A conf lict resolution technique
• American psychologist who
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created the Rogerian
Strategy.
His theory was people in
disputes should not respond
to each other until they fully
and fairly state the other
person's position.
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Rogers recognized how
people establish
barriers and grow more
rigid in their beliefs
when threatened.
He believed in the idea
of empathy- the ability
in Rogers' words "to see
the expressed idea and
attitude from the other
person's point of view."
Empathy involves the
Rogerian method
entirely because it
requires you to put
yourself outside of
your ego and truly
understand
someone else's
point of view
despite how
different it may be
from your own
personal belief.
• Introduction
• Neutrally state the opposing view
• Demonstrating full understanding of the
opposing point of view
• Concession
• Refutation
• Give background information
• Describe issue well enough to show they
fully understand the alternate position
• Important to show opposition that there
are no misconceptions about the
argument
• The writer describes cases and contexts in
which the alternate position may be
legitimate
• Validates and gives merit to the opposing
argument
• This is also a way to demonstrate goodwill
towards the process
•
•
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Ultimately denies opposing argument
The person states his position and presents
valid circumstances and evidence.
The person explains to their opponent
how they would benefit from adopting
their own position.
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To be successful, proponents
must steer clear of indecent
and stereotypical language
May involuntarily lead to a
compromise forcing the
other to emphasize how both
sides of the argument benefit
Creates a win-win outcome
•
This type of discussion is most effective for
emotionally charged topics
"Bobby and Vanessa are arguing about whether to send their child to a private
or public school. Bobby wants public school while Vanessa insists private
school for their toddler. To have a critical discussion and come to a proper
conclusion each parent must state and explain the other's preference and
why it could be valid. This helps the two parties understand one another
and come to a compromise or conclusion more effectively."
In Colorado State University's analysis of the Rogerian
Argument the author states when the best time is to use
it. The author Kate Kiefer states:
"Rogerian approaches are particularly useful for
emotionally charged, highly divisive issues. The
Rogerian approach typically downplays the emotional in
favor of the rational so that people of good will can find
solutions to common problems. But no argument,
Rogerian or otherwise, will succeed unless the writer
understands the reader."
TRUE or FALSE?
Empathy is not a factor
in this method.
False- Empathy is the cornerstone of
this method because it always you to take
and at times embody someone else's
perspective. Walking a mile in their shoes.
TRUE or FALSE?
With the Rogerian strategy for
arguments, you only need to provide a
shallow account of the alternate
opinion or perspective to appear
"fair."
False- Part of the success and
effectiveness of this argument is providing
balanced, detailed perspectives in a clear
and concise way.
TRUE or FALSE?
The goal is to create winwin outcomes.
True-Creating win-win solutions is the
ultimate goal of this method with all
parties feeling like this was a success
because the egos were checked and
everyone gained something while
compromising other things.
Lamberton, Jill L, Classical and Rogerian Arguments, August 2003,
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/english225/files/barronclassicalrogerian.d
oc, Web
Cooper, Sheila, and Rosemary Patton, Writing Logically,
Thinking Critically, New York: Longman, 2006, Book
Kiefer, Kate. "What is Rogerian Argument? (Kiefer)." What Is Rogerian
Argument? (Kiefer). Colorado State University, n.d. Web