Deck 8: Conflict Management Skills

Question 1

Conflict that helps build new insights and establishes new patterns in a relationship is

A) destructive conflict.
B) instrumental conflict.
C) constructive conflict.
D) simple conflict.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an example of interpersonal conflict?

A) a couple disagreeing about whether or not to get a dog
B) roommates arguing over whose turn it is to clean the bathroom
C) a driver who is angry at another driver who cut him off in traffic
D) a boss frustrated with an employee who takes too many sick days

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Management of the conflict occurs during the

A) frustration awareness stage.
B) follow-up stage.
C) resolution stage.
D) prior condition stage.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Entitlement and fairness are

A) two of the biggest conflict triggers.
B) stages in the conflict process.
C) types of interpersonal conflict.
D) points on the struggle spectrum.

Question 5

Becoming aware of differences is which stage of conflict?

A) frustration awareness
B) active conflict
C) prior conditions
D) resolution

Question 6

During the active conflict stage

A) partners begin seeking ways to manage the conflict.
B) partners monitor whether they are both satisfied with the resolution.
C) partners become aware that differences are problematic.
D) partners communicate with each other about their frustrations.

Question 7

Interpersonal conflict is defined as

A) a struggle focusing on issues about the quality of a relationship.
B) a struggle that occurs when two people cannot agree on a way to meet their needs.
C) a struggle that centres on achieving a particular goal or task.
D) a struggle that stems from different ideas, perceptions, or goals.

Question 8

During the follow-up stage of conflict

A) partners become frustrated and angry over a conflict.
B) partners communicate with each other regarding differences.
C) partners seek ways to manage the conflict.
D) partners confirm their satisfaction with the resolution.

Question 9

Constructive conflict

A) reflects a lack of flexibility in responding to others.
B) blocks off options for managing differences.
C) demonstrates that the airing of differences can lead to a more satisfying relationship.
D) makes "win-win" solutions more elusive.

Question 10

The first phase in the conflict process occurs when

A) you view differences as problematic and become frustrated.
B) you begin seeking ways to manage conflict.
C) you become aware that there are differences between you and another person.
D) you communicate with another person about your differences.

Question 11

An expressed struggle indicates which stage of conflict?

A) prior condition stage
B) frustration awareness stage
C) active conflict stage
D) resolution stage

Question 12

Frustration awareness occurs in which of the following stages of a conflict?

A) source
B) beginning
C) middle
D) end

Question 13

People in a stable romantic relationship experience conflict approximately

A) once a day.
B) once a week.
C) twice a week.
D) twice a month.

Question 14

Partners check with each other to monitor satisfaction with the resolution during the

A) resolution stage.
B) frustration awareness stage.
C) follow-up stage.
D) active conflict stage.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT one of Hocker and Wilmot's elements of interpersonal conflict?

A) an expressed struggle
B) incompatible goals
C) specific goals
D) misunderstanding

Question 16

Which of the following could be a cause of the frustration awareness stage of conflict?

A) A partner becomes aware of the differences between him or her and the other partner.
B) Recognized differences in a relationship interfere with one partner's goals.
C) A partner brings his or her frustration to the other partner.
D) Partners try to manage the conflict.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the perspective of a destructive conflict?

A) win-lose
B) win-win
C) lose-lose
D) constructive-destructive

Question 18

Awareness that differences are becoming increasingly problematic occurs during which stage?

A) resolution stage
B) frustration awareness stage
C) prior conditions stage
D) active conflict stage

Question 19

Which statement regarding conflict is accurate?

A) Eventually all relationships experience conflict.
B) Only de-escalating relationships experience conflict.
C) Stable relationships do not experience conflict.
D) Escalating relationships are most likely to experience conflict.

Question 20

During the resolution stage of conflict

A) partners try to manage the conflict.
B) partners monitor whether they are satisfied with the resolution.
C) partners engage in an expressed struggle.
D) partners become aware that differences between them exist.

Question 21

It is a myth that conflicts can always be resolved because

A) some conflicts are so intense that individuals may have to agree to disagree.
B) conflict is a healthy component of our relationships.
C) conflict is a normal and productive part of group interaction.
D) sometimes partners have different needs or goals.

Question 22

Power,social issues,personal flaws,distrust,intimacy,and personal distance are examples of

A) destructive conflict.
B) conflict myths.
C) conflict triggers.
D) dialectical tensions.

Question 23

Pseudo-conflict occurs when

A) partners miss the meaning in a message.
B) partners disagree over the choice of action to achieve their goals.
C) partners have extremely different degrees of power.
D) partners feel personally attacked.

Question 24

Pseudo,simple,and ego are

A) the types of cultures in which people conflict.
B) the stages of cooperative conflict management.
C) the categories within which most types of conflict fit.
D) the types of power that partners bring to a conflict.

Question 25

During ego conflict

A) partners have inaccurate assumptions about conflict procedures.
B) partners misunderstand each other.
C) partners feel personally attacked.
D) partners disagree on the way to meet goals.

Question 26

It is a myth that conflict always occurs because of misunderstandings because

A) conflict arises in virtually all relationships.
B) disagreements might be so intense that partners have to live with them.
C) sometimes individuals have different needs or goals.
D) conflict is a healthy part of a relationship.

Question 27

Checking your perceptions,listening between the lines,and establishing a supporting climate are methods to minimize the occurrence of which kind of conflict?

A) simple conflict
B) ego conflict
C) complex conflict
D) pseudo-conflict

Question 28

Conflicts arising from differences in partners' goals or needs refutes the myth that

A) conflict is a sign of a poor interpersonal relationship.
B) conflict can always be resolved.
C) conflict can always be avoided.
D) conflict always occurs because of a misunderstanding.

Question 29

The belief that conflict in an interpersonal relationship means that the relationship is doomed is an example of the myth that

A) conflict always occurs because of a misunderstanding.
B) conflict is always a signal of a poor interpersonal relationship.
C) conflict can always be avoided.
D) conflict is always bad and can be resolved.

Question 30

In which of the following situations is a conflict the LEAST likely to arise?

A) at the beginning of a vacation
B) on Friday after work
C) after several drinks
D) at the beginning of the week

Question 31

Some disagreements are so intense and the perception of partners are so fixed it becomes a myth to say that

A) conflicts can always be resolved.
B) conflicts can always be avoided.
C) conflicts are a sign of a poor interpersonal relationship.
D) conflicts are always bad.

Question 32

Simple conflict occurs

A) when individuals feel personally attacked.
B) when partners have inaccurate assumptions about conflict procedures.
C) when individuals misunderstand each other.
D) when partners disagree over ideas, definitions, perceptions, or goals.

Question 33

It is a myth that conflict can always be avoided because

A) evidence suggests conflict arises in virtually every relationship.
B) there are times when individuals have different goals.
C) disagreements do not necessarily indicate a relationship is in trouble.
D) some individuals have to agree to disagree.

Question 34

To unravel a simple conflict,partners should

A) keep the conversation focused on relevant issues rather than personalities.
B) refrain from personally attacking each other and take time to cool off.
C) learn the proper way to cooperatively manage an interpersonal conflict.
D) listen carefully and test their understanding of the message with questions and feedback.

Question 35

A dialectical tension stems from

A) conflict myths.
B) entitlement.
C) interpersonal conflict.
D) people's need for two things at the same time.

Question 36

Conflicts stemming from differences in ideas,definitions,perceptions,or goals are

A) mythical conflicts.
B) simple conflicts.
C) ego conflicts.
D) pseudo-conflicts.

Question 37

Yakov wants to sit in his easy chair and listen to his music,loudly.Sven,his roommate,needs some quiet time to study for a major exam the next day.If Yakov listens to his music,Sven won't be able to study.What kind of conflict does this situation reflect?

A) simple conflict
B) pseudo-conflict
C) ego conflict
D) complex conflict

Question 38

The belief that we should eliminate conflict from our relationships reflects the myth that

A) conflict should always be avoided.
B) conflict always occurs because of a misunderstanding.
C) conflict can always be resolved.
D) conflict is always a sign of a poor interpersonal relationship.

Question 39

How can pseudo-conflict be kept from escalating?

A) Partners can engage in perception checking and observe nonverbal cues.
B) Partners should listen and ask questions and give feedback to test understanding.
C) Partners should keep the conversation focused on relevant issues.
D) Partners should refrain from hurling personal attacks and take time to cool off.

Question 40

When individuals feel personally attacked,which type of conflict is occurring?

A) ego conflict
B) simple conflict
C) pseudo-conflict
D) power conflict

Question 41

The first step toward negotiating a satisfactory balance of power is the

A) discussion of power issues.
B) assessment of needs.
C) identification of power-based conflicts.
D) collaboration.

Question 42

A way to deal with ego conflict is to

A) listen well and use questions and feedback to test understanding of the message.
B) use compliance gaining techniques to influence each other.
C) keep the conversation focused on the issue to avoid a battle of personalities.
D) take turns expressing feelings without interrupting, then cool off.

Question 43

Compliance gaining is

A) managing conflict by finding the middle ground.
B) taking persuasive actions to get others to comply with our goals.
C) a negotiation strategy.
D) a sign of a poor interpersonal relationship.

Question 44

As a child,you were very dependent on your parents; as you got older,you became less dependent on them.This is an example of the principle that

A) power is negotiated.
B) power is circumstantial.
C) power exists in all relationships.
D) both people in a relationship have some power.

Question 45

A conflict style that involves backing off,distracting,or sidestepping the conflict is

A) collaborative style.
B) avoidance style.
C) competitive style.
D) accommodation style.

Question 46

Which of the following best describes the demand-withdrawal pattern?

A) The parent makes a pointed request, and the teenager responds by changing the subject.
B) The parent makes a pointed request, and the teenager responds competitively.
C) The parent makes a pointed request, and the teenager responds accommodatingly.
D) The parent makes a pointed request, and the teenager responds collaboratively.

Question 47

A lose-lose approach to conflict is characterized by

A) sidestepping confrontation.
B) trying to please.
C) giving up something to get something.
D) blaming or seeking a scapegoat.

Question 48

Accommodation might be used as a response to conflict because

A) the partner hopes the problem will go away.
B) the partner refuses to be provoked.
C) the partner is extremely uncomfortable with conflict.
D) the partner fears rejection if he or she rocks the boat.

Question 49

Our personality,our conflict partner,and situational factors such as time and place of the conflict all influence

A) the conflict management style we choose.
B) the type of power we display.
C) the interpersonal communication skills we choose.
D) the type of conflict we engage in.

Question 50

An attempt to manage conflict by giving into the demands is

A) accommodating.
B) withdrawing.
C) computing.
D) distracting.

Question 51

"It's not my problem," would be a response from an individual who uses which conflict management style?

A) avoidance
B) compromise
C) collaboration
D) competition

Question 52

Before you ask your parents to lend you money,you clean the house and make them dinner.This is an example of

A) compliance gaining.
B) a dependent relationship.
C) circumstantial power.
D) avoidance.

Question 53

The "back story" to conflict is often

A) power issues.
B) misunderstanding.
C) frustration.
D) miscommunication.

Question 54

The degree to which a person is able to influence or control his or her relational partner is called

A) interpersonal persuasion.
B) interpersonal power.
C) interpersonal conflict.
D) interpersonal communication.

Question 55

Which conflict management style appears to be other-oriented?

A) accommodating
B) withdrawing
C) computing
D) distracting

Question 56

Individuals who are so uncomfortable with conflict that they completely avoid it are characterized by

A) a fear of rejection.
B) an attempt to avoid stress.
C) producing a "pseudo-solution."
D) appearing uninterested in meeting the needs of the other person involved in the disagreement.

Question 57

The notion that mutual influence is an essential element of relating to others supports the principle that

A) power is circumstantial.
B) power is negotiated.
C) power exists in all relationships.
D) both people in a relationship have power.

Question 58

Which of the following is NOT true of a dependent relationship?

A) One person has a greater need for the partner to satisfy his or her needs.
B) The more we depend on one person to satisfy our needs, the more power that person has over us.
C) There is an imbalance of power.
D) Both individuals have equal need.

Question 59

Examining your relationship for recurring patterns of conflict is a component of

A) discussing power issues.
B) assessing your needs.
C) identifying power-based conflicts.
D) compliance-gaining.

Question 60

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

A) Conflict in interpersonal relationships can be constructive.
B) Constant bickering and sniping in a relationship is a sign of a healthy relationship.
C) Conflict is a normal part of any interpersonal relationship.
D) Conflict doesn't mean that the relationship is doomed.

Question 61

When you plan your message,you might consider

A) supporting verbal messages with nonverbal behaviours.
B) identifying your goal and determining what outcome you would like.
C) giving yourself a cooling-off period.
D) engaging in self-talk.

Question 62

Selecting a mutually acceptable time and place to discuss a conflict,planning your message,and avoiding personal attacks and name calling are all ways to

A) manage the problem.
B) manage information.
C) manage emotions.
D) manage goals.

Question 63

The approach to conflict that may produce a "pseudo-solution" is

A) accommodation.
B) competition.
C) avoidance.
D) collaboration.

Question 64

You can signal that you wish to collaborate rather than control by

A) writing out the key ideas you want to discuss ahead of time.
B) arranging a mutually agreeable time and place to discuss the conflict.
C) speaking calmly, using direct eye contact, and maintaining a natural facial expression.
D) identifying your goal and the outcome you'd like.

Question 65

Identifying your goal and the type of outcome you would like is a way to

A) plan your message.
B) avoid emotional overstatement.
C) use self-talk.
D) monitor nonverbal messages.

Question 66

Establishing standards for an acceptable solution to a problem involves

A) basing decisions on objective criteria.
B) separating people from the problem.
C) generating many options to solve the problem.
D) emphasizing common interests, values, and goals.

Question 67

Where does competition fit on the scales of concern for self and concern for others?

A) high concern for self, high concern for others
B) high concern for self, low concern for others
C) low concern for self, high concern for others
D) low concern for self, low concern for others

Question 68

A competition style of conflict is motivated by a desire to

A) withdraw.
B) win.
C) negotiate.
D) compromise.

Question 69

When partners in conflict work to separate people from the problem they

A) describe problems without making judgmental statements.
B) establish standards for an acceptable solution.
C) use brainstorming to generate solutions.
D) emphasize common interests and values.

Question 70

Generating many options to solve a problem is accomplished through

A) separating personal grievances from the discussion.
B) establishing standards for an acceptable solution.
C) emphasizing common goals.
D) brainstorming and other techniques.

Question 71

A simple conflict can turn into an ego conflict when

A) threats and derogatory names are used.
B) the other person is not emotionally ready to discuss the conflict.
C) your nonverbal behaviours do not support your verbal messages.
D) you use "I" language to describe your feelings.

Question 72

Individuals who take a win-lose approach to conflict are

A) competitive.
B) non-confrontational.
C) cooperative.
D) constructive.

Question 73

A lose/win-lose/win approach to conflict is characterized by which conflict management style?

A) avoidance
B) competition
C) collaboration
D) compromise

Question 74

Asking questions such as "What do we both want?" and "Where are we already agreeing?" are ways that partners who use a collaborative conflict style

A) generate many options to solve the problem.
B) focus on shared interests.
C) base decisions on objective criteria.
D) separate people from the problem.

Question 75

Individuals who seek solutions that somewhat meet the needs of all concerned are

A) controlling.
B) non-confrontational.
C) compromising.
D) constructive.

Question 76

When partners in conflict focus on shared interests,they

A) try to establish standards for an acceptable solution.
B) use problem-solving techniques to generate a solution.
C) emphasize common interests, values, and goals.
D) avoid evaluative statements about their personalities.

Question 77

When you make sure that the person with whom you are involved in a conflict is ready to receive you and your message,you are managing

A) emotions.
B) problems.
C) information.
D) goals.

Question 78

Gunny-sacking occurs when

A) you dredge up old problems and issues from the past.
B) you attempt to dominate the other person verbally.
C) you withdraw from the conflict.
D) you seek to avoid the conflict.

Question 79

The collaboration approach to conflict leaves personal grievances out of a discussion by

A) generating many options to solve problems.
B) basing decisions on objective criteria.
C) focusing on shared interests.
D) separating people from the problem.

Question 80

In which of the following situations would the collaborative approach NOT be the best solution?

A) When those on all sides need some new, fresh ideas.
B) When all parties are committed to solving the problem.
C) When a solution is needed quickly.
D) When you wish to consider the feelings and needs of all involved.