this study examines communicative differences between ideal students and less than ideal students. Also, this study reports how these differences predict teachers’ assessments of student communication competence. To obtain a representative set of classroom communication, focus groups generated descriptions of college students’ classroom behaviors. Communication behaviors that emerged through analysis of focus group transcripts were translated into the Student Communication Inventory. A survey of college instructors was conducted to compare teacher perceptions of ideal (alpha) students and the less than ideal (beta) students. Factor analysis revealed five sets of behaviors: Intellectually Stimulated; Participative; Absent; Confrontational; and Silent. Alpha and beta students differed in 22 of 24 behavioral items and all five factors. Also, regression analyses indicated which factors predicted competence assessments of alpha and beta students.

An observational analysis of argument structures: The case of Nightline

An observational analysis of selected Nightline program transcripts was undertaken to advance understanding of conversational arguments used in the service of public policy debate. Results indicate that Nightline discussions involved more compound structural variations, but fewer simple, convergent and eroded argument structures than had been found in previous research. In contrast to previous efforts, the development of prompter and delimitor argument structures was also identified. In addition, the programs moderator, Ted Koppel, used challenge structures as his primary method of proposing issues for debate. Discussion focuses on features of Nightline argument complexity and proposes directions for future research.

People Want—and Maintain—Fair Marriages: Reply to Ragsdale and Brandau—Brown

Following three studies that criticized our research on the link between equity and relational maintenance strategies (Ragsdale, 1996; Ragsdale & Brandau-Brown, 2004, 2005), we (2006) submitted an article to this journal that briefly responded to these studies and offered new data to which Ragsdale and Brandau-Brown (this issue) responded. Here, we offer a brief reply. And rather than utilize our allotted space by reporting analyses that they suggest, we stand by our statistical tests and respond to three key issues: the application of equity theory, support for our hypotheses, and alternatives to social exchange offered by Ragsdale and Brandau-Brown.

Targeted neighborhood sampling: A new approach for recruiting abusive couples

We conducted two studies to test the utility of a new strategy for recruiting couples experiencing intimate partner violence. This new strategy, Targeted Neighborhood Sampling, involves utilizing police reports of family fight calls to target particular areas within a city for recruitment efforts. Study I compared the efficacy of using this method to recruit a random versus a convenience sample. Results demonstrated that Targeted Neighborhood Sampling was most effective when recruiting a convenience sample of participants who responded to flyers left at their residences. Study II used a convenience sample and replicated the findings from Study I. Across the two studies, 40.4% of those who called after receiving a flyer experienced male-to-female partner violence within the past year. In addition, we combined data across studies and correlated types of violence the couples experienced with variables commonly associated with abuse. Psychological aggression, physical assault, and injury were all positively associated with reports of demand-withdrawal and mutual avoidance during conflict, as well as depression and symptoms of post traumatic disorder syndrome. Sexual coercion was associated with drug abuse. These results demonstrate the utility and validity of Targeted Neighborhood Sampling.

Conversational Argument in Close Relationships: A Case for Studying Argument Sequences

This article examines how people develop their ideas with each other through the use of argument sequences. First, we discuss the argumentative function of communication in close relationships. Second, we articulate the theoretic cornerstones of our research program. Here we present the basic premises of the theory of Minimally Rational Argument, which identifies conversational argument as a process of developing a definition of the relationship through seeking convergence through rational dialogue. Third, we discuss the method of studying argument building sequences as an important advance in the use of the conversational argument coding scheme. Four types of argument sequences are presented: developing, converging, diverging, and rudimentary. Next, we explore how studying act-to-act argument sequences informs our understanding of relationship communication by presenting four conversational argument patterns as they associate with perceptions of communicator competence, communication satisfaction, and relational quality indicators of satisfaction and control mutuality. Finally, we present ideas for future research that expand upon both our methodological system and how our methodological system can elucidate research in related areas of study.

Origins and Development of the Conversational Argument Coding Scheme

This article discusses the conceptual and methodological origins of the Conversational Argument Coding Scheme (CACS). The article first reviews the impulse for development of this content analysis scheme as part of structuration theory work in communication during the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially within the structuration approach to argument in group deliberations. We also position those conceptual efforts in the context of other scholarship at that time on argument in varied forms of social interaction. We next treat three theoretical perspectives on argument that undergird the CACS, including why and how they are integrated in it. Moreover, we note operational developments that occurred after initial formulation of the CACS and outcomes that are offered in the other articles in this issue. More precisely, we discuss and elaborate on various argument structures (i.e., different forms of completed arguments) and argument sequences (i.e., act-to-act patterns of argument behaviors). Finally, we conclude with observations regarding the origins, development, and possible future development of the CACS.

The effects of loneliness on relational maintenance behaviors: An attributional perspective

This study links the experience of loneliness to the use of relational maintenance behaviors. More precisely, an attributional perspective on loneliness is adopted, wherein chronic loneliness leads to attributions for the cause of loneliness to stable, internal, and uncontrollable factors; situational loneliness is more likely to be attributed to unstable, external, and controllable factors. Over 400 participants completed measures of chronic and situational loneliness, and relational maintenance strategies. Residts indicated that both forms of loneliness are negatively associated with maintenance strategies. As anticipated, chronically lonely people reported the least use of relational maintenance behaviors across relationship types.

Mixing Metaphors (and Dichotomous Thinking)

Daniel J. Canary (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is Professor of Human Communication at Arizona State University. This address was extemporaneously given at the 2010 (March) Western States Communication Association Convention, Anchorage, Alaska. That address has been recreated to meet journal requirements, which include using complete sentences, elaboration of bulleted points, references, notes, and (of course) a style manual. Correspondence to: Daniel J. Canary, Stauffer Hall Building A, Room 412, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. E-mail: Daniel.Canary@asu.edu Western Journal of Communication Vol. 75, No. 1, January–February 2011, pp. 122–125