Methods of Conflict Resolution

On this sheet are some good examples of critical thinking that could be applied to this topic (you would still need to relate it directly to the question you are answering). Your task is to use the available resources, and
additional research, to add methods of conflict resolution and supporting studies. When finished, there should be enough information on this page to be able to write any essay on the topic.

Holt and DeVore (2005)

Holt and DeVore (2005)
Meta-analysis of more than 30 studies on conflict resolution and was designed specifically to investigate culture and gender as Kriesberg (2003)
variables in conflict resolution, along with organizational roles. Although any overly general conclusions regarding culture Resolve several international conflicts which insinuates different political views and values within their country. It was found that persuasion, using
and gender run the risk of stereotyping large social groups, Holt and DeVore's (2005) findings generally fit with the evidence reasonable viewpoints, rewards, through the promise of benefits, produced more effective resolutions rather than coercion. This supports the idea that
thus far regarding interdependence in collectivist cultures and the important role interdependence plays in cooperation different behaviours arising from conflicts have different levels of success in them.
generally. Not surprisingly, interdependence appears to have an important influence on styles of conflict resolution. Freeman and Fisher (2012)
Contact hypothesis, Allport (1954) Tested effectiveness of ICR in resolving a political uprising in India and attempting to establish peace between Greek and Turkish groups in Cyprus.
The study suggested that ICR does have positive effects, but that disputes which involves parties with different values and beliefs are difficult to
Contact between groups will improve if conditions are met: resolve.
(A condition related to this critical thinking) – opportunity for personal acquaintance between the members, especially in cases Interactive Conflict Resolution, Kelman (2008)
when members do not conform to stereotypic expectations. 1. Talks between the parties separately from each other to prepare constructive discussions – occurs to be cooperative and respectful.
Deutsch (2011) 2. Parties progress to discussions with each other, supervised with conflict managers and in a structured environment. Reasons for conflict
The level of interdependence between two individuals (on a continuum from positive to negative) are explored.
The type of action taken by each individual (on a continuum from effective to bungling) 3. Solutions are sought to meet all the needs of the party. Agreements are made by the parties instead of compromised imposed by conflict
managers.

Holt and DeVore (2005)

Kriesberg (2003)
Freeman and Fisher (2012)
Interactive Conflict Resolution, Kelman (2008)
Bruneau and Saxe (2012)
Effects of contact between groups on the reduction of conflict are asymmetric and depend on group membership; members of the
dominant groups respond more positively to perspective taking whilst members of the non-dominant groups respond more positively to
perspective giving. A follow up study was conducted where the participants were Palestinian and Israeli; the results showed that changes
in attitudes towards the out-group were transient and one week after the intervention, the attitudes returned to their original state.

Bruneau and Saxe (2012)

Contact hypothesis, Allport (1954)
Another condition to be met under this theory is prolonged cooperative activity.
Sherif (1961) Sherif (1961)
Longitudinal study using American boys at a summer camp for three weeks.
Pettigrew and Tropp (2005;2006) Tajfel (1967)
The study carried out a meta-analysis of over 500 contact studies and provided convincing evidence that contact reduces
prejudice and conflict. They sought studies that had exposed individuals to contact with people from different outgroup
members. The studies, although predominately from America, were accessed from all over the world and had been
conducted over a 60-year period. Within the meta-analysis they found that Allport’s three optimal conditions – prolonged
cooperative contact between equal status groups that is supported by officials – enhanced the beneficial effects of contact.