Deck 10: Managing Interpersonal Conflicts

Question 1

Which of the following is a lose-lose conflict style in which the parties ignore the problem at hand?

A) avoiding
B) accommodating
C) competing
D) aggression

Answer 1

A

Question 2

On Sunday afternoon Jim wants to watch the Grey Cup game but his girlfriend Erin wants to go to her friend's birthday party.Jim is very disappointed and annoyed but he cheerfully goes along with what Erin wants without showing his true feelings to Erin.Which statement best describes this situation?

A) This is a conflict because there is interference.
B) This is a conflict because there are incompatible goals.
C) This is not a conflict because there is no expressed struggle.
D) This is not a conflict because there is no problem of scarce rewards.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Gilles and Sam are business partners sharing a small office.Sam wears a lot of cologne.Gilles has scent allergies and is bothered greatly by Sam's cologne.After some heated discussion,they decide that Sam will only wear cologne on days that Gilles is not in the office.What conflict style have Gilles and Sam used?

A) accommodation
B) compromise
C) win-lose
D) win-win

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which conflict style incorporates a high degree of concern for self and a low degree of concern for others?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 5

Jalla is having dinner at a restaurant.When she receives her meal it is cold.She says nothing because she doesn't want to upset the server.What conflict style is Jalla engaging in?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 6

How do the Inuit settle their conflicts?

A) boycotting trade
B) negotiation
C) poetry contests
D) warfare

Question 7

Which term refers to an approach to conflict resolution in which both parties attain at least part of what they wanted through self-sacrifice?

A) compromising
B) collaborating
C) accommodating
D) agreement

Question 8

Which conflict style incorporates a high degree of concern for others and a low degree of concern for self?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 9

Tyson and Noori are dating.Tyson wants to go to the movies Saturday night but Noori wants him to go with her to her best friend's birthday that night.Tyson goes to the party to make Noori happy but is very disappointed to miss the movie.What conflict style did Tyson use?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 10

When is best to use a competing conflict style?

A) when you discover you are wrong
B) when there isn't enough time to seek a win-win outcome
C) when the issue is very important
D) when this issue is of little importance

Question 11

According to research on marriage and conflict,which statement best describes unhappy married couples?

A) They use egocentric "I" language too much.
B) They disclose too much and don't appreciate boundaries.
C) They confuse empathy and sympathy when communicating.
D) They tend to defend themselves rather than being problem-focused.

Question 12

Mark and Kim are looking to buy a new home.An avid golfer,Mark wants to live close to a golf course; however,Kim wants a home on a lake.They decide to buy a less expensive home close to a golf course and a cottage they can visit on the weekends.What conflict style did they use?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 13

Which term refers to an indirect expression of aggression that occurs when a communicator expresses hostility in an obscure or manipulative way?

A) competing
B) direct aggression
C) passive aggression
D) criticism

Question 14

You're angry that your neighbour's dog always does his business in your yard,so you deposit a collection of droppings on your neighbour's front porch.What conflict style did you demonstrate?

A) accommodating
B) compromise
C) direct aggression
D) passive aggression

Question 15

Your nursing supervisor is upset because you made a mistake.She yells "you are a horrible nurse!" at you.What is this an example of?

A) direct aggression
B) passive aggression
C) competing
D) confronting

Question 16

Which of the following is a win-lose approach to a conflict that seeks to resolve it in one's own way?

A) avoiding
B) accommodating
C) competing
D) aggression

Question 17

Which term refers to a criticism or demand that threatens the face of the person at whom it?is directed?

A) direct competing
B) direct aggression
C) passive aggression
D) passive competing

Question 18

Which statement best describes conflicts in interpersonal relationships?

A) Every relationship has conflict.
B) Stable relationships have little or no conflict.
C) Conflict shows that a relationship is growing.
D) Every relationship with any depth has conflict.

Question 19

A couple goes through a bitter divorce and most of their money is spent on legal fees.What approach to conflict is this an example of?

A) compromise
B) lose-lose
C) win-lose
D) win-win

Question 20

You are upset with your friend Laura because she borrowed your textbook and hasn't returned it.You say negative things about Laura to some mutual friends,and tell them Laura is "undependable." What conflict style did you demonstrate?

A) avoiding
B) direct aggression
C) gossiping
D) passive aggression

Question 21

Which conflict style is most likely to lead to few arguments but a large accumulation of resentments,misunderstandings,and other unresolved problems?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) competing
D) compromising

Question 22

Which conflict style incorporates a high degree of concern for self and for others?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 23

Which term refers to a conflict management style that seeks win-win solutions?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 24

What do the avoiding and accommodating conflict styles have in common?

A) Both have lose-win outcomes.
B) Both have lose-lose outcomes.
C) Both take a nonassertive approach.
D) Both strengthen relationships.

Question 25

What is the most powerful determinant of a person's conflict style?

A) culture
B) gender
C) relational style
D) self-concept

Question 26

Which of the following are "crazymakers?"

A) people who use disguised forms of aggression
B) people who avoid stating what they truly think or feel
C) people who use aggressive behaviour without malicious intent
D) people who use aggressive behaviour to confuse and disturb others

Question 27

What is an example of the guiltmaker category of crazymakers?

A) You slam the cupboard doors because you didn't get your way.
B) You sigh and say "I guess I can help move the couch. I hope it doesn't put out my bad back."
C) You drop hints but don't come out and say what you really want.
D) You tell jokes to avoid the situation.

Question 28

Which of the following is a win-lose conflict style in which the communicator submits to a situation rather than attempting to have his or her needs met?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 29

Beth and Ali are working on a project together for their Child and Youth Worker program.Both Beth and Ali hate doing presentations.As a result,they both want to do the written portion of the project and neither wants to present.After much discussion they decide that Beth will do the research and the presentation and Ali will do the writing.Neither one is pleased with the agreement.What conflict style have they used?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 30

Which conflict styles are generally highly valued in collectivistic societies?

A) accommodating and avoiding
B) accommodating and collaborating
C) accommodating and compromising
D) collaborating and compromising

Question 31

What is valued in low-context cultures?

A) avoiding confrontation
B) direct speech
C) preserving face
D) self-restraint

Question 32

Sometimes people deliver subtle aggressive messages (involving feelings of resentment,anger,or rage that they aren't able or willing to express directly),while maintaining the front of respect.What term does psychologist George Bach use for this behaviour?

A) crazymaking
B) cognitive dissonance
C) deception cues
D) indirect communication

Question 33

Which conflict style is generally the best to use when the other person has more power than you?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 34

Mr.Lee lives in your neighbourhood.He has a widespread reputation for not giving an inch in an argument and he has won every disagreement he has had with other neighbours-and there have been many! You foresee an issue coming up that will put you and Mr.Lee in conflict.According to the text,what conflict style are you least likely to use under these circumstances?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 35

Which statement best describes functional conflict in the workplace?

A) It avoids divisive issues.
B) It minimizes argument of issues.
C) It encourages argument of issues.
D) It focuses more on personalities than issues.

Question 36

Lucia and Pete are nursing students selecting their next placement for their course.There is one student position open on the oncology unit and they both want this placement opportunity.Lucia lets Pete take the position.What conflict style did Lucia demonstrate?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 37

What is a possible problem with using passive aggression?

A) The in-your-face aggression damages the relationship.
B) The short-term pain may not be worth the long-term gain.
C) The object of your subtle, indirect hint may miss the point.
D) It destroys the chance of building any kind of honest relationship.

Question 38

Which conflict style is generally the best to use when a long-term relationship with the other person is important?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) compromising

Question 39

Which conflict style incorporates a low degree of concern for self and for others?

A) accommodating
B) avoiding
C) collaborating
D) competing

Question 40

What is a key concern in high-context cultures?

A) clarity
B) direct speech
C) preserving one's rights
D) preserving the other's face

Question 41

Lavonne is mad at Curt so she intentionally leaves dirty dishes around the house because she knows that upsets him.Which crazymaker is this?

A) the pseudoaccommodator
B) the trivial tyrannizer
C) the trapper
D) the avoider

Question 42

Bethany wants to have a serious conversation with her boyfriend about an issue they are dealing with.Instead of telling Bethany that he doesn't want to talk,Steve tickles her to try and distract her.Which crazymaker is this?

A) the beltliner
B) the joker
C) the avoider
D) the trivial tyrannizer

Question 43

Ivan and Henri once were good friends.Now they are avoiding each other and are drifting apart.What relational conflict style is this situation an example of?

A) complementary
B) divergent
C) parallel
D) symmetrical

Question 44

Boris and Olga have been dating for several years.Olga complains that they don't spend much time together anymore.To avoid the complaining,Boris spends more time with his friends.What relational conflict style are Boris and Olga using?

A) avoidant
B) complementary
C) parallel
D) symmetrical

Question 45

Debora and Carl use different conflict styles depending on the situation they are in.What style does this demonstrate?

A) complementary
B) divergent
C) parallel
D) symmetrical

Question 46

Gerry is mad at his partner,Don,so he decides to give him the silent treatment.Which crazymaker is this?

A) the beltliner
B) the withholder
C) the trapper
D) the Benedict Arnold

Question 47

Simon and David share an apartment strictly for convenience.They don't know each other well and don't see each other often because of their busy schedules.What conflict pattern are they likely to follow?

A) intimate-aggressive
B) intimate-nonaggressive
C) nonintimate-aggressive
D) nonintimate-nonaggressive

Question 48

Which type of conflict style occurs when partners use different but mutually reinforcing behaviours?

A) relational
B) symmetrical
C) complementary
D) parallel

Question 49

You and your partner have a pattern of managing disagreements that repeats itself over time.What term refers to this type of situation?

A) defensive dance
B) personal conflict style
C) relational conflict style
D) metacommunication style

Question 50

Which type of conflict style occurs when both partners use the same tactics?

A) relational
B) symmetrical
C) complementary
D) parallel

Question 51

Which conflict style exhibits the most flexibility?

A) accommodating
B) complementary
C) parallel
D) symmetrical

Question 52

Which type of conflict style occurs when the partners vary from one situation to another?

A) relational
B) symmetrical
C) complementary
D) parallel

Question 53

What should you consider in order to decide what conflict style you should use?

A) the situation, the receiver and your goals
B) the situation, the receiver and their body language
C) the other person's conflict style in relation to your own
D) the personal conflict style you are most comfortable with

Question 54

What is the main advantage of using compromise over the win-win conflict style?

A) Arriving at a compromise usually takes less time and effort.
B) Compromising is a more realistic method of conflict resolution.
C) In arriving at a compromise, all of the goals of both parties are satisfied.
D) In arriving at a compromise, no substantial sacrifices of goals need to be made.

Question 55

What is the difference between compromise and the win-win conflict style?

A) Arriving at a compromise usually takes more effort.
B) In a compromise, both sides must sacrifice some of their goals.
C) In a win-win negotiation, both sides get some of their essential goals met.
D) A win-win usually takes more effort.

Question 56

What have complementary and symmetrical conflict styles been shown to produce in marital research?

A) a mixture of positive and negative results
B) more reconciled marriages following conflicts
C) more de-escalatory conflict spirals leading to separation
D) a greater percentage of divorces that are settled amicably

Question 57

Craig asks Heather if she can clean up after herself in the bathroom.Heather agrees but continues to knowingly make a mess.Which crazymaker is this?

A) the pseudoaccommodator
B) the withholder
C) the trapper
D) the Benedict Arnold

Question 58

Mayra wants her son Marty to come over for dinner; however,Marty is busy with work.Mayra sighs and says "Ok,fine.Don't worry about me,I'll just eat alone like I do every other night." Which crazymaker is this?

A) the pseudoaccommodator
B) the trivial tyrannizer
C) the trapper
D) the guiltmaker

Question 59

Margaret needs to talk to Matthew about an issue; however,Matthew pretends to be asleep when she calls.Which crazymaker is this?

A) the pseudoaccommodator
B) the withholder
C) the trapper
D) the avoider

Question 60

Anne is upset with her husband,Bill.She knows how sensitive he is about his weight so,to get back at him,Anne makes a rude comment about his weight.Which crazymaker is this?

A) the beltliner
B) the withholder
C) the trapper
D) the Benedict Arnold

Question 61

What have studies of different cultures and conflict styles revealed?

A) Assertiveness is valued worldwide.
B) Assertiveness is undesirable in collectivist cultures.
C) Individualistic cultures are less assertive than collective ones.
D) North Americans avoid confrontation more than other cultures studied.

Question 62

Bill,a policing supervisor,often flies into a rage and yells at his subordinates.Afterwards,he feels guilty and overcompensates by being extra nice.What is Bill demonstrating?

A) a conflict spiral
B) a conflict ritual
C) aggressive conflict
D) non-aggressive conflict

Question 63

Nicole and Paula are arguing about the best way to meet at tight deadline at work.Nicole takes a moment to think about why Paula considers her own approach to be best.Which constructive conflict skill is Nicole using?

A) Identify your problem and unmet needs.
B) Describe your problem and needs.
C) Consider your partner's point of view.
D) Negotiate a solution.

Question 64

According to communication researcher Mary Ann Fitzpatrick,which type of couple had the most effective communication in their relationships?

A) independents
B) intimates
C) separates
D) traditionals

Question 65

Which characteristic is found more often in women than men in conflict situations?

A) aggressive
B) assertive
C) demanding
D) manipulative

Question 66

Which style is similar to Fitzpatrick's "traditional" couples?

A) intimate-aggressive
B) intimate-nonaggressive
C) nonintimate-aggressive
D) nonintimate-nonaggressive

Question 67

Céline and Trudy work on the same team and frequently have sharp disagreements over how projects should be conducted.Each finds reassurance in getting the other's support,and they enjoy having lunch together several times a week.What conflict pattern do they use?

A) intimate-aggressive
B) intimate-nonaggressive
C) nonintimate-aggressive
D) nonintimate-nonaggressive

Question 68

Which communication skill is best suited for describing your problem and needs in the win-win negotiation process?

A) assertive message format
B) I-language
C) metacommunication
D) paraphrasing

Question 69

Why is win-win negotiation seldom used?

A) It requires at least one willing, cooperative party.
B) Emotional reactions prevent constructive solutions.
C) People are overly-familiar with it and don't take it seriously.
D) It can be very time consuming.

Question 70

Steve and Tam have been arguing about who will stay late to fill out the policing report that needs to be completed before they can end their work day.Steve says to Tam "I'll complete the report this time if you stay late to complete the report the next time this happens." What constructive conflict skill is Steve using?

A) Identify your problem and unmet needs.
B) Describe your problem and needs.
C) Consider your partner's point of view.
D) Negotiate a solution.

Question 71

Why can win-win negotiation be considered a positive way of handling conflict?

A) It guarantees that your demands will be met.
B) It allows for spontaneous expression of feelings.
C) It forces one partner to come to see the other's needs.
D) It allows for clear expression of differences and wants.

Question 72

In a survey of the views about conflict in college men and women,how were women viewed in comparison to men?

A) They were more ego-involved in the conflict.
B) They were more interested in the content of the conflict.
C) They were more concerned with maintaining the relationship during a conflict.
D) They were more concerned with gaining and maintaining power in the conflict.

Question 73

What is the value of a "Vesuvius," or an uncontrolled emotional outburst?

A) It is sometimes therapeutic when you feel it's impossible to be rational.
B) It is a good first step to solving conflict because it provides motivation for the process.
C) It is an effective way of eliminating defensive behaviours by "clearing the air."
D) It is one way to ensure that your partner will listen to you and take your concerns seriously.

Question 74

Ming is originally from South Korea.Because of her cultural background,which behaviour is she likely to engage in when confronted with conflict?

A) a heated argument
B) a calm discussion about the issue at hand
C) dropping hints in order to avoid embarrassing the other person
D) avoiding the situation altogether

Question 75

What is the first step in the win-win conflict approach?

A) Make a date.
B) Identify the unmet problem or need.
C) Describe the problem or need.
D) Consider the other person's point of view.

Question 76

Miguel has recently relocated to Canada.He is struggling with a new language,new customs,and being away from most of his extended family.Additionally,his children are also struggling and repeatedly tell their father that they want to go home.As a result of this stress he gets into an argument with a colleague at work.What is Miguel struggling with?

A) immigrant syndrome
B) difference in culture and communication
C) dysfunctional conflict
D) functional conflict

Question 77

Chang says to his wife,"Sure,I'd love to wash the dishes," with a sarcastic tone of voice.What conflict pattern is he using?

A) intimate-aggressive
B) intimate-nonaggressive
C) nonintimate-aggressive
D) nonintimate-nonaggressive

Question 78

What are conflict rituals?

A) destructive ways of dealing with conflict
B) intentional patterns of behaviour that reduce conflict
C) unacknowledged repeating patterns of dealing with conflict
D) structured methods for resolving conflict accepted by both parties

Question 79

Tara is leading a discussion on terms of reference for a committee she is on at work.There is significant disagreement amongst the committee members on what should be in the terms of reference.What is this an example of?

A) dysfunctional conflict
B) functional conflict
C) conflict rituals
D) symmetrical conflict

Question 80

According to research,which statement best describes the differences between the behaviour of men and women in conflict situations?

A) The differences are insignificant.
B) The differences are small.
C) The differences are substantial.
D) The differences strongly support traditional gender stereotypes.