PERCEPTION OF THE ARGUMENTATIVENESS TRAIT IN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP SITUATIONS

The desired association with argumentative or nonargumentative individuals in interpersonal relationships was assessed utilizing the Infante and Rancer (1982) scale of argumentativeness. Seven potential areas of social interaction were presented to college students (N = 420) to judge their likelihood of desired interaction with an argumentative or nonargumentative person. Factor analysis revealed two primary dimensions: “social-emotional,“ involving heavy reliance on social interaction, and “negotiator/ombudsman,” requiring interaction where one might serve as agent for another. Results indicated that these two dimensions account for almost half (48%) the variance of the decisional structure used in opting to associate with argumentative or nonargumentative others. There was a preference for association with a nonargumentative person in situations, which are low in conflict and nonaggressive. Also, males and females respond in a similar fashion in reporting their preferences to associate with argumentative or nonargumentative persons in various interpersonal situations.