Sensitivity to Quality Variations of Conflicting Arguments
Abstract
Abstract Experimental argumentation research allows researchers to test normative predictions from argumentation theory. In the domain of argument quality, for instance, numerous studies have supported the prediction that high-quality arguments should lead to better claim acceptance than low-quality arguments. These studies also examined factors moderating this effect, such as text length, and cultural background of the receiver. The current experiment adds another factor: incongruity between arguments. By presenting participants with arguments and counterarguments, they were put in a circumstance of incongruity, leading to higher elaboration of arguments and, therefore, to sensitivity to argument quality. Such sensitivity was found to be absent for French participants in an earlier study, but present for Dutch participants. The current study examined whether such sensitivity occurred for both national samples under the circumstance of argument incongruity. Dutch and French students ( N = 544) indicated their acceptance of claims followed by statistical evidence and normatively strong or weak expert evidence, each of which served as argument in some cases and as counterargument in others. Analyses showed that normatively strong expert evidence was more persuasive than normatively weak expert evidence for Dutch participants, but that evidence quality did not affect claim acceptance for French participants. Implications for a cultural explanation for the French result are discussed.
- Journal
- Argumentation
- Published
- 2026-06-04
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10503-026-09713-3
- CompPile
- Topics
- Export
- BibTeX RIS
Citation Context
Citation data not yet available for this article.
Related Articles
-
Argumentation Feb 2026Keren Sadoun-Kerber
-
Assessing Writing Jan 2026The effects of online resource use on L2 learners’ computer-mediated writing processes and written products ↗Honglan Wang; Jookyoung Jung
-
Assessing Writing Jan 2026Is it beneficial to strive for perfection in writing?: Exploring the relationship between perfectionism, motivational regulation, and second language (L2) writing performance ↗Li Dong
-
Communication Design Quarterly Sep 2025Review of "Environmental Preservation and the Grey Cliffs Conflict: Negotiating Common Narratives, Values, and Ethos by Kristin D. Pickering," Pickering, K. D. (2024). Environmental preservation and the grey cliffs Conflict: Negotiating common narratives, values, and ethos. Utah State University Press. ↗Phillip Lovas
-
Journal of Writing Research Jun 2025Lisa Haake