Definition of ” ARGUMENTATIVENESS “
ARGUMENTATIVENESS refers to the tendency of a person to engage in debates or discussions, often in a forceful or confrontational manner, in order to express their opinions, defend their beliefs, or persuade others to adopt their point of view. This trait is often associated with individuals who have a strong need for control, a high level of competitiveness, and a desire to be right or prove others wrong. It can be seen as a form of assertiveness, but it can also be perceived as aggression or hostility if it becomes excessive or overly dominant in communication. Individuals with a high level of argumentativeness may have difficulty compromising or accepting alternative viewpoints, and may have a tendency to escalate conflicts or arguments. This trait can have both positive and negative effects on relationships, depending on how it is expressed and managed.
The “ARGUMENTATIVENESS” in a sentence:
1. “John’s argumentativeness towards his therapist’s suggestions indicates a resistance to change and a desire to maintain control over his own thought processes.”
2. “The study found a significant correlation between high levels of argumentativeness and lower levels of empathy, suggesting that individuals who are more argumentative may struggle with understanding and considering others’ perspectives.”
The Etymology of “ARGUMENTATIVENESS”:
The term “argumentativeness” is derived from the Latin word “argumentum”, meaning “evidence” or “proof”. It is a combination of the Latin suffix “-tive”, meaning “inclined to” or “characterized by”, and the English suffix “-ness”, indicating a state or condition.
“Argumentativeness” first appeared in the English language in the 15th century, originally meaning “inclined to argue or debate”. Over time, the meaning has evolved to refer to the quality of being inclined to argue or debate, often in a confrontational or aggressive manner.
The root word “argumentum” also gives rise to other related terms such as “argument”, “argumentation”, and “argumentative”. These words all share the same basic meaning of presenting evidence or reasons in support of a claim or position.
Overall, the term “argumentativeness” is a combination of Latin and English elements, reflecting the influence of both languages on the development of the English language. It conveys the idea of being inclined to engage in debates or discussions, often with a strong or aggressive attitude.
The First Known Use of “ARGUMENTATIVENESS”:
The first known use of the term “argumentativeness” was in 1597.
Description of ” ARGUMENTATIVENESS “
Argumentativeness refers to a fundamental aspect of human behavior that involves the tendency to engage in disagreements or conflicts with others. It is a personality trait that is closely related to the need for control and dominance in social interactions. In psychology, argumentativeness is often studied within the context of communication and interpersonal relationships, as it can significantly impact the way individuals interact with others and navigate their social environment.
One of the central components of argumentativeness is the desire to express one’s opinions and beliefs, even in the face of opposition. This trait is often associated with high levels of assertiveness and confidence, as individuals who are argumentative tend to have a strong sense of self and are not afraid to defend their viewpoints. However, argumentativeness can also manifest in more negative ways, such as being overly aggressive or confrontational in communication. As such, it is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been extensively studied in psychology to better understand its underlying mechanisms and potential implications for individuals and their relationships.
Farther Reading about ” ARGUMENTATIVENESS “
1. Bippus, A. M., & Mehl, M. R. (2018). Argumentativeness as a personality trait: A review of theory, measurement, and research. Communication Monographs, 85(4), 488-512.
This article provides a comprehensive review of argumentativeness as a personality trait in psychology. It discusses various theoretical perspectives and measurement approaches, as well as research findings on the relationship between argumentativeness and other personality traits, communication behaviors, and outcomes.
2. Infante, D. A., & Rancer, A. S. (1982). A conceptualization and measure of argumentativeness. Journal of Personality Assessment, 46(1), 72-80.
This seminal article introduces the concept of argumentativeness and presents a scale for its measurement. It also discusses the theoretical underpinnings of argumentativeness, its relationship to other personality traits, and its potential consequences in different communication contexts. This study has been cited extensively and has contributed significantly to the understanding of argumentativeness in psychology.
Source: PSYCHOLOGY