Activities

1. To enrich your understanding of the chapter, check out:

   LearningCurve for adaptive quizzing for the chapter.

   The “Browse Resources for this Unit” tab to view videos illustrating key concepts.

2. Question

   The engagement in and resolution of interpersonal conflict are often key factors in romantic comedies (like Life as We Know It and When Harry Met Sally), as well as in buddy-driven action films (such as Shanghai Noon and The Other Guys). Try watching such a film, and pay attention to the way in which the principal characters engage in conflict with one another. How does their conflict management lead to relationship growth?

   The engagement in and resolution of interpersonal conflict are often key factors in romantic comedies (like Life as We Know It and When Harry Met Sally), as well as in buddy-driven action films (such as Shanghai Noon and The Other Guys). Try watching such a film, and pay attention to the way in which the principal characters engage in conflict with one another. How does their conflict management lead to relationship growth?

3. Question

   For an interesting look at conflict and debate, you need not search further than the U.S. Congress. Debates on the floor of the Senate and House of Representatives are broadcast on C-SPAN and provide an interesting glimpse into the way that conflict and argument shape new laws and policy. In addition to observing how this process works, pay attention to the way that strict rules regarding time and etiquette keep the debate relatively diplomatic. For a comparison of rules in the House and Senate, go to http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30945.pdf. Discuss your findings.

   For an interesting look at conflict and debate, you need not search further than the U.S. Congress. Debates on the floor of the Senate and House of Representatives are broadcast on C-SPAN and provide an interesting glimpse into the way that conflict and argument shape new laws and policy. In addition to observing how this process works, pay attention to the way that strict rules regarding time and etiquette keep the debate relatively diplomatic. For a comparison of rules in the House and Senate, go to http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30945.pdf. Discuss your findings.

4. Question

   Read the advice column in your daily paper or an online magazine. Bearing in mind what you’ve read in this chapter, consider the nature of the interpersonal conflicts discussed. What are the precursors to the conflicts? What kinds of tactics does the columnist suggest using to manage and resolve the disagreements?

5. Question

   This week, if you have a disagreement with a friend, roommate, romantic partner, family member, or boss, identify one change you could make to manage and resolve the conflict more productively. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Look for a broader range of promising solutions to your disagreement? Apologize or forgive?

   This week, if you have a disagreement with a friend, roommate, romantic partner, family member, or boss, identify one change you could make to manage and resolve the conflict more productively. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Look for a broader range of promising solutions to your disagreement? Apologize or forgive?