Question 1

A conflict can exist even if the parties in conflict are not dependent on each other.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

The text says that "stopping and counting to ten" applies to win-win problem solving.

Accepted Answer

The text states, "The stopping and counting to ten technique can also be helpful in win-win problem solving."

Question 3

One key to the win-win approach to conflict resolution is to look for the single best solution at the beginning of your conversation.

Accepted Answer

The key to the win-win approach to conflict resolution is to look for multiple options or solutions, rather than just one, at the beginning of the conversation. This allows for a collaborative and creative approach to finding the best possible outcome for all parties involved.

Question 4

Some scholars assert that conflict style is often determined simply by a person's biological makeup.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some scholars assert that conflict style is...

Question 5

When people express hostility in obscure ways, "passive aggression" occurs.

Accepted Answer

Passive aggression refers to expressing hostility indirectly, often by being subtle or obscure, rather than through direct confrontation.

Question 6

An avoiding conflict style reflects the belief that there is no good way to resolve the conflict at hand.

Accepted Answer

An avoiding conflict style is characterized by a belief that the conflict cannot be resolved in a positive way, so the individual chooses not to engage in the conflict or to withdraw from it.

Question 7

The win-win approach to conflict resolution requires parties to reach a solution through compromise.

Accepted Answer

The win-win approach to conflict resolution focuses on finding a solution that fully satisfies the needs and interests of all parties involved, rather than through compromise, which often involves each party giving something up.

Question 8

Direct aggression is described as physical attacks and swearing, but does not include teasing or nonverbal gestures.

Accepted Answer

Direct aggression includes physical attacks and verbal aggression, such as swearing, as well as nonverbal gestures and teasing.

Question 9

Destructive fights often start because the initiator confronts a partner who isn't ready for a confrontation.

Accepted Answer

When one partner is not ready or willing to engage in a confrontation, the initiator may become frustrated or angry and escalate the situation, leading to a destructive fight. It is important to consider timing and approach when initiating a difficult conversation with a partner.

Question 10

Interdependence must exist between two parties in order for a conflict to exist.

Accepted Answer

Interdependence refers to a situation where two or more parties rely on each other to achieve their respective goals. If there is no interdependence between parties, then there is no potential for a conflict to arise. Therefore, interdependence is a necessary condition for conflict to exist.

Question 11

Avoidance is never an effective conflict style to choose.

Accepted Answer

Avoidance can be an effective conflict style in situations where the issue is minor, the relationship is not a priority, or when cooling off periods are needed, indicating that it is not universally ineffective.

Question 12

Research has shown that strong marriages manage conflict in constructive ways.

Accepted Answer

Research studies have consistently found that couples who have strong and long-lasting marriages typically handle conflicts in positive and constructive ways, such as active listening, expressing empathy, compromising, and problem-solving together. This communication style fosters greater trust, closeness, and emotional intimacy, which are key ingredients for a happy and fulfilling marriage. On the other hand, marriages that exhibit negative conflict patterns, such as criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt, are more likely to experience conflicts that escalate and damage the relationship. Therefore, it is crucial for partners to learn and practice effective conflict resolution skills to strengthen and maintain their marriage over time.

Question 13

As long as one person in the relationship is aware of the disagreement, a conflict exists.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As long as one person in the...

Question 14

Gender is the most important variable in determining conflict style.

Accepted Answer

While gender can have an impact on conflict style, it is not the most important variable. Other factors such as culture, personality, and communication style can also play a significant role.

Question 15

In high-context, collectivist countries, avoidance and accommodation are considered positive, appropriate ways to handle conflict.

Accepted Answer

In high-context, collectivist cultures, interpersonal harmony is highly valued and conflict is seen as disruptive to social relationships. Therefore, avoiding or accommodating conflict is seen as positive and appropriate, as it preserves social harmony and maintains relationships.

Question 16

With enough skill you should be able to use win-win problem solving successfully in almost any conflict.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With enough skill you should be able...

Question 17

College students who kept diaries of their relationships reported that they took part in about 10 arguments per week.

Accepted Answer

Studies on college students and their relationship dynamics do not support the claim that they report engaging in as many as 10 arguments per week. The frequency of arguments varies widely among individuals and relationships, and such a high number is not typical for the average reported data.

Question 18

The situation at hand and the behavior of the other person in the conflict are more powerful determinants of a person's conflict style than gender.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that situational factors and the behavior of the other person in a conflict have a greater impact on a person's conflict style than their gender. While gender may influence certain patterns of behavior, it is not a reliable predictor of conflict style in isolation.

Question 19

A conflict can exist only when both parties are aware of a disagreement.

Accepted Answer

A conflict cannot exist if one party is not aware there is a disagreement, as they would not be actively engaged in the conflict.

Question 20

A full-fledged conflict will not occur unless the individuals involved try to prevent one another from achieving their goals.

Accepted Answer

Conflict occurs when there is an obstacle in the way of someone achieving their goal and when this obstacle is perceived as intentional or originating from another person or group. Without this element, a full-fledged conflict is less likely to occur.

Quiz 11: Managing Interpersonal Conflicts