Sex differences and group argument: A theoretical framework and empirical investigation

In this article, we examine sex differences and similarities in group argument. We begin by positing a theoretical framework for analyzing women's and men's argument in group settings and present this framework as the basis for six hypotheses about women's and men's argument communication. Results of a content analysis of 45 group discussions revealed that women agreed more often, asked more questions, challenged others less often, and qualified others' arguments less often than did men in group argument. Men and women were more similar in their overall production of arguables, objections, and personal narratives. The implications of these findings for future research in this domain are discussed.