An Exploratory Study of the Grammatical Structure and Style Between Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Debates of Selected Members of The UP Manila Debate Circle

Abstract

With the advent of computers as a medium in communication, this study took interest in comparing Face-to-Face (FTF) and Computer-Mediated (CMC) Debate, specifically, on determining the similarities and differences in terms of grammatical structure and style of arguments. In comparing these arguments, the researcher observed inconsistencies in grammatical structure in terms of: Subject-Verb Agreement, Voice, Parallelism, and Levels of Usage. Specific techniques in style were also examined: Repetitions such as Key Words and Phrases, Restatement of Important Sentences in Same Words, and Repetition of Idea in Different Words. The frequency of usage in Rhetorical Devices such as the use of Questions, Illustrations, Humor, Loaded Words, Figurative Language and Examples, was also monitored during the actual FTF and CMC debates. To precisely identify the similarities and differences between FTF and CMC debate, the researcher employed the experimental design, which was specifically carried out through the use of post-test only control group design. Teams composed of six members discussed a similar proposition and delivered arguments following the rules of the Asian Parliamentary debate, either through face-to-face communication or through computer chat. Results of this study showed that debating face-to-face produced more inconsistencies in grammatical structure than debating with the use of computers. In terms of style, Both FTF and CMC debaters demonstrated the same preference for repetitions and rhetorical devices in presenting their respective arguments. The only difference seen was that majority of the techniques were more frequently used in FTF debate than in CMC debate. From the results, it can be inferred that FTF and CMC methods of debate provide advantages and disadvantages to the participants and to the arguments they deliver. Computers can be also considered as a potential medium during debates since they provide opportunity for training debaters regardless of distance and location. In order to make the usage of CMC debate more effective, debating organizations should provide written standards including raising Points of Information, inquiry and system lag.