An Investigation of Variables that Define Collaborative and Critical Thinking : The Effects of Argumentative Style on Critical Thinking Competence and Social Tolerance

An Investigation of Variables that Define Collaborative and Critical Thinking : The Effects of Argumentative Style on Critical Thinking Competence and Social Tolerance

The present study investigated the relationships amoug trait argumentativeness (i.e., one's dispositions to either approach or avoid an argument), argumentative flexibility (i.e. one's disposition to argue in either a flexible or collaborative manner, or an inflexible manner) and self-reported perception of critical thinking dispositions and their impact on critical thinking competence and social tolerance. Results demonstrate a partial support for the effects of argumentative style, in particular trait disposition toward arguing. Findings are then interpreted in a discussion of critical thinking within the context of interpersonal argument.