Dale Hample's cognitive model of argument is designed to reflect the operation of syllogistic thought processes. It has been suggested however, that the model applies more closely to abstractly worded arguments than to concrete thinking and that it also may work better with more interested respondents because it seems to describe the central…

Suggests that argument be seen as a private cognitive phenomenon, in contrast to the more traditional view of argument as a public message-based document. Differences between the views are noted and the respects in which argument creates and depends on cognitive order are discussed. (JMF)

A study tested several different cognitive models of the way people use supporting arguments to arrive at belief in a claim. The models tested were (1) the model based on the assumption that human information processing is essentially logical; (2) R. S. Wyer's model; (3) the message-plus-context model; and (4) the weighted average model. One…

Results of the testing of Hample's cognitive model of argument suggest that the model's validity is greater than previously indicated. (PD)