The effect of interpersonal familiarity on argument in online discussions

This study examined if common ground operationalized as interpersonal familiarity creates a discussion context in which particular argument acts are more likely to occur. Undergraduate students discussed a US state ban on gay marriage using an online chat tool. Familiarity was manipulated with a “get-to-know-you” session, and conversational argument and interpersonal act coding systems were applied to the transcripts. Compared to the control condition, familiarity produced more interpersonal, disagreement, and process acts in the discussions.