Week 1 Quiz Bank Questions

Define intrapersonal conflict and interpersonal conflict and how they are different from each other. Give an example of each.

Intrapersonal conflict is conflict that occurs within oneself, such as internal dialogue or unresolved thoughts and feelings. This is different from interpersonal conflict, which is an external conflict between two or more parties that must be communicated in some way, shape, or form to exist. An example of intrapersonal conflict could be myself feeling frustrated that I was not complimented by my fiancee for cooking a delicious breakfast and asking myself, "Did she not like it?" This could lead to an interpersonal conflict between her and me as I express my dissatisfaction to her, constructively or deconstructively, and we resolve or continue that conflict in the following moments.

In the Guest Lecture (TED Talk), William Ury describes a "third-side" of a conflict. Explain the idea of a third-side of a conflict and give an example.

The third-side of a conflict can be a variety of different people, such as our friends or family, who help those within a conflict remember what the conflict is truly about and how to solve it. For example, if a roommate of mine (let's call her Sally) and I are arguing about who's turn it is to do the dishes and Sally says, "It's definitely your turn. I do them all the time anyway because you never do any chores," this can turn into a much larger, escalated problem about all of the chores. In this example, a third-side of another roommate could intervene and say, "this conflict is not able all chores, it is about the dishes today," to keep Sally and I on the smaller issue of the dishes.

Briefly explain the two types of "face" and give an example of each.

The first type of face work is positive face. Positive face revolves around self-esteem and making yourself look good or feel good. An example of positive face would be speaking in a or formal manner to seem more intelligent to others. The other type of face is negative face. Negative face revolves largely around autonomy and basic personal rights. An example of negative face would be freedom of speech, specifically in reference to the need to not be interrupted while conveying a though or idea.

Which of the following is an example of External Attribution?

a) Assuming someone is lashing out at you in an argument solely because they hate you b) Refusing to participate in a conflict because you want the other party to know you disapprove of the argument c) Falsely claiming to be late to an event because of traffic d) Ridiculing the other party in an argument to try and get them to back down (c)

Why is approaching conflict as a "problem to be solved" the best approach? (Theory of Conflict video)

a) Both parties will be willing to co-operate to find a solution. b) It forces action. c) It allows one party to think of the other as the "problem." d) You can solve some problems by throwing money at them (a)

Which system is described by "not expressing strong feelings, walking away when something starts to brew, and not telling anyone if there is a struggle?"

a) Collaborative b) Aggressive c) Avoidant d) Destructive (c)

Which statement below is false in regards to conflict?

a) Conflict can result even when both parties have a mutual interest b) It is always best for a relationship to avoid conflict c) Nonverbal actions can influence a conflict's dynamic d) Conflict has the potential to destroy relationships (b)

Which of the following interview questions contain cultural and/or gender bias (select all that apply)?

a) Describe how you would solve a conflict at work? b) Why should I hire you? c) How do you like to be managed? d) What type of people do you like to work with? e) Do you have any children? (b - culturally biased, "bragging" in some cultures considered unprofessional and/or rude e - would this same question likely be asked to a man during an interview?)

Which of the following answers best describes the most common relationship in the attack/withdrawal pattern?

a) Family relationship b) Intimate relationship c) Friendships d) Courtship (b)

Conflict is an express struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive:

a) Incompatible goals b) Scarce resources c) Interference from others in achieving their goals d) All the above (d)

_______ are the bedrock upon which conflicts are built.

a) Intrapersonal conflict b) Interpersonal conflict c) Intrapersonal Perceptions d) Interpersonal Perceptions (c)

Which of the following is an example of an avoidance spiral?

a) Mutual interdependence b) Reduction of dependence c) Criticizing your character d) Harboring hatred towards you (b)

Which of the following is the best example of a gridlocked conflict.

a) Two people having a conflict over mutual interests. b) Corporate teams locked in mutual interdependence working successfully and steadily on a project. c) Two relatives in charge of planning my upcoming birthday party are unable to come to a resolution as what to do. d) Two offices in different corporations in unrelated industries on different continents having internal scheduling problems. (c)

Which of the following is an element of an avoidance spiral?

a) misunderstandings accelerate each time speakers communicate b) lessening investment and interaction c) responding to high intensity emotions in kind d) asking for feedback (b)

What is strategic conflict?

a. Conflict in which parties have choices b. Conflict that is about scarce resources c. Conflicts in which in which there are essentially no choices d. Conflicts in which the parties are independent (a)

Which of the following is NOT one of Goffman's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

a. Criticism b. Attribution c. Defensiveness d. Stonewalling (b)

Which pair of words describe a defensive rather than a supportive climate?

a. Description rather than evaluation b. Neutrality rather than empathy c. Stonewalling rather than engaging d. Argument rather than conversation (b)

Which of the following is NOT a resource often perceived as scarce?

a. Power b. Self-esteem c. Rewards d. None of the above (c)

In the Theory of Conflict Lecture, which one of the following is described as being utilized often in public policy?

a. Problem to be solved b. Decision to be made c. Distribution values or rights d. Relationship Difficulty (b)

Which of the following describes the idea of "face"?

a. The justification of the actions of others or ourselves b. The ability to recognize the feelings of others and ourselves c. Being brutally honest with another in a conflict no matter the consequences d. How we show ourselves to others based on how we want them to see us; can be positive or negative (d)

List and describe three suggestions to turn a defensive climate into a supportive climate.

-Problem solving rather than control: listening to the other person and suggesting new possibilities instead of insisting things go your way - Equality rather than superiority: allowing the other person to explain their experience & position rather than indicating you are more powerful, smarter, and experienced - Description rather than evaluation: Using neutral and nonblaming language instead of judgmental and evaluating language which leads to defensiveness

What is the best way to help prevent stonewalling?

a) Ask to speak about the problem at a later time b) Distancing yourself from the conflict. c) Tell the other person what they are doing wrong d) Stand your ground and say why your position is the right one (a)

In William Ury's Guest Lecture through a TED Talk he talks a lot about Abraham's Path. Explain what Abraham's Path is in the physical sense and what its significance is in taking a step to solve the conflict in the Middle East.

Abraham's Path in the physical sense is a path that people can walk throughout the Middle East which traces the life of Abraham. It is significant because it essentially connects all of the Middle East together, and Abraham is thought to be the beginning piece in the Middle East. William Ury notes that this is significant because to solve such a large conflict like that of the Middle East, it's important to go back to its roots and figure out where things started. Abraham is this marking point. He is the symbolic 3rd side that we can use to look at the story in the Middle East and walk shoulder to shoulder with others to make headway in the solving the conflict.

Why is preventing destructive conflict considered paradoxical?

Prevention of conflict in communication is paradoxical because it is a naturally occurring process of communication, i.e. it is going to happen no matter what, but we still try to avoid the conflict all together, minimize the conflict or its impact, or redirect the issue or conflict in another direction. In preparation for, or prevention of conflict we can setup or plan a strategy that can either be destructive or constructive

In Hocker & Wilmont, they describe two attachment styles. Describe them and then explain how attachment styles can affect one's life, and why it is important.

The two attachment styles described in the textbook are secure and insecure attachments. With a secure attachment, someone learns in their early life that their caregivers were a reliable source of love and comfort. In their later lives, they tend to have more positive relationships. Insecure attachments are when someone learns in their early life that their caregiver is not a reliable source of love and comfort. In their later lives they tend to have more negative relationships. It is important to understand attachment styles because we develop them when our brains are growing rapidly, and with some of the most important relationships in our lives. This means they have a huge impact on who we perceive ourselves to be and what we perceive love to be. Luckily, attachment styles can change throughout one's life, giving someone with an insecure attachment the chance to find a secure one.

Which of the following definitions is INCORRECT?

a) "Criticism" is verbally attacking someone's personality or character b) "Contempt" is attributing blame to outside sources beyond your control c) "Defensiveness" is victimizing yourself to avoid a perceived attack and reverse them blame d) "Stonewalling" is withdrawing to avoid conflict and convey disapproval, distance, and separation (b)

What is a sentence starter that displays destructive conflict in a martial relationship?

a) "I feel like..." b) "You never do..." c) "It upsets me when..." d) "We should try..." (b)