Arguments at Odds—Dyadic Turn-Taking and Conflict Development in Consensus-Making Groups

Abstract

Turn-taking is the most basic sequential process in group interactions. However, few studies have analyzed how turn-taking patterns impact group dynamics and outcomes. Research has shown that turn-taking in group interactions usually takes the form of a dyadic ABA pattern, in which two speakers talk interchangeably. In this paper, we propose that in groups discussing a controversial topic (abortion rights), ABA patterns transmit conflict. It was found that ABA patterns correlate with reciprocal exchanges of contradictory arguments, which, when prolonged, escalate into conflicts marked by heightened negativity, dominance, disagreement, and opinion strength. Content in ABA patterns conveyed later in the conversation becomes more conflictive, compared to non-dyadic ordering. The interacting group members in the ABA pattern were less satisfied with the group, as manifested by a lower level of perceived quality of the discussion, and they gave mutual assessments of influence, dissimilarity, and disagreement.