| The purpose of this investigation was to integrate couple communication and conversation analytic research traditions by examining a variety of relational pragmatic phenomena. This investigation utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods to compare conciliatory acts in Fitzpatrick's (1988) Traditional, Separate and Independent couple types. Utilizing Sillars's (1986) coding manual, trained coders examined twenty-four role-play conversations for their conciliatory content. Quantitative results suggested that Traditional couples used significantly more conciliatory acts in their role-played conflict interactions than Separate or Independent couples, and that Independent couples used significantly more supportive remarks than Separate couples. Qualitative analysis suggested revision of previous quantitatively-based conceptualizations of conciliation, and links between control and intimacy dimensions of couples' relationships. Furthermore, examination of a variety of conversational phenomena within a variety of couple types provided a starting point for further investigation in relational pragmatics. |
