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The dissertation thesis aims to identify and describe the key theoretical and methodological problems related to the study of conversation markers and to the collection of authentic data for such an analysis. To illustrate the whole research process, the Argentinian conversation marker boludo as a model example is used. The starting point of the analysis is located at the intersection of conversation analysis, discourse analysis and sociolinguistic paradigms, while taking into account the omnipresent background of pragmatics as well. We try to assess the contribution of such an interdisciplinary approach when studying conversation markers. As for the methodology, the thesis seeks to show what difficulties arise when carrying out a sociolinguistic research of conversation markers, which are understood as units typical of spontaneous conversation, i.e. without external manipulation, in comparison with the variationist research at other language levels. In addition, we also clarify why it is important to evaluate their character not only on the grounds of qualitative and functional perspective (in relation to analysing the socially-indexed interaction markers), but also quantitatively with regards to selected social variables that appear to be relevant for the recurrent use of the given marker. The outcome of the method assessment is an attempt to design a model approach to be applied in practice. In sum, the core of the research consists in analysing the Argentinian marker boludo from different perspectives; namely, within the pragmatic, functional-positional, interactional-sociolinguistic and variationist-sociolinguistic frameworks. Its nature is subsequently compared to the behaviour of another recurrent Argentinian conversation marker, che, since some authors regard them as equivalents. The analyses of naturally-occurring conversation data collected in situ are complemented by introspective judgements of several native speakers.