COMM 450 CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
AND NEGOTIATION MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026-2027
Chapter 1-Conflict-definition- 5 requirements - correct answer-expressed struggle-
1 between at least two interdependent parties-2, who perceive incompatible goals-3-scarce resources-
4, and interference from others in achieving their goals-5
Chapter 1-Interpersonal conflict-definition - correct answer-definition-conflict between two people
Chapter 1-Interdependence-definition - correct answer-Chapter 1-definition-Dependent on each other.
- correct answer-
Chapter 1-Defensive climates-requirements - correct answer-Chapter 1-definition-
evaluation vs description, control vs problem solving, strategy vs spontaneity, neutrality vs empathy, su
periority vs equality, certainty vs provisionalism
Chapter 1-Stonewalling-definition - correct answer-Chapter 1-definition-
physically display not listening, try to conceal what they are thinking/feeling. Men do this more. It is m
ore than avoiding conflict.
Four Horseman of the Apocalypse - correct answer-
Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling. Brother Bean comments-
If one of these horseman comes into the relationship that should be a red flag. Men use stonewalling
more versus women using criticism more.
Contempt- Gottman's definition - correct answer-Gottman definition-
Stating the problem in the relationship as the defect in the partner
,Defensiveness- Gottman's definition - correct answer-Gottman definition-
any way of warding off the attack. Master accepts this and asks questions whereas Disasters try to cou
nter/whine when criticized.
Stonewalling- Gottman's definition - correct answer-Gottman definition-
Withdraws from conversation and simply nodding/agreeing. It is attempting to calm oneself down and
not make interaction worse.
Which Horseman is the best predictor of divorce? - correct answer-
Contempt is the best predictor of divorce because it is a contagious disease and you see yourself as su
perior.
Gottman's Three levels of building a sound relational house? - correct answer-First Level-
build love maps meaning you understand your partner's thought process. You remember your partner'
s answers to questions such as "what is your mission in life". Second Level-
building fondness and admiration. Looking for what's right in the relationship not what you are doing
wrong/mistakes.
Third Level- Turning towards each other. Physically turning towards
Gottman suggests that conflict in relationships can be very beneficial, why? - correct answer-
Gottman Answer-
Conflict can really be a way for couples to become closer & also serves as a mechanism to learn to lov
e your spouse or partner why
What is the litmus test for positive relationships - correct answer-Gottman Answer-
Litmus test is your perspective. Negative/Positive
conflict is not about the topic but rather? - correct answer-Gottman Answer-
Conflict is about the meaning of each person's position. The existential meaning and position. Finance
s is one conflict topi that isn't actually about finances but what money means to that person.
What was the lesson Gottman is trying to teach in his reference to the movie "Don Juan de Marco" -
correct answer-Gottman Answer-
Ask your partner what are your dreams, what do you hope for, what do you wish for. He wants you to
ask these questions to your partner.
, When asked what the key to successfull relationship was, Gottman answered? - correct answer-
Gottman Answer- Know and Honor your spouse's dreams
Chapter 1-Escalatory Spirals - correct answer-Chapter1-definition-
relationship continues to circle around damaging ends (self-perpetuating)
Chapter 1-Avoidance Spirals - correct answer-Chapter 1- definition-
create & reflect destructive conflictual interaction. Active avoidance of the party. Complaining to third
party. Harbor resentment/disappointment
Chapter 1- Attack/Withdraw or Pursue/Flee Pattern - correct answer-Chapter 1- Pattern-
used in intimate relationships and destroys chances for productive conflictual interaction. Pursue/Flee-
one partner initiates conversations by calling other out. Minimization/denial happens.
Chapter 1-Reciprocity of Negative Emotion: 3 kinds - correct answer-Chapter 1- Negative emotions-
low-intensity emotion responded to in kind (anger to anger). High-
intensity emotion is met in kind (fury with fury). Low intensity emotion met with high-
intensity (hurt is met with rage).
Chapter 1- Retaliation is in Destructive Conflicts - correct answer-Chapter 1- definition-
often paired with covert avoidance. Acting like it is fine while planning revenge.
Chapter 2- What sources make up your conflict? - correct answer-Chapter 2- Sources of Conflict-
Personal history, metaphors, gender filters, and cultural filters influence your lens of conflict
Chapter 2- 7 common negative views of conflict - correct answer-Chapter 2- 7 views of conflict-
conflict is abnormal disagreements are conflict, personal pathology, never be escalated, should be polit
e, anger is the main emotion, only one right way to resolve differences.
Chapter 2- 4 positive approaches to conflict - correct answer-Chapter 2- 4 approaches to conflict-
conflict is inevitable, conflict brings your problems to the table, conflict joins people together to clarify
goals, conflict can function to clear out resentments and help understanding
AND NEGOTIATION MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026-2027
Chapter 1-Conflict-definition- 5 requirements - correct answer-expressed struggle-
1 between at least two interdependent parties-2, who perceive incompatible goals-3-scarce resources-
4, and interference from others in achieving their goals-5
Chapter 1-Interpersonal conflict-definition - correct answer-definition-conflict between two people
Chapter 1-Interdependence-definition - correct answer-Chapter 1-definition-Dependent on each other.
- correct answer-
Chapter 1-Defensive climates-requirements - correct answer-Chapter 1-definition-
evaluation vs description, control vs problem solving, strategy vs spontaneity, neutrality vs empathy, su
periority vs equality, certainty vs provisionalism
Chapter 1-Stonewalling-definition - correct answer-Chapter 1-definition-
physically display not listening, try to conceal what they are thinking/feeling. Men do this more. It is m
ore than avoiding conflict.
Four Horseman of the Apocalypse - correct answer-
Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling. Brother Bean comments-
If one of these horseman comes into the relationship that should be a red flag. Men use stonewalling
more versus women using criticism more.
Contempt- Gottman's definition - correct answer-Gottman definition-
Stating the problem in the relationship as the defect in the partner
,Defensiveness- Gottman's definition - correct answer-Gottman definition-
any way of warding off the attack. Master accepts this and asks questions whereas Disasters try to cou
nter/whine when criticized.
Stonewalling- Gottman's definition - correct answer-Gottman definition-
Withdraws from conversation and simply nodding/agreeing. It is attempting to calm oneself down and
not make interaction worse.
Which Horseman is the best predictor of divorce? - correct answer-
Contempt is the best predictor of divorce because it is a contagious disease and you see yourself as su
perior.
Gottman's Three levels of building a sound relational house? - correct answer-First Level-
build love maps meaning you understand your partner's thought process. You remember your partner'
s answers to questions such as "what is your mission in life". Second Level-
building fondness and admiration. Looking for what's right in the relationship not what you are doing
wrong/mistakes.
Third Level- Turning towards each other. Physically turning towards
Gottman suggests that conflict in relationships can be very beneficial, why? - correct answer-
Gottman Answer-
Conflict can really be a way for couples to become closer & also serves as a mechanism to learn to lov
e your spouse or partner why
What is the litmus test for positive relationships - correct answer-Gottman Answer-
Litmus test is your perspective. Negative/Positive
conflict is not about the topic but rather? - correct answer-Gottman Answer-
Conflict is about the meaning of each person's position. The existential meaning and position. Finance
s is one conflict topi that isn't actually about finances but what money means to that person.
What was the lesson Gottman is trying to teach in his reference to the movie "Don Juan de Marco" -
correct answer-Gottman Answer-
Ask your partner what are your dreams, what do you hope for, what do you wish for. He wants you to
ask these questions to your partner.
, When asked what the key to successfull relationship was, Gottman answered? - correct answer-
Gottman Answer- Know and Honor your spouse's dreams
Chapter 1-Escalatory Spirals - correct answer-Chapter1-definition-
relationship continues to circle around damaging ends (self-perpetuating)
Chapter 1-Avoidance Spirals - correct answer-Chapter 1- definition-
create & reflect destructive conflictual interaction. Active avoidance of the party. Complaining to third
party. Harbor resentment/disappointment
Chapter 1- Attack/Withdraw or Pursue/Flee Pattern - correct answer-Chapter 1- Pattern-
used in intimate relationships and destroys chances for productive conflictual interaction. Pursue/Flee-
one partner initiates conversations by calling other out. Minimization/denial happens.
Chapter 1-Reciprocity of Negative Emotion: 3 kinds - correct answer-Chapter 1- Negative emotions-
low-intensity emotion responded to in kind (anger to anger). High-
intensity emotion is met in kind (fury with fury). Low intensity emotion met with high-
intensity (hurt is met with rage).
Chapter 1- Retaliation is in Destructive Conflicts - correct answer-Chapter 1- definition-
often paired with covert avoidance. Acting like it is fine while planning revenge.
Chapter 2- What sources make up your conflict? - correct answer-Chapter 2- Sources of Conflict-
Personal history, metaphors, gender filters, and cultural filters influence your lens of conflict
Chapter 2- 7 common negative views of conflict - correct answer-Chapter 2- 7 views of conflict-
conflict is abnormal disagreements are conflict, personal pathology, never be escalated, should be polit
e, anger is the main emotion, only one right way to resolve differences.
Chapter 2- 4 positive approaches to conflict - correct answer-Chapter 2- 4 approaches to conflict-
conflict is inevitable, conflict brings your problems to the table, conflict joins people together to clarify
goals, conflict can function to clear out resentments and help understanding
