Interpersonal Arguments
APAFORMAT
As we argue with individuals with whom we have interpersonal relationships, our argument frame changes, which changes our strategies and intentions within the argument and the argument situation.
For this short paper, pick an argument between two people who share an interpersonal relationship that occurs in a television program or movie. The argument should be verbal in nature and it should be easy to discern their relationship. While you are not obligated to use either of these programs, The Office and The Simpsons are readily available on multiple platforms and have arguments in every episode. Using this argument, complete the following:
- Provide a brief summary of the argument, using the appropriate citations for television programming.
- Pick one participant in the argument to analyze. This is probably the person who starts the argument. Using the three framing styles provided by Hample, Warner, and Young (2008)(Be sure to read through the Framing and Editing Interpersonal Arguments article provided.), identify which frame this person assumes in the beginning of the argument. Provide justification for selecting this frame.
- How does this frame contribute to the interactions between the individuals in the argument? Is the argument cooperative or competitive? What strategies (i.e. blurting, etc.) are selected for use in this argument? Why do you think these strategies are utilized? Please be specific and use supporting materials.
- What types of editing occur in the course of the argument and how are they related to the relationship between the characters involved? Do you agree that emotional reactions may be important to the subjective quality of one’s life? How are those manifested in this argument?
This short paper should be written in essay form, answering all of the questions posed. The paper should be no more than 2-4 pages, not including a cover page and reference page. The paper should include references to Framing and Editing Interpersonal Arguments article and any outside research you conduct to support and strengthen your ideas.
