Deck 10: Managing Interpersonal Conflicts

Question 1

Two people arguing with each other is an example of the symmetrical conflict style.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

People expressing their hostility in obscure, subtle, indirect ways, is called "passive aggression."

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Research shows a substantial difference between how males and females handle conflict.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

The win-win approach is too elaborate to be effective.

Question 5

Conflict can strengthen satisfaction in relationships.

Question 6

Direct aggression and passive aggression are two forms of the competing conflict style.

Question 7

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

Question 8

Research cited in the text states that strong marriages are characterized by constructive expressions of conflict, among other things.

Question 9

Collaborating is the ideal approach to conflict because it seeks a win-win solution.

Question 10

Win-win solutions to conflicts are nearly impossible.

Question 11

Accommodating is a lose-lose conflict style in which the parties ignore the problem at hand.

Question 12

A boss flies into a rage when the pressure builds at work. Recognizing this, employees avoid him as much as possible. When the crisis is over, the boss compensates by being especially receptive to employee requests. This is an example of a conflict ritual.

Question 13

Assertive behaviour is considered rude and insensitive in collectivistic cultures.

Question 14

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

Question 15

Pseudoaccommodators pretend to give in, in a conflict situation, and then continue to act in the same way.

Question 16

Avoidance is never an effective way to deal with conflict.

Question 17

The complementary conflict style shifts between the parallel and symmetric styles depending on the issue.

Question 18

Two parties in conflict are usually interdependent in some way.

Question 19

Dysfunctional conflict in the workplace is linked to stress on the job.

Question 20

Anastasia wants her daughters to grow up to possess collaborating conflict strategy skills, which she believes will help them lead successful lives. To support these skills, Anastasia often asks her daughters when they are arguing, "Have you listened to each other's concerns so you can resolve it in the best possible manner?" This question supports the collaborating conflict strategy.

Question 21

Your relational conflict style is similar to your personal conflict style.

Question 22

Patricia prides herself on her ability to uphold her solutions to a problem, while also firmly defending her side of an issue. Patricia has an accommodating conflict strategy.

Question 23

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

Question 24

Conflict in relationships is stressful and destructive, and should be avoided if possible.

Question 25

Jackson leads his company with pride and determination. During staff meetings he instructs his staff to avoid discussing differences with each other and instead try to keep conflict with others to themselves. This is an avoiding conflict strategy.

Question 26

A compromise is just as satisfying as a win-win solution.

Question 27

Destructive fights often start because the initiator confronts a partner who isn't ready to face the conflict.

Question 28

In collaboration, you find a creative way to satisfy both parties.

Question 29

In the Mi'kmaq Aboriginal culture, conflict is rarely displayed.

Question 30

Studies of children from preschool to early adolescence show that boys try to get their way by ordering one another around.

Question 31

A competing conflict style is effective when you discover you are wrong about something.

Question 32

Avoidance and accommodation are both forms of nonassertive behaviour.

Question 33

Aggressive statements are sometimes appropriate when dealing with moral violations.

Question 34

Self-concept is a more powerful determinant of conflict style than is culture.

Question 35

Stable relationships have little or no conflict.

Question 36

Lisa is upset with her friend Becky; however, Lisa doesn't want to upset Becky, so she decides not to say anything. Lisa is using the avoiding conflict style.

Question 37

A conflict ritual is an unacknowledged repeating pattern of interlocking behaviour used by participants in a conflict.

Question 38

The parallel conflict style is a relational conflict style in which the approach of the partners varies from one situation to another.

Question 39

Collaborating seeks a win-win solution and collaborators demonstrate a high degree of concern for themselves and others.

Question 40

Handling conflict collaboratively guarantees that you'll get what you want.

Question 41

Direct aggression can result in decreased effectiveness in personal relationships, on the job, and in families.

Question 42

A competing conflict style is effective when the other person is not willing to cooperate.

Question 43

Lucy 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. Lucy lets Pete take the position. What conflict style did Lucy demonstrate?

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

Question 44

Melissa is angry at her girlfriend, Carrie, so she decides not to clean up after herself because she knows this annoys Carrie. This is an example of the gunnysacker category of crazymakers.

Question 45

You and your parents 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 46

You should use the compromising conflict style when the issue is of little importance.

Question 47

University students have an average of seven arguments per week.
Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

Question 48

Which behaviour describes 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 want.
D)You tell jokes to avoid the situation.

Question 49

John Gottman studied recently wed couples and determined there were four destructive conflict styles. Which style would involve eye rolling?

A)criticism
B)stonewalling
C)contempt
D)defensiveness

Question 50

In win-win communication skills, it's important to request specific change from your partner as early as possible in the conflict.

Question 51

People compete when they see a situation as an "either or."

Question 52

According to a research study in your textbook, conflicts exist during family dinner conversations. Which of the following describes the frequency of conflicts during dinner for the 52 families in this study?

A)an average of 1.3 "conflict episodes" per meal
B)an average of 2.3 "conflict episodes" per meal
C)an average of 3.3 "conflict episodes" per meal
D)an average of 4.3 "conflict episodes" per meal

Question 53

Passive aggression is less damaging than direct aggression.

Question 54

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 distract her. Which crazymaker is this?

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

Question 55

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

Question 56

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 57

The assertive approach is accepted across most cultures as being the best way of dealing with conflict.

Question 58

Happy couples view conflict as unhealthy and keep arguments to a minimum.

Question 59

Céline and Trudy play on the same soccer team and frequently have angry disagreements over strategies. One day, after Céline passes the soccer ball to Trudy, Celine yells out and calls Trudy a loser. What destructive conflict pattern was used?

A)criticism
B)stonewalling
C)contempt
D)defensiveness

Question 60

What should you consider 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 61

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 62

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

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

Question 63

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 64

Sarah is annoyed at Curt so she deliberately 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 65

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 66

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 67

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 68

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 69

Heather and Lisa are working together on a school project. They both dislike 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 Heather will do the presentation and Lisa will do the research and writing. Neither one is pleased with the agreement. What conflict style have they used?

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

Question 70

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 71

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 72

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 73

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.

Question 74

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

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

Question 75

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

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

Question 76

When is it 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 the issue is not important enough to negotiate at length

Question 77

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 78

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 workday. 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 79

Mathew had to stop cutting his grass because his neighbour, Ayesha, was hosting a backyard party. Mathew is frustrated because this is his only day off to take care of his yard work. Ayesha notices this and walks over and informs Mathew that her entire party will be gone within the hour. Which characteristic of a conflict does Ayesha's action represent?

A)perceived incompatible goals
B)expressed struggle
C)interference from the other party
D)perceived scarce resources

Question 80

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